Mont Tauch, Tuchan

This is one of the oldest and most respected co-operatives in the whole of France. Established in 1913, it now represents the fruits of 250 growers who between them farm 1950 hectares spread over 7,000 different plots. Based in the heart of Fitou, the first place in the Languedoc to be granted an appellation, they produce Fitou, Corbières and a range of varietal Vin de Pays. The winemaker here is rugby mad Michel Marty, who has been at the tiller since 1991.