Since 1980, Jacky Gilson has been a grower and winemaker in the tiny, forgotten Burgundy region of Saint-Bris. In fact, the appellation was only created in 2003. It lies just 10 miles west of Chablis and is the only one permitted to use Sauvignon Blanc in its wines. Jacky himself grows both Sauvignon and Aligoté in his 40 hectares of vines, specialising in tantalisingly fresh, pure, crisp whites.

Hard work in the vineyard and minimal intervention in the cellar makes for very pure fruit whites, big on aromatics and with a core of freshness. Aged on its lees for six months, it has roundness too. Chill and enjoy as an apéritif, with garlicky snails or grilled fish. And from such an exceptional vintage, there is no rush with this wine.

Provence is synonymous with lavender fields, sunshine and delicate pink rosés many regard as the best in the world. Since the influx of millionaires and movie stars in recent decades, it’s also become one of the pricier regions of France. Yet, happily, we can still enjoy the trappings of the Côte d’Azur lifestyle with wines like Domaine Pontfract. It comes from a 20 hectare estate with chalky, stony soil and sunshine all summer long.

The prime ingredients of Provence rosé, Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan, love these conditions. Winemaker Marie Alejandro gives the grapes a gentle pressing to extract a delicate colour and delightful, strawberry scented aromas. Enjoy this pink on its own, or with olive tapenade or a fresh seafood platter.

Family owned since 1664, the Karp-Schreiber estate lies in the heart of the Mosel. This important region starts southwest of the ancient city of Trier and follows the river its named after through the Rhineland to Koblenz where the Mosel joins the Rhine. Dramatic, slate-covered slopes are the key to the region’s wine quality. Estate manager Alwin Karp and winemaker son Jobst Julius have 6 hectares of Riesling, cultivated on these steep slopes, including a patch of Grand Cru Juffer Sonnenuhr vines. As the vineyards are far too precarious for machinery, all the work is done by hand.

Dry Karp from the very good 2021 vintage is a Mosel classic – zesty, delicate floral notes and mineral freshness. Great solo or with seafood or Asian dishes.

Our customers have been thirsty for top-class, gently sweet Riesling for some time, so we are thrilled to bring you this stunning Mosel!

This beautiful F.W. Nalbach Sonnenschein Riesling 2018 hails from Mülheimer, a top village of the Mosel and the prestigious 17th century Richter estate (they supply the royal cellars at Buckingham Palace!). Hugh Johnson calls the Richter estate “an extremely consistent producer of classic Mosel Rieslings”. Its steep slate vineyards produce fine Riesling with lively minerality and laser precision fruit … this is something very special!

While in the wine name, ‘Sonnen’ means sunshine and there’s plenty of that, but don’t expect high alcohol. The terroir gives a wine that’s dazzlingly bright and light on its feet – this 2018 is a taut high-wire act of beautiful, late ripened fruit and lipsmacking, cleansing acidity. It’s a treat with dim sum, and a magic match to whole fish dishes. If you love very fresh whites with a touch of sweetness you will LOVE this. Don’t miss it!