Muscadet sur Lie Sevre et Maine 2009 Les Grands Presbyteres (Loire, France)

Good quality Muscadet has sadly become a rarity to find. As a classic Muscadet sur Lie, this is a hugely versatile style of wine. Limpid green reflections and a dry, crisp palate with superb acidity and green apple flavours. Marries perfectly with traditional dishes of the region, such as Moules Marineres and oysters.

Cotes du Gascogne, Domaine de Saint-Lannes 2009 (Southern France)

Pale gold in colour with a youthful rim. Fine and elegant on the nose, with lively citrus notes and exotic fruit giving way to a fresh, nicely balanced palate. Colombard is the mainstay of the blend, with Ugni Blanc and Gros Manseng added for extra depth and interest. This is a more powerful and aromatic wine than the 2008 vintage because of the hot, dry summer which enabled the grapes to ripen fully.

Bellefontaine Merlot 2008 (Vin de pays D'Oc, Southern France)

Very much a drink today wine and enjoy the roundness of the palate. Rich, vibrant and aromatic with soft plummy fruit flavours complemented by soft silky tannins. The Bellefontaine range is made from Vins de Pays sourced from the Languedoc in the south. Every year Paul Boutinot selects only quality parcels of wine from different estates and producers, each contributing key component parts to the finished blend - e.g. aromas, core fruit, fresh acidity, good length and varietal character. He has created a range of wines of consistent quality that are delicious to drink on their own but also complement food well. A soft and smooth red capable of matching with most foods.

Errazuriz Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Chile)

A huge hit at our Chilean tasting in the summer - rich, round tropical flavours but without some of the 'bite' often associated with stronger style Kiwi Sauvignons.

Gonzalez Byass Elegante Fino Sherry

Made from Palomino grapes, it is a bright golden coloured wine. With a sharp, elegant, delicate bouquet. This is a smooth, light, dry fino that matches deliciously with cheese, sea-food, fish and soups.

Elegance Pinot Noir 2007 (Southern France)

Lou Caillou La Chapelle de Marin Cotes du Rhone 2007 (Rhone, France)

Named after Saint Nicolas Chapel which sits on Le Pont d'Avignon spanning the River Rhone. The Chapel dedicated to the patron saint of mariners was a regular meeting point for Rhone boatman. A traditional blend of grenache and syrah from a small parcel of 20 year old vines planted on limestone, sand and 'galets roules' (large stones found in the Southern Rhone. An appealing forward , ripe, characterful Grenache with a breadth of spice from Syrah and Mourvedre. Lovely with barbeques and grilled meats. A wonderful summer red and lighter winter warmer.

Chateau de Vallagon Touraine Sauvignon 2008(Loire, France)

A good grassy/herby Sauvignon Blanc with a subtle underlying minerality that makes it a rival for many a Sancerre. Produced by a vineyard that tries to be as organic as possible

Vega del Rayo Rioja 2007 (Rioja, Spain)

A delicious modern style Rioja with a deep dark colour, ripe plum and cherry fruit aromas. On the palate it is richly flavoured and substantial with the fruit dominant and a smoky, spicy dimension from six months in oak. Perfect with red meats like beef or lamb. Packed in the traditional wire ‘cage’ of Rioja that was originally an anti-fraud measure to prevent Barcelonan restaurateurs refilling expensive bottles with cheap wine.

Gran Sasso Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008 (Italy)

Made by a young (well my age) winemaker called Marco Flacco, the wines of Gran Sasso display the cleaness of fruit and freshness of flavour that is seldom found in this region. This Trebbiano is deliberately made from the more acidic fruit of cooler vineyards which gives the final wine freshness and a clean minerality and bite.