For a time, wines were all about the winemaker. Personalities that liked to take the credit. Big egos and all that. But our winemakers know too well that it's the magic that happens in the vineyard that really counts. That's the way to ensure healthy, ripe grapes of delicious fruit purity. Grapes that express the terroir they come from. Our Sparkling Rosé uses all-Merlot from a prized new vineyard at Château La Clarière, in Bordeaux's Right Bank Castillon.

Currently in the first year of organic conversion, it should gain certification in 2024. Made by the classic Charmat method, the secondary fermentation, to give it the bubble, takes place in tank, not bottle. All sealed with a crown cap too. Easy! It'll bring a sparkle to any gathering.

This irresistible black beauty is made from fabulously intense Shiraz and Grenache grapes grown on the craggy hillsides of France’s deep south – the Languedoc-Roussillon. Look up from the vines and you will see ruins of castles perching precariously on rocky peaks. This inhospitable landscape and these ancient strongholds were home to medieval Cathars who lived in awe of the evil god Rex Mundi (‘King of the World’).

He corrupted the faithful with promises of earthly pleasures and the forbidden delights of mortal flesh. But behind the wine is a very kind soul - Hervé Sabardeil, our ‘King of the Black Reds’. Don’t even try to resist the temptation of this red, just sip and enjoy its marriage of liquorice-scented Shiraz and luscious Grenache.

Jeff Carrel describes himself as an eclectic winemaker. He’s part of a new generation of winemakers, operating without a vineyard or a winery. Instead, he sources small parcels of grapes from growers, rents a corner of a cellar and focuses on making brilliant wines. Currently, Jeff makes around 40 wines this way, including Morillon (the southern French term for Chardonnay).

Following malolactic fermentation in barrel and the addition of grapes with a hint of noble rot, the 2022 vintage has, once again, produced a rich, Burgundy-style white. It delivers on creamy intensity, ripe peach fruit and layers of buttery complexity. Ideally serve this big-statement white with cured ham, guinea fowl and wild mushrooms or creamy fish pie. Serve cool.