Own-label supplier offers

by Joe Hyam

One brand - Mediterre - consists of blends of fresh, fruity wines intended as house wines. It is available as a red, a dry white and a medium white.

The other brand, aimed at more specific sections of the wine list, is the product of a co-operative and has the Chais Cuxac label. Here the wines are the now familiar varietals - Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

There is also a Viognier, the scarce but fashionable grape responsible for Condrieu in the northern Rhône, which should be of special interest both for its quality and its rarity.

The labels are seductively designed and the style of all these wines is what we have come to expect from the South-west of France - fresh, clean, uncomplicated and easy to understand.

Mediterre wines are likely to have a trade price of about £30 and Chais Cuxac of about £40.

Val d'Orbieu Wines can be contacted on 071-736 3350.