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.

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!

One of Le Chai's most prized whites, La Voûte is the team work of winemaker Mark Hoddy and a meticulous grower in the Limoux, Bruno Bouché. Mark's aim with this wine is to make a rich, yet mineral-fresh Burgundy-style wine at an affordable price.

He knows exactly where to source the best grapes each vintage – Bruno Bouché's Astruc vineyard in Limoux Océanique, where the vines, planted at 300 metres, benefit from both the cooling Atlantic and the warmth of the Med. It results in intense ripe fruit with excellent freshness. After careful pressing the juice is put into new barrels to ferment slowly. A further year’s ageing in oak, with lees stirring, lends a creamy texture to the peachy lemon fruit. Serve cool with creamy sauced chicken.

The mission for the wines made at Le Chai Mediterranné is to make classic Grand Cru styles at a good value price. So our winemaker, Mark Hoddy, sources grapes not from the pricy, famous-name appellations, but from tucked-away vineyards where the quality is outstanding. This poised, elegant white is crafted very much like a fine white Burgundy, yet the fruit is from the Languedoc.

Mark sources the best Chardonnay grapes of the vintage from trusted growers, many from cooler sites to retain that tantalising bite of freshness and minerality in the finished wine. Ageing on lees in barrel lends a creamy rounded texture and complexity to Le Champ. Yet the fruit remains foremost. Gently chill and enjoy with creamy white meat dishes or salmon.