Perceptions of wine from France's south can be a mixed bag, owing partially to the regions reputation for specialising in bulk table wine at discount prices. Locally for many Kiwis the mental association may just be a blurry memory of buying a quaffable but forgettable 'Vin Rouge' at a Carrefour on their OE for 4 Euros. However as the prices for top wines from other parts of France soar through the roof and out of reach of the wallets of many, much more attention has been paid to the terroir and high potential to be found in the South. To celebrate Bastille Day and our July French promotions we will be taking an in depth look at some of the superb wines made here (and with prices still catching up to the quality being offered). Interestingly we will be tasting the Southern produce of some Burgundian and Bordelaise winemaking royalty, before finishing with something truly special courtesy of the King of the Loire.