Pinot Grigio, Friuli Venezia Giulia DOC, Italy
Light, dry and elegant, this wine is all that we love about quality Pinot Grigio. Crafted in northern Italy – the region that made the grape truly world-famous – and aged on its lees for a few months, it’s citrussy, minerally and crisp. Flavours of apricot, acacia honey and Granny Smith apple make for delightful sipping, either as an apéritif or with food.
Legado del Conde Albariño, Rías Baixas DOC, Spain
An irresistible example of Iberia’s most significant white grape variety, Albariño. With their vineyards located in an inland southern sub-zone of Rías Baixas, Legado del Conde’s wines are richer and more overtly fruity than those made by the coast. Yet this still has plenty of racy acidity and elegance to keep it tasting refreshing.
Domaine de Léry Cheverny, Loire, France
In Sauvignon Blanc heartland, the Loire Valley, the little-known appellation of Cheverny is something a bit different – producers blend in a splash of Chardonnay to give their wines a rounded character. This gold medal-winning example is very fruit-forward, with intense grapefruit aromas and a hint of blackcurrant bud. Refreshing and generous in equal measure, and delightful with food.
Corte Camari Organic Chardonnay, Sicily, Italy
This certified organic Chardonnay shows that Burgundy’s star white grape is every bit as delicious when it’s grown in southern Italy. Camari means ‘to love’ in Sicilian, and it’s easy to fall for this aromatic wine, rippled with notes of pineapple and lemon. Crack it open on its own or with food, and savour the fresh, crisp minerality and lingering finish.
'Terroir d'Altitude' Viognier, Pays d'Oc, France
A classic grape of the northern Rhône – Viognier – transplanted to the soils of southern French region Languedoc. Lightly aged in French oak, the buttercup-yellow wine opens to generous, complex aromas of fresh apricot and grapevine flowers. Rich and smooth to sip, it will stand up to a range of dishes.
'Castellaro' Soave DOC Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy
A sister sipper to the hugely popular Foscarino Soave, this bottling is part of the Domini Veneti collection of wines, which explores different Italian regional crus. Castellaro comes from the local word ‘Castellarum’, the hillside forts that were historically built to protect certain valleys. Part-ageing in French oak gives it enhanced character.
Weingut Kopp Pinot Noir, Baden, Germany
Germany refers to world-beloved Pinot Noir as ‘Spätburgunder’. The Baden region excels at the delicate red grape variety, and this example shows exactly how to give Burgundy a run for its money. Juicy aromas of redcurrant and sour cherry waft from the glass, leading to fruit and herbal flavours and a light finish.
Château Campillot Médoc Cru Bourgeois, Bordeaux, France
The most classic of blended red wines, from the esteemed Médoc of Bordeaux. Merlot brings roundness and ripeness, Cabernet Sauvignon lends elegance, and dashes of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc bring it all together. The aromatics are complex, with dark bramble fruit, cedarwood, liquorice and tobacco; the flavours are rich and round, with nicely balanced acidity. Totally irresistible.
Terre Natuzzi Chianti DOCG Riserva, Tuscany, Italy
Cherries, red plums, currants – this delicious Chianti is bursting with delicious fruit aromas, as well as notes of earth, rose petal and leather. Full-bodied, structured and with a spicy finish, it’s proof in a bottle of why this Italian red is considered one of the world’s great food wines.
'Sélections Parcellaires' Minervois, Languedoc, France
Made from a micro-parcel of vines less than five hectares in size, this blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache from the Languedoc AOC of Minervois is intense and complex. Blackcurrant, spice and cocoa aromas mingle with rich flavours, leading to a long, smooth finish.
Cerro Añon' Rioja DOCa Reserva, Rioja, Spain
This aged red from the celebrated Spanish region of Rioja bagged a gold medal at the esteemed Mundus Vini awards and it’s not difficult to see why. Sweet, ripe cherry, plum and blackberry notes are rippled with a delicate smoky hint. Full-bodied, fresh and fruity, it’s a sublime wine to enjoy with food.
'Terra' Langhe DOC Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy
One of Italy’s greatest grapes – Nebbiolo – crafted in its home region of Piedmont. Expect soft aromas of spice and brushwood carrying on to a persistent, savoury mouthful. There’s plenty of tannin here too, which is perfect for pairing with heftier dishes. With so much going on from the moment it’s uncorked, you’ll want to relish every last drop.
