I can't recall the last time I tasted French country wines so it was a pleasant surprise to find there are quite a few that I liked.

You see, the problem is I'm a wine snob so I find it easier to enjoy the classics such as Bordeaux and Burgundy. After all, ordinary French fare is for tourists, isn't it?

France is one of the largest wine producing countries in the world, but outside the country, most of the focus is on the big name regions which, as I discovered last week, is such a shame because there's a whole world of styles and flavours.

French wine production has always been a very regional affair with wines created to pair with the food of the area, so it's always worth trying similar foods when exploring the lesser known regions, but I've found that a safe fallback for most regional wine around the world is a decent cheeseboard or a good chicken dish.

Omarine ‘Cure Estella’ Picpoul de Pinet

Not an easy wine to ask for at the counter and, I'd venture to suggest, a difficult choice for many to make blind, but crikey, what a wine you would be missing. Sumptuously rich with a fabulous mix of herbal and citrus flavours and a cracking finish. Simply gorgeous for the price.

Majestic £14.99 or £11.99 mix six

Herbarium Grenache Domaine Jean Marc Astruc

A medium bodied red with a floral nose and lots of summer fruit on the palate. A really interesting alternative to many a New World merlot, especially if you want to impress the neighbours with your choice.

Waitrose Cellar £10.99