Ernest Rapeneau founded his Champagne house in 1901 in the village of Hautvillers. Over the next 50 years, he built an excellent reputation for his business, broadened his range and extended his distribution network. But first and foremost Ernest was a lover of Champagne, never losing his passion. For four generations, the aim has been to both preserve and improve the House’s traditional heritage.

These days Christophe is head of the business – a leading master in his discipline with more than 30 grape harvests under his belt. This Brut is a classic Champagne blend of complex, structured Pinot Noir, fruity Meunier and citrusy, elegant Chardonnay. It’s lively with fresh citrus and mineral aromas and hints of brioche. Great for celebration.

Sauvignon Blanc made exclusively for us by our trusted friend Franck Chatelain at Bougrier’s renowned cellar in the Touraine. The original Abbesse was one Louise de Bourbon of the nearby Abbaye de Fontevraud and a major figure in Loire history. This delicious expression of the region’s reigning grape, Sauvignon Blanc, is a fitting tribute to her. Making wine accessible, sustainable, and convenient for all, the Bougrier family have now captured their crisp white in a can. The new nicely portable size also accentuates the crisp, lemony fruit and zippy freshness of the wine. No longer do you need to remember to pack a corkscrew on a picnic. Just pop a can into your basket and crack it open under the sun, once you've found your perfect spot!

Founded 200 years ago, Château Pédesclaux is a magnificent estate, both in terms of wine and architecture. It combines the beauty of the 19th century with the modernity and technological advances of the 21st.

The additional work was undertaken by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, whose aim was to place “production at the heart of the estate within a high-performance building that is entirely fit for purpose and makes a harmonious whole with both the château and its surroundings”. It's quite something to behold.

Since the Lorenzetti family took ownership they've converted to organic. Their top wine is a rich, Cabernet-based claret, supported by Merlot, and finely expresses its gravel terroir. Still a young wine – best to cellar or open early.

You couldn’t hope to find Sauvignon of this quality for the price in any of the Loire’s more famous regions, like Sancerre or Pouilly. Blended from the year’s tastiest vats, this wine is as subtle and complex as it is refreshing and zingy. It’s made exclusively for us by our trusted friend Franck Chatelain at Noël Bougrier’s renowned cellar in the Touraine. The original Abbesse was one Louise de Bourbon of the nearby Abbaye de Fontevraud and a major figure in Loire history. This delicious expression of the region’s reigning grape, Sauvignon Blanc, is a fitting tribute to her. With its appealing, crisp, lemony fruit and zippy freshness, it’s delicious on its own any time and goes ever so well with goat’s cheese and lighter fish dishes.