If you are a keen cyclist and follower of the Tour de France, you will already have heard of Mont Ventoux. A near vertical Lycra elevator located in South Eastern Rhone.

The lower southern slopes of this mountain are where the grapes of this wine are grown (mainly Grenache and Syrah).

La Vieille Ferme has a simple uncomplicated look, with some farm fowl scratching around on the white label, all set against a low sloped shouldered bottle with a red twist top.

I was feeling particularly tired the other evening when I spotted this bottle. I smiled at the screw top, as I simply could not be bothered to source my elusive waiters friend and wrestle with a cork, which is most unlike me. It was also only £5.69 and rightly or wrongly I felt comfortable with the brand familiarity. Sold.

A sort of lazy, safe midweek selection.

I would describe this wine as easy drinking, smooth with a slightly earthy edge. In my mind an almost perfect everyday wine, that could also transcend nicely to a dinner party. At 13.5% it is deceptively strong, I would have guessed more at 12.5%. I can however forgive the higher strength, which I would normally avoid for regular slurping, as the wine is so nice.

In fact 'nice' is the perfect descriptor. I imagine the wine would never be a cause for conflict, a safe, very drinkable neutral wine. One to always stock in your cellar.

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