The arrival of new wines from Jeff (Jean-François) is always met with great excitement here. The nourishing drinkability of his wines make them great stalwarts for us and the varied style means they are frequently taken home. His “spring/summer” releases which we have just received are a joy; tonic, savoury whites and lighter more playful reds.

Jeff’s vineyards are dotted around the village of  Puimisson a few kilometres north of Béziers at the heart of the Hérault. This is an area that has been increasingly effected by climate change; rain is scant and summers punishingly hot. Neighbouring vineyards, despite widespread irrigation, look like deserts. Jeff has taken a different approach to stopping the impact the climate is having on his vineyards - increasing biodyversity, planting trees for shade and digging ponds. He is also experimenting with plantations of different varieties that can support drought and heat more easily. 

There is something visually spectacular upon entering the Alpujarra's region in which Barranco Oscuro's vineyards stand that takes time to fathom. It begins with the steep ascent from coastal paths, arriving in mountains around 1,300 metres above sea level.