Quite simply: Drink wine from Pierre Cros! The talented and visionary winegrower from the Minervois prevented our tormenting choice when he created his cuvée “Entre la Vigne et la Mer” (between the vineyards and the sea) years ago, inspired by the rhymes of a local young rapper named TOAN. A sleek yet efficient blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre, terroir and hip hop, a truly modern and universal wine.

After first offering an intense, down-to-earth bouquet of black currants, sour cherries and a hint of forest scent, he plunges unexpectedly into the freshness of the sea, coming up with salty, smoky and mint-like aromas on the palate. Tannins are still young and grippy, but they are well accompanied by an energyzing acidity and smoothness. A wine that opens your appetite and quenches your thirst!

Several years of cellaring will make this somewhat boisterous Languedoc surfer a wise, Jack London-worthy sea-wolf. So whether you enjoy it young or after a few years of ageing is ultimately more a matter of taste and style. However, you should definitely enjoy it, because this wine is really good!

FOOD MATCHES FOR HERBIVORES: definitely root vegetables for this “Roots wine”: roasted in a pan, grilled or baked in the oven ... with Parmesan cheese, goat cheese and roasted onions. And you really need a sauce that you can dunk with a toasted slice of fresh bread!

FOOD MATCHES FOR CARNIVORES: A lamb shoulder in the oven, with herbs, garlic, black olives and fried potatoes.