This is a bit late though perhaps for future reference: the region is near the biggest vignoble in France: Corbi�res and near Fitou, Fronton, Saint Chinian and Minervois - none of these are considered in the same vein as Bordeaux or Bourgogne - but I love them - they are full of fruit & sunshine and very low on snobbery. My father in law, who is French is a staunch defender of anything grape produced in Bordeaux but I took him a minervois last weekedn that we found in a small local vineyard for about 3 euros a bottle - he hasn't stopped prasing it and ordered 5 cases for when we go up again.
Carbades is good, Fronton "Ch�teau Bellevue le Foret" is a nice one for the rich food around here, especially the Cassoulet.
My advice is to try it all - process of elimination works in the end.