Winegrowing in the Languedoc dates back to the Roman era, and the rugged, rocky terrain produces some exceptional and underappreciated wines that are often infused with native herbs and flowers like thyme, rosemary and lavender. Corbières is the largest appellation of southern France’s Languedoc wine region, and accounts for many of the region’s richest red wines. In fact, red wines account for about 95% of Corbières’ production. Carignan and Cinsault are the most traditional varieties here, but in the last few decades Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre are playing starring roles.

Mattes-Sabran has been family owned since 1733, and is now in the capable hands of Jean-Luc Brouillat and his wife, who consistently produce some extraordinary values. Despite its rich history, Mattes-Sabran is still a humble estate with a couple of cottages where visitors can stay the night in the Languedoc countryside for a reasonable rate.