Terret, Les Terres Noirs, 2009

Outstanding value at £5.57 (WS). Plenty of interesting flavour. No hint of the excessive acidity than is often passed off as 'bone dry'. Will make a decent aperitif. Apparently 'thrives in the hot, arid conditions of France's Mediterranean coastline'. I don't recall coming across it last summer but it's likely that we drove past some vineyards of the stuff it hails from the Herault. Yet another grape variety I had never heard of until now. Would be a good one to have in bulk re book clubs ect.

Ranquet Lafleur, Carignan Vieilles Vignes, Vin de Pays de l'Hérault, 2009

Described by the WS as a 'soft, spicy and fruity red'. Agree with the last two adjectives but 'soft' is perhaps a slight stretch. Rather too heavy for me (although the current subzero temperatures make it more appealing). In no way offensive and at £5.50 it is good value. Reminiscent of the Armandieres and a similar price. would be a good one to buy in bulk for the 'give me something dark and plummy' brigade.