Touraine Sauvignon has long provided an affordable yet authentic and stylish alternative to the Loire’s most famous-name wines. And the fabulously fresh wines of Patrick Vauvy are no exception. He took over his family’s estate in 1985, scrutinised every stage of production in the vineyard and cellar, and now makes some of the best wines for miles around. Just try his dazzling 2022 Sauvignon Blanc.

Thanks to Patrick's insistence on waiting until the last possible moment to harvest from his perfect chalk and clay vineyards, this super-crisp white bursts with flavour. Think intense lemon, grapefruit and blossom. Endlessly refreshing, and with a great length too. Loire Sauvignon without the hefty Sancerre price tag. Great solo or with seafood.

But our top insider secret? There's another 'M' out there making truly brilliant Sauvignon – Moldova.

Like Marlborough, Codru in Moldova has a long, slow ripening season.

It’s cold winds keep the grapes healthy and mean the vineyards can easily be grown organically.

Albastrele is made with handpicked grapes from the Tvarditsa Estate at an award-winning cellar well equipped for producing bright, modern whites.

Made from carefully selected handpicked grapes, winemaker Marian Haraba has crafted a truly impressive white wine.

Bursting with vibrant gooseberry and citrus aromas, Albastrele makes an elegant apéritif or a delicious match for grilled fish or smoked salmon.

So our Buyer Dan has been searching out some new best buys. Of course we love the wines from Sauvignon's Kiwi home, Marlborough, but Dan knows that there's great quality and value to be found in the rest of this gorgeous island. Like The Hour-Teller. Dan found this delicious gem on the East Coast of North Island. The cool climate there really brings out the refreshing herbaceous notes. Combined with that classic Kiwi exuberance, it's a delicious lemony, gooseberry-filled white. Superb enjoyed well chilled in summer, it gets the taste buds tingling in winter too. Spot on solo or with Thai green curry, chicken pie or seafood.

Thanks to snowmelt from the Andes and the wonders of irrigation, green and flourishing vineyards stand out in contrast to their lunar-like surroundings.

Alta Tierra is from Viña Falernia, owned by cousins Aldo Olivier and Giorgio Flessati.

They have 135 hectares of beautifully manicured vineyards and an ultra modern cellar. In 2005 their first vintage won a Trophy and put Elqui on the map.

This dazzling Sauvignon Blanc displays classic varietal character of elderflower and freshly mown grass with ripe melon and citrus fruit.

Serve as an aperitif or partner with spicy Asian dishes or fish.