Martinborough may be less high profile than other Kiwi wine regions (it's only small) but the quality of its cool climate wines is second to none. It lies in the southern corner of North Island and is renowned for Pinot Noir. A government report in 1979 had highlighted that the conditions of the region were remarkably similar to Burgundy – free-draining gravel soils, with moderate temperatures and rainfall. Jeremy Corban and Katherine Jacobs founded their beautiful family estate in 2005, after a wine stint in France.

They chose a site in Martinborough's Te Muna valley and planted Pinot Noir. This is their gloriously fragrant, expressive flagship wine. Aged in new oak, it has a lovely balance of ripe fruit, spice and savouriness. Open early.

Since its launch, Casa Silva has become widely regarded as one of Chile’s best and named 'Winery of the Year' four times. It was founded by fourth generation Mario Silva, from one of Chile's oldest winemaking dynasties. They started in Angostura, but their latest venture is in Paredones, Colchagua. Just 6km from the coast, it is described by Decanter as "a source of terrific whites and reds".

Casa Silva has been one of its ardent pioneers, championing the region's ability to produce seriously fine, cool climate wines. Cool Coast Pinot Noir is an outstanding example of what they can do: brimful of ripe raspberry, with an elegant freshness. If this were from New Zealand you’d be paying twice as much. Perfect on its own or with white meats.

There aren't too many spots on the planet where Pinot Noir really excels. Burgundy and New Zealand's South Island spring to mind. But there is another, less known region blessed with perfect conditions for world class Pinot Noir: Colchagua Valley, Chile. The Silva family realised this many decades ago and now set the benchmark for outstanding Pinot Noir. They have four times won 'Winery of the Year', while Vitis named them 'Most awarded of the century'.

Velvet smooth, it gives many a pricier Pinot a run for its money. Full of that classic red berry and spice complexity that fans of this grape adore, the wine spent a few months in French oak, which adds a further toasty richness to the ripe summer fruit. Excellent with creamy chicken dishes.