A superb biodynamic wine from the fashionable estate of Didier Barral based at Lentheric in the rapidly-improving appellation of Faugeres. 'La Valiniere' is a blend of 80% Mourvedre and 20% Syrah and is one of the finest wines to emerge from the south of France in the past few years. Didier believes that wines are made in the vineyard not the cellar and it is this non-interventionist approach that produces wines of great depth and character, of which 'La Valiniere' is a typical example.

As with many Mourvedre-dominated wines, 'La Valiniere' is intense and velvety with savoury and 'gamey' flavours. There are also notes of cloves and cinammon. The Syrah completes the package by contributing black fruit and and a touch of pepper. The acidity and tannins are well balanced making this an ideal food wine. Serve with venison stew or Provencal vegetable dishes. Also good with Parmesan cheese.