For piercing, ultra-fresh Sauvignon, Elqui Valley is a top spot. It’s an extraordinary region in the north of Chile next to the Atacama desert. 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. Enjoy on its own or partner with spicy Asian dishes or fish.

This is a dazzling Sauvignon Blanc from an estate in Marlborough renowned for its Sauvignon. But even top estates occasionally have a vat or two surplus to requirements, be that due to a bumper harvest, a cancelled order, or the need to accommodate a new vintage. Either way, our Buyer Dan springs into action when such an opportunity arises.

It’s no wonder Marlborough has such a world-class reputation for Sauvignon Blanc. It’s long sunny days and cooling breezes produce grapes with vibrant, mouth-watering flavours. This is a quintessential style for Marlborough, filled with intense gooseberry, grassy notes, and ripe tropical fruits such as guava and passionfruit. It makes a refreshing aperitif or pairs perfectly with tomato and pesto tart.

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.