There are various collective names for the scented flora that grows in dry climates around the world. The Greeks call it ‘phrygana’, the South Africans call it ‘fynbos’, the Californians call it ‘chaparral’ and here, in the South of France, they call it ‘garrigue’, a heady cocktail of lavender, juniper, thyme, rosemary, sage and other Mediterranean plants that aromatise the hillsides. This white Cotes du Rhone is named in its honour and smells like an early morning walk through the hills, as the rising sun makes the herb-scented dew rise with the mist, while the palate tastes of pear, apple and green melon. It’s a lovely calm, elegant white that sees no oak, as the aim is to preserve all the fruit flavours. One of the least ostentatious whites on our list, but no bad thing for that, as it sits quietly with so many dishes and only speaks when it is spoken to. 13% alc. Drink now-2027.

Press review:

The Wine Advocate: “The medium-bodied 2022 Cotes du Rhone Le Bouquet des Garrigues Blanc was picked over approximately six weeks, beginning on August 10 with the Viognier and ending September 27 with the last of the Clairette Rose (the blend also includes Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc). Scents of lime zest, pear and melon dominate the nose, while the palate is rather lean, with a zesty, focused finish. Drink now-2027.” 90 points