Wine Enthusiast calls Amarone “one of 15 icons in Italian wine”. They are certainly some of the country’s most treasured reds. Rooted in the ancient tradition of sun-drying grapes before fermentation, Amarone wines offer exceptional richness and a glorious combination of power and complexity that cellars well, too. No wonder they are sought after worldwide. This 2020 from esteemed Cantina Negrar pays tribute to 18th century poet Bartolomeo Lorenzi, whose epic poems celebrating rural life made Valpolicella wines famous.

The grapes are from the ancient, dry, stone terraces of the cool Marano Valley, where they ripen slowly. They are then air-dried for 120 days to intensify flavours. Decant early and enjoy with hearty dishes, or cellar.

Black Saint Peter comes to you from California’s premium Lodi district, the self-proclaimed ‘Zinfandel Capital of the World’. This grape thrives in the very warm temperatures of this inland region, particularly when grown on gnarly, old, low-yielding vines, some dating back to the 1880s. Zinfandel was brought to California in the 1850s by incomers from the East Coast attracted by the Gold Rush. Some of the first vines were called ‘Black Saint Peters’ until, 20 years later, they were identified as the same grape as Zinfandel.

This weighty, velvety red uses grapes from vines over 50 years old, making for deep and complex flavour in the glass. At a generous 15.5%, it’s a splendid food companion. Serve with barbecued spare-ribs or spicy tagine.

Fronsac's fine Château Dalem perches high on a hill, surrounded by its 14 hectares of sloping vineyards. It's an historic estate, with records dating back to 1610, that stayed in the same family until 1955. Michel Rullier then took it over and today it's run with great success by his descendant, Brigitte Rullier-Loussert. Its vineyards are nearly all planted to Merlot, with a small amount of Cabernet Franc, and tended with meticulous care.

As you can see from critics' scores (92 points from James Suckling and 94 from Vertedevin), it is an admired claret and one that ages very well too. Matured in French oak (50% new), it has structure and length, but above all an appealing fruity depth. Perfect with roast meat or wild mushroom risotto.

Renowned French winemaker Gérard Bertrand makes his £40+ a bottle Corbières in craggy Boutenac. Just across a small country road is the village of Fabrezan and its equally amazing vineyards. It's where, in fact, Tony Laithwaite bought his first Corbières shipment back in 1971. Today young couple Amelie and Jean-Baptiste work tirelessly, in evenings and weekends (after their day jobs as consultant winemakers), tending their ancient vines and making their cru quality Corbières.

The vines were planted by J-B's great grandfather, a cellar built by his son, but more recently the grapes were all sold to the local coop. J-B and Amelie took over in 2007 and decided they could make something much better. This fabulous Grand Cru style is the result.

In his book Grapes and Wines Oz Clarke rightly laments “the Muscat grape is treated with casual disregard by the majority of wine drinkers”. How so, when Muscat (aka Moscatel) is as old as wine itself, and so versatile it makes outstanding wines that can be sweet, dry, sparkling or fortified? Those in the know love Muscat for its exotic perfume and for the fact that it is perhaps the only wine that actually tastes of fresh grapes.

So without further ado get stuck into a glass of this Moscatel Rosado, unearthed by our award-winning Buyer for Spain. This modern, fruity, medium-dry, semi-sparkling rosé from sunny Valencian vineyards is addictively moreish. Savour well chilled – on its own or with grilled prawns or summer berries.

It’s a terrific glassful on its own, anytime of the day, perfect with a slice of cake (Madeira or lemon and almond perhaps) or fruity pudding. Moscato is of course the same as France’s Muscat, one of the most aromatic varieties in the world, only challenged to that title by Gewurztraminer! Asti is the finest area of Italy’s Piedmont for the style and we think this is the best we’ve tasted. It’ll bring thoughts of spring to mind whatever the time of year. Embrace the sweetness and freshness – this fizz is a delight. Chill well.