With its ‘Classics’ range M&S set out to produce wines which are the epitome of a grape, blend or region. I like this idea very much; at wine tastings – especially blind ones – I don’t really want quirky surprises. Is this wine unmistakably Picpoul de Pinet? Almost all Supermarket Picpouls come from the Costieres de Pomerols cooperative – this is a notable exception; from Paul Sapin, a respected French merchant. This was good Picpoul de Pinet.

Tasting notes: Pale straw colour. Light-bodied. Initial nose of green apples, citrus… Fresh & refreshing relatively high acidity. Refreshing stone fruit, lemon & lime flavours and a little chalky minerality. Dry. Crisp, balanced acidity, this wine works best with food. A longer finish than most picpouls, little intensity but a little more complexity than other picpouls due to the mineral note. Good summer drinking. Good wine and at £8 -keenly priced.

Wine Colour – White
Price – £8
Where do I get it from? Marks & Spencer
Current Vintage – 2019
Grape – 100% Picpoul
Region/Country – Languedoc, Southern France

Verdict – Good wine for the price

Food Pairings: This would work well with salads and grilled fish dishes. We had it with poulet & frites and it worked brilliantly.