THE Gascony region is one of France’s best kept secrets full of picturesque sleepy villages, long flowing rivers, gastronomy and, most importantly, top wine offerings.…

Pujalet, Vin de Pays du Gers 2009/10 £4.99 Waitrose

A great value white made up of the rather unusual grape varieties Colombard and Ugni Blanc with fresh and tangy aromas of green apples and grapefruit. Proof that you can still pick up a top tipple for under a fiver.

Château de Sabazan, Saint Mont 2005 £12.50 The Wine Society

A deliciously herb scented, full-bodied red from the Saint Mont appellation. Showing similarities to neighbouring Madiran with its gutsy black fruit and olive flavours but with smooth, supple tannins. Ideal with chargrilled meats.

Plénitude, Madiran 2006 £17.99 cellarandkitchen.adnams.co.uk

The top Madiran offering reveals a rich, robust yet eminently accessible Tannat dominated red. Tannat has the highest concentration of polyphenols and procyanins, proven to protect your heart. The black cherry and toasted cocoa flavours and fresh acidity make this the local’s choice to drink with magret de canard.

Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, Saint Albert 2008/09 £13.79 (50cl) corneyandbarrow.com

From robust reds to sweet treats, the Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh region is an area neighbouring Madiran that produce both sweet and dry white wines produced using local grapes. This particular example is gorgeously sweet, although with fresh acidity to prevent it from cloying, and shows distinct aniseed, fennel and orange marmalade flavours. Serve chilled with fresh fruit based desserts or pavlova to really impress.