A corking little taste of France

Published on Thursday 10 May 2007 12:07

MEET Ashton McCobb, man with a mission. The 36-year-old Edinburgh winophile has set up www.appellationwines.co.uk, a web-based wine store whose core product is hand-selected wines imported directly from France - more than 130 of them.

"They all punch above their weight in value," he says.

First up from the McCobb's collection is the big, boisterous Domaine de la Garrigue 2003 Gigondas (11.29, www.appellationwines.co.uk), a heady, medicinal-tinged Rhone red from near Orange. Needs food such as rich casseroles or steaks.

Firmament 2004 Vin de Pays de L'Herault (5.29, www.appellationwines.co.uk) has bramble, plum and cherry interwoven. Burgers to steaks perfect.

Chateau Langoiran Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux Cuvee Prestige 2001 (8.09, www.appellationwines.co.uk) smells of oak floors, leather, chocolate and damsons. Throw some pepper into the mix.

Elsewhere, there's The Pump Shiraz Cabernet 2004 (4.79, Morrisons) a real blast of blackcurrant. Give it lamb.

Canto de Flora 2004 Carmenere (3.29, Morrisons) means Flower Song and is a tremendous value Chilean red, packed with peppery spice and caramel aromas. Delish.

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK

You'll find bags of oomph in Firmament 2003 Minervois (6.29, www.appellationwines.co.uk), a leather, plum and black-cherry-laden red that's rustic with it, but has elegant notes. Quite complex - and powerful on the palate.

BOTTLE OF THE WEEK

Lovely name, lovely white. Cristal Buisse 2006 Touraine Sauvignon (7.99, www.appellationwines.co.uk) is a fresh, herbaceous, classic Loire Valley white that lights up the mouth with its summery freshness. Slightly floral and a hint of honey too. Sublime.