Keen to acquire a vieilles vignes property, Basile Saint-Germain fell in love with the Domaine des Aurelles near Pézenas, and moved there in 1995. Originally a native of the Médoc, he had worked for two years at Château Latour, and – in common with his partner, Caroline Voisin – had had years of experience in Cognac. Together, they put into practice the skills and single-minded focus they had acquired from their home region… tailoring them carefully to their new home terroir, on the edge of the Nizas plateau, 30km from the Mediterranean. The hills feature Villafranchian sandy-gravel soil and basalt scree. The domain is adept in its use of phytobiology – the study of plants to avoid the use of fertiliser. Its vinification methods involve very little intervention.

Solen, a predominantly Carignan red blended with Grenache, is aged in vats for 48 months and has a powerful charm. After the necessary years of maturing in the bottle, this cuvée unveils intense fruit, well-rounded, silky tannins and an incredibly long finish. Transfer to a carafe two hours before serving and it will be sensational with meats in sauce.