Producer · Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Circulade

Circulade wines come from vineyards near Le Pouget in the Languedoc. The name comes from the round hilltop villages built in the Middle Ages for defence, and Le Pouget still has one at its heart.

The vines grow on limestone in the Hérault, where sun and warmth are cooled by sea breezes, so the grapes ripen and stay fresh. Winemaker Marguerite Vasseur makes the wines at La Vicomté, the local cooperative.

She picks out the best parcels at harvest and uses stainless steel to keep the fruit pure. The wines are bright, fruity, easy-going and good value.

Winery at Le Pouget, Languedoc-Roussillon · Vermentino and Grenache Blanc · £11.49 to £11.99 a bottle