That’s 200 gallons to be exact – the same amount that each American household was allowed to make for ‘personal use’ during Prohibition.

And the go-to grape during this DIY time wasn’t Cabernet or Merlot, it was the bold and juicy Alicante Bouschet - widely planted in California but originally from Portugal.

Today, award-winning winemaker Jamie Quendera has crafted a mighty, Reserva-quality red, from rare 100-year-old vines.

And the unique twist? Jamie aged the wine for 12 months in custom double casks. The top and bottom are French oak (imparting subtle spice) while the long side planks are American (for vanilla notes).

The result is an ultra-smooth, cherry-ripe, well-spiced drop!

He was born in Friuli, but doesn't come from a long line of winemakers. His dad was a truck driver, but everyone in the village used to have a few rows of vines and, from these, each family used to make a bit of wine.

All this fascinated Alessandro as he was growing up and winemaking became his chosen career. For some years he was president of a local winery but in 2010 he started up on his own and his wines have continued to impress us.

Made with grapes from the region's top areas, this wine delivers delicate pear fruit and crisp minerally ‘zing’.

The 187ml bottle size is perfect for picnics or enjoy a solo glass of an evening.

Add some extra sparkle to any occasion with mini bottles of Alessandro's super fresh Prosecco, full of delicious apple and lemon flavours.

After all, right across Italy Prosecco is the bubbly of choice and as much a part of daily life as a gelato or an espresso.

This wine comes from northern Italian native Alessandro Gallici. He knows every grape grower worth knowing, every premium vineyard, and has spent his life making outstanding wines.

Softly spoken but passionate, he was for years president of a large winery but has now started his own business focusing on a range of bespoke wines bearing his own name.

Our latest shipment is beautifully fresh. Serve chilled as an aperitivo any time or add fresh peach juice for an authentic Bellini.

But a huge haul of Golds later and they've changed their minds. The velvety black fruits that are so loved by our customers can now be enjoyed tenfold with the even richer Reserva edition.

José has searched out the very finest, low-yielding and intensely ripe Alicante grapes for this super cuvée, and you can taste the mouth filling difference.

Even more richness and spice, but at only 13%, it's still no heavyweight and has a lovely zip of freshness to all that blackberry, cassis and damson fruit.

Enjoy with richly flavoured casseroles and red meat dishes.

Antonio Federici is a small, 3rd-generation cellar in Lazio, just south of Rome. As you'll taste here, its wines are both authentic and exceptionally delicious.

Normally, they only supply their meagre output to top restaurants in Rome. But with most shut in 2020 and 2021, we managed to gain a small allocation of this superb, cherry-scented red.

On fine limestone soils (the rocks of which were used to build some of Rome's most famous buildings) they grow some of Italy's most characterful native grapes. From these they make a small range of highly awarded, rule-breaking wines.

No doubt the skill of top Italian consultant Franco and Matteo Bernabei come into play, as well as the commitment and passion of the family.

A great pizza or pasta red.

Opi Sadler has brought us the customer favourite ‘Waxed Bat’, now he presents the ‘Big Bat’. If you didn’t think a wine could get any richer, silkier and packed with luxurious layers of flavour, you were mistaken. But then, Opi is one of Argentina’s most internationally renowned winemakers and he adores the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.

To achieve such an ageworthy perfection, he selected grapes from the finest, high-altitude vineyards in Altamira, Uco Valley, ageing this grand red for 18 months in French oak barrels. This lends a spicy edge to the rich black fruits. Opi states that Argentina makes "undoubtedly the best Cabernet wines in the world". A big statement, but judging by this wine, he may well be right. An elegant, mature steak red.

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.

Casa Primicia is one of the oldest buildings in Rioja Alavesa – in the 15th century it was where the Church collected tithes. In 1985 the Madrid brothers bought it and converted it into a winery. A host of prestigious awards soon followed, including the ‘Grand Prix d’Honneur’ at Vinexpo in Bordeaux. Grapes for this wine come from a beautiful 40-year-old vineyard and a good vintage.

Winemaker was Fernando Domingo (he trained under great oenologist Don Manuel Ruiz Hernández), who aged the wine in American and French oak barrels for 18 months, the rest in bottle, to obtain the perfect balance of subtle spice and deep fruit. A superb Rioja Reserva with red berry notes, cocoa, vanilla and toasty oak. Excellent with tapas, lamb or rice dishes.