Since its launch over a decade ago, Albastrele has amassed awards in Europe for nearly every vintage.

It shows just how perfect for winemaking the Black Sea influenced climate in Moldova really is.

No wonder that during the 18th and 19th centuries Moldova became the ‘Vineyard to the Tsars’.

Made from hand picked grapes at the Tvarditsa Estate, Albastrele is named after the cornflowers that carpet the vineyards in spring.

Winemaker Haraba Marian has crafted a smooth, blackberry rich Cabernet in 2019.

Take a minute to read the (literally thousands of) 5-star online reviews for Cabalié. This one is typical: “When my time comes to shuffle off this mortal coil, this is the wine I want in that final glass. It is simply, utterly, indescribably fantastic.” Its secret? It’s crafted by a master winemaker, Hervé Sabardeil, following the centuries-old style beloved of Roman centurions, who first made wine there. Raspberry-rich Grenache, with herby Syrah and Carignan, Cabalié has impressive concentration.

That’s due to the maturity of the vines, most well over 50 years old. The tiny berries they produce give Cabalié extraordinarily rich, ripe flavours. Boasting 8 Golds in as many vintages, this much-loved red is warming solo or with hearty dishes.

Lying close to Margaux's Châteaux Giscours and du Tertre, Château Cazauviel remains surprisingly under the radar. It was inherited by Régis Bernaleau from his father in 1978 and today remains in family hands. It is situated on the prized gravel soils of the Arsac plateau, which lends both an intensity and a finesse to the wine. This pretty claret is from a vintage struck by early April frosts – the most devastating for many years.

It reduced yields, but as Decanter wrote, "there are some excellent wines." Most, like Cazauviel 2017, are not long keepers, but makes delightful drinking now. Ideally open a couple of hours before serving and decant. It'll make a delicious glass with roast chicken with morels or a mushroom croustade.

Once a sister property to Thomas Barton's Châteaux Langoa and Léoville Barton, 18th-century Château Le Boscq was purchased by Maison Dourthe in 1995. It then went through a complete renovation and a big step up in the quality of its wine. Its 18 hectares of vineyard, unusually in one single block, are planted on gravel and clay soils in the northern part of Saint-Estèphe.

Clay provides a cooler soil which favours Merlot, hence a higher than normal proportion of Merlot is planted – just over half, with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, the usual hero of the Left Bank, plus Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. A year's ageing in nearly half new oak barrels adds to the gravity and longevity of this firm claret. Open early and decant or cellar a while.

The Barbanera family and top consultant Andrea Bernardini have perfected the art of winemaking with the superb Nero di Troia grape. The result is the rich, velvety Corsiero. No need to blend Nero di Troia with softer varieties here. Gently pressed and carefully vinified, it makes a deeply flavoured, silky, fruit-rich red. Nero di Troia is named after the town of Troia in northern Puglia, said to have been founded by Greek hero Diomedes (famous for helping to defeat the ancient city of Troy).

Just outside Troia, the story goes, Diomedes planted vine cuttings named Nero after their dark-skinned grapes and the deep-coloured wine they produced. They certainly earn that title. Ripe, scented Corsiero is perfect with pasta or hearty meat dishes.

Top winemaker Andrea Bernardini has discovered just how to get the most from the superb Nero di Troia grape. The result is the deliciously dark, velvety Corsiero. No need to blend Nero di Troia with softer varieties – gently pressed and carefully vinified, it makes a seductive, deeply flavoured, fruit-rich red. Nero di Troia is named after the town of Troia in northern Puglia, said to have been founded by Greek hero Diomedes, famous for helping to defeat the city of Troy in Asia Minor (yes, the grape really is that old!). Just outside Troia, the story goes, Diomedes planted vine cuttings named Nero after the dark colour of the grape skins and the deep-hued wine. Rich, warming Corsiero is perfect with rich pasta dishes, game or hearty stew.

As Jancis Robinson MW says, "some truly magnificent wines are now emerging from Chile". The country is indeed producing exciting and character-filled wines, the quality exceptional, the price still incredibly low.

This is a gorgeous Syrah from the premium, cool-climate San Antonio Valley, just 12km from the Pacific. Sleek, polished, with intense black fruit, and pepper notes, you'll also find delicious spice and vibrant freshness. "Over the last few years, Syrah has stayed high on our list of best-rated Chilean wines that also offer the greatest value," (Jamessuckling.com). One taste of this shows why!

This flavour-packed Chilean red is the perfect accompaniment to the finest cut of steak and a must-have for your wine rack. Taste by yourself and you will know how good it is.