Oz on Languedoc-Roussillon “The Corbières mountains are among the wildest and most savage in France. Around here, you need a dish that will evoke the feeling of walking with the wind in you hair and the smell of wild herbs all about you. This area is set back from Pérpignan, where you find plenty of wild boar, perfect for the autumn into winter season. “There are tons of ways to cook wild boar, but I love civet, which is a great big, hearty stew based on lots of the local red wine and herbs; sometimes it’s made with chocolate too. Go for the really rich, dark reds from area - Corbières and Fitou are the most obvious two. Oz’s white Languedoc-Roussillon recommendationsWhites: Vin de Pay du Gers (£3.49, Marks and Spencer), Le Freak (£6.99, Thresher), La Begude Limoux 2004 (£8.99, Waitrose). Oz’s red Languedoc-Roussillon recommendationsVielle Fontaine (£17.04 for a case of 6, Tesco), La Baume Merlot (£4.99, Sainsbury), Old Vines Grenache Noir 2003 (£4.99 Marks and Spencer), Montpezat Les Enclos 2004 (£7.99, Oddbins). “The flavour of the wine evokes all the wild rosemary, thyme and laurel of the area. Like the best wines they reflect their place, so these are slightly rough, powerful and sturdy wines with nothing dainty about them. Try Côtes de Roussillon-Villages, Vin de Pays Catalan or Côte de Fenouillède. The best are those from a single domain. “You’ll find France’s answer to vintage port in Languedoc-Roussillon. Banyuls, a town on the Spanish border, with its steep vineyards angled to the glittering Mediterranean sun grows grapes that bask in the sunshine and make a rich fortified wine, a bit like a tawny port.” Recipes The gutsy wines from this part of southern France practically cry out for rich, hearty, herb-inflected braises and stews. Here are some dishes that will fit the bill:
 The sweet wine from Banyuls is one of the few wines that go well with rich, chocolatey desserts, like these:
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