Just 10km north of the historic town of Carcassone lies the Cabardès region where the winemaking history of the Lorgeril family begins.

Their magnificent château was built in 1620 and just two years later Louis XIII visited, leaving his bed behind which is still on show today.

The plans for the Canal du Midi were drawn in the house which, now refurbished, hosts fairytale weddings and stylish corporate events while the Lorgeril family continue to make wines as they have done for almost 400 years.

They now haver 6 estates across the Languedoc and Roussillon with a range of different styles reflecting where they are made.

Below are three of my favourites, all available from Mitchell & Sons.

1. Bastide de Garille Viognier Vin de Pays d’Oc 2009 White (€9.95)

This is made in the area just north of Carcassone which will be familiar to many Irish holidaymakers. This white is tropical with mangoes, lynches and apricots dominating. There’s an unctuous creamy texture without being overpowering and there’s a wonderful freshness which stays throughout.

With food? Monkfish, tuna or salmon

2. Mas de Montagnes “Terroirs d’Altitude” Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2008 White (€15.50)

The grapes for this wine grow in rocky hillsides close to Perpignan.

Aside from where the grapes are grown, what’s interesting about this wine is the unique blend of Grenache Blanc, Maccabeu and Vermentino and how they combine to produce a white wine of tingling crispness with an almost salty or mineral finish.

Lovely elegance, medium bodied and really rewarding.

With food? Fantastic match for scallops, crab and shellfish

3. Château de Caunettes, AOC Cabardes, Rosé 2009 (€12.50)

Cabardès is located on a plateau between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees. Add to that a little altitude and you have enough cool evening temperatures to give the grapes enough reprieve from the daily Mediterranean heat to give them a freshness and elegance.

This salmon pink rosé has a scent of rose petals and fresh strawberries. Fresh and lively, this is a fantastic ambassador for rosé from the Languedoc. Went down a treat at Taste of Dublin.

With food? BBQ, white meats, tuna, salmon.

More information

Visit lorgeril.com for a lowdown on the wines, the places and events they run there.

Ryanair flies direct from Dublin & Cork.