On a recent evening at Green & Blue, we decided that we were in need of something to remind of us of a fantastic holiday to Languedoc last year and on browsing through the wines we stumbled on an intriguing bottle: Clos Fantine. No label on the back to give any clues but the bar’s write up sounded tempting, however it didn’t prepare me for what was waiting inside the bottle.

Although the grapes it’s made from are fairly standard fare for Languedoc – Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre and Cinsault – it’s just… different! It is produced biodynamically and is unfiltered, unfined and has minimal added sulphur. It’s deep colour (which isn’t done justice by the photo) hints at the depth of character it has retained. Initial impressions of black cherry, leather and cured meat mellowing to a hint of dark chocolate. Smoky, earthy notes coming through too. It’s a complex wine whose character changed several times in the glass with temperature and aeration changes. At £12.85 I think it’s well priced for such an unusual wine. Highly recommended.