Rhone
Truly a region of two halves, with fine, aromatic and deeply savoury red wines from syrah in the north, counterpointed by bold, broad, sun-drenched reds from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Vacqueyras, based largely on grenache, in the south. Cotes du Rhone provides some of the best value drinking in France. The white wines often deliver richness and texture without obvious oak, and the roses tend to be dry but rich, and very compatible with Mediterranean dishes such as a salade Nicoise.