Cave du Marmandais Sous les Voutes 2025, France

The Cotes du Marmandais, down the Garonne River from Bordeaux, is a great source of value wines made with the same grape varieties as its more famous neighbour. The further south you take the river, the more laid-back life becomes; and this Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend is a relaxed affair, brimming with vibrant hedgerow fruits and a hint of savoury herbaceousness which make it a perfect companion for a picnic of cheese and deli meats, perhaps eaten on a verdant mound by the riverside.