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.

Domaine Saint Michel is a small family run estate that for years has been supplying grapes to the mighty Chapoutier. One of the most prestigious names in the valley, Chapoutier would snap up the whole vintage to add richness to their own Côtes du Rhône. When new generation Vincent took over, he dearly wanted to bottle his own. He knew it was more than good enough.

Well, the beautiful property does lie close to top crus Rasteau, Vinsobres and Cairanne. It shares the same stony soils and arid climate as its neighbours and produces from 40 year old vineyards small concentrated grapes. That’s all the better for flavour and richness. Grenache, Syrah and Carignan combine in this tasty red. It's great on its own or with pasta with pesto, or chops.

Provence’s rosés have long been popular with the many tourists who flock to the region every year. Yet they offer much more than a holiday tipple. They can have real elegance and complex fruit, too. Perhaps that shouldn’t be surprising as Provence has an ideal climate for this refreshing style, with twice as much sunshine as London – yet relatively moderate temperatures even in the height of summer.

This delightful pink is from the Bréban family’s small domaine in the Côte d’Azur. Their vineyards are surrounded by wooded hillsides and have a south facing aspect with excellent, well drained soils to help fruit concentration. Rounded with savoury, subtle fruitiness, it’s spot on with poached salmon, salt and pepper squid or a spicy stir-fry.