Château Lafite’s Barons de Rothschild in France and world renowned Nicolás Catena from Argentina – Bodegas Caro Aruma Malbec 2021.

Aruma brings together small batches of wine made from tiny parcels of premium Ucó Valley grapes – from Altamira, El Peral and San José – to create a fine, silky and complex blend. Hand-harvested, high grown, old-vine grapes provide outstanding quality, while the absence of any oak maturation ensures the wine shows great purity of fruit from Ucó terroir. Velvety smooth and deeply fruity with beautiful floral notes, this mouthfilling stunner is a delight from first sip to last.

James Suckling is impressed – he gives it a stellar 93pts. He also gave its 2020 vintage an impressive 92pts and commented: "Perfumed yet focused nose with lots of violets and deep but fresh blueberries. Very pure”.

Like most Argentine Malbecs (and indeed many fine French wines), it will match your finest cut of beef beautifully. Decant and pour into large glasses so that its full magnificent flavours can be suitably appreciated.

If you’re looking for a ‘stand by’ white to keep in your fridge, this is a great choice. Fresh, upfront aromas and brimful with citrus character, it makes a mouthwatering Sauvignon alternative.

The Bruwer family have been crafting wines for nearly a century and current winemaker Jacques boasts three generations of family know-how. Over the years, the team has picked up numerous medals, awards and trophies including ‘Producer of the Year’ at the Winemakers’ Choice Awards.

This crisp Colombard won’t fail to satisfy in the refreshment stakes. Night harvesting ensures optimum crispness while a long, cool fermentation locks in the zingy apple and citrus character.

An ideal glass on its own any time or partner to seafood pasta or Greek salad.

Take a minute to read 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 the internationally acclaimed Hervé Sabardeil in the ancient vineyard region of Roussillon. Using largely Grenache, with additions of herb scented Syrah and fragrant Cinsault, Cabalié has impressive concentration. That’s due to the maturity of the vines, which include some of the oldest Grenache in France. The tiny berries they produce give Cabalié extraordinarily rich, ripe flavours. Boasting 12 medals in five vintages, this now legendary wine is in its element with a slow braised beef casserole.

When I came over the high pass south into the Agly Valley in the 70s, I was captivated by the ancient vines on steep, terraced hills, topped by high, ruined castles. It was wild 'unknown' territory. That's where bestselling Cabalié, made by the legendary Hervé Sabardeil, is from. Hervé buys grapes for Cabalié from many vineyards, but the best grapes came from two vineyards of 100-year-old vines on schist/granite soils. They are two of France's oldest vineyards, lying on steep, terraced hillsides. When Hervé learned the farmer was retiring, he bought those two vineyards – and thus we have the 'Grand Cru' Origine … the purest essence of Cabalié … made solely from those two vineyards. It's a nearly all dark, spiced Carignan, with a few rows of silky Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, which add to the incredibly rich fruit and luscious texture.

Oltrepo Pavese lies in southwest Lombardy, next to Piedmont, hence its former name, Old Piedmont. Castello di Cigognola is an impressive, 13th-century castle, lying high on a hill, overlooking the Scuropasso Valley, across to Emilia Romagna. No wonder, then, it was once a stronghold for feudal lords. Over the centuries, it has been a gathering place for politicians and philosophers and today it remains a tranquil spot. It is home to many artistic pursuits, including great wine. Gabriele Moratti is in charge today. Sustainably tended, the vineyards are in the process of organic conversion. Using all Barbera from their 30-year-old La Maga vineyard, the wine had a year's ageing in small barrels. A very fine red. Open early and decant, or age.