'Crama Regala' Pinot Grigio, Vinaria din Vale, Moldova
Though Italian Pinot Grigio might be the classic pour, Vinaria din Vale shows that lesser-known winemaking country Moldova can also do the grape in style. Lime, lemon, pear and nectarine notes are joined by a refreshing rush of acidity. Equally tasty when cracked open on its own or served with food.
'Dom Freitas' Alvarinho, Casas Ermelinda Freitas, Portugal
Intensely aromatic and with a light spritz, this elegant white shows off iconic Iberian varietal Alvarinho at its best. Tropical fruit, floral and citrus flavours are underlined by vibrant acidity and good length. White wines don’t get any more refreshing than this.
Leitz Riesling, Rheingau, Germany
This off-dry Riesling illustrates Germany’s supreme mastery of the grape. Crisp acidity cuts through a slight sweetness, while nuances of peach, apricot, apple and pear mingle with hints of spice and pineapple. Lively, crisp and medium-bodied, it’s delicious now but could be aged for another five to 10 years. Not that you’ll be able to resist that long…
'Croix Salans' Viognier, Alma Cersius, France
Winemaking is always a labour of love, but especially here: harvesters rise to pick grapes at 4 am in order to preserve the wine’s freshness. It’s obviously worth the effort as powerful aromatics of wild peach and candied apricot open up to a full body and long finish. Viognier originates in the northern Rhône but clearly it’s found a new home here in southerly Languedoc.
Château de Cathalogne Bordeaux Blanc, France
This blend of classic Bordeaux white grapes – Muscadelle, Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc – is fine and elegant, with aromas of white flowers and flavours of peach and apricot. It’s fresh at the outset, then evolves into a rich, harmonious profile – the best of both worlds. A reminder that Bordeaux does white wine every bit as well as red.
Bomba Chardonnay, Bodega Bellavista, Spain
For many drinkers, Chardonnay is the ultimate classic white variety. But here’s a slightly unconventional iteration, made not in the grape’s home region of Burgundy but in southern Spanish DO Jumilla. Aged in French and American oak, the resulting wine is vibrant, with notes of lemon, quince and stone fruit. With good length and a strong finish, it’ll stand up to a range of dishes.
Philippe de Guerois Pinot Noir, France
Few red grapes can match the complexity and diversity of Pinot Noir. This example is crafted with grapes from the Touraine region of the Loire Valley, plus a small percentage from the south of France. The result is bright and juicy, with lots of crunchy berry-fruit flavours and a grippy finish. Gentle oak treatment gives a smooth character to the wine.
'Polar' Merlot, Jules Lebègue, France
This light and fruity red shows that even the most traditional of regions – Bordeaux – can think outside the box and have a little fun along the way. An expressive nose of strawberry and currant leads to fresh and generous flavours. Unlike some Bordeaux reds which require long ageing, this one is drinking brilliantly now – so waste no time in cracking it open.
'Padilla' Rioja Joven, Viña Bujanda, Spain
Spain’s most famous red grape – Tempranillo – from its most famous region, Rioja. This young wine shows off plenty of the variety’s typical character, with intense blackberry, cassis and raspberry wafting from the glass. When you take a sip, it’s incredibly smooth, with a rounded body and long finish. In a word: delicious.
Famille Descombe Côtes du Rhône, France
A blend of three classic grapes from the Rhône – Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre – harvested from 60-year-old vines and crafted by winemaker Marine Descombe, who uses low-intervention techniques. Aromas of ripe black fruit, liquorice and spice meet good body and structure.
Collezione Oro Toscana, Piccini, Italy
This gold-medal winning red is a prime example of a ‘Super Tuscan’ – an Italian wine made with a blend of local and international grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, which is native to France, and local Sangiovese combine to make a complex and elegant pour, flecked with notes of blueberry, blackcurrant, plum and spice. Smooth and round, with dense structure, and gets even better when paired with food.
'Moulin de Gassac' Syrah, Mas de Daumas Gassac, France
An enticing Syrah, not from the Rhône but further south in the Languedoc. Full of juicy red fruit flavour, it comes from an estate that’s been farmed in a traditional way for hundreds of years. It’s been vinified in a traditional way too, respecting the character that comes from the local terroir – including 3,000 hectares of protected biodiverse forest.
