Big, deep colour, good grip due in part to 65% Syrah in the blend but also to Jeff's preferred style of reds which retain those firm tannins and acidity making them great food wines.

As the man himself says; ‘The label of this wine represents the Roussillon region and its wealth in culture, of its habitants, land and sea, winemakers and fishermen. La Bette is the unique fishing boat used on the Mediterranean coasts.

Transparent garnet-red, slightly purplish. Fresh, tonic, notes of wild black fruits, a small touch of yoghurt and spices. Soft, rounded intense fruit flavours (blackcurrant), rich and juicy. The after-taste is slightly chewy, but not harsh, once again blackcurrants and spices. With time to air, it becomes richer, greedier and more intense.’

I was introduced to Jeff by a French winemaker, whose opinion I highly valued, and what a great introduction that turned out to be. In fact, equally as good as the introduction to Clotilde Chauvet made by the same guy! This was my first real visit to Narbonne and Jeff took us to Le Petit Comptoir – a bistro with excellent food and all accompanied by his wines, of course. He also introduced me to the comic series of secret service agent San Antonio. ‘Romans Noirs’, as they say. If I’m asked, which I often am, would I like to have owned my own vineyard, my response is now firmly ‘No’. I would do what Jeff has done (except that I couldn’t) which is to work with different grape growers in different places and indulge his genius over a wide variety of grapes and styles and terroirs. No limits… If the wider Languedoc region of southern France were a country in its own right it would be my favourite wine-growing country. It has successfully managed to combine a growing level of quality regional wines conforming to the structures and confines of Appellation Contrôlée with the freedom to experiment using its vast range of grapes and soils and microclimates to produce ground-breaking new wines freed from those Appellation Contrôlée shackles. The best of both worlds. Jeff Carrel reflects this freedom with his wide range of wines and styles.

Mixed grills, piquillos peppers, a leg of lamb…