For the whites we have an Old Vine Chenin Blanc from South Africa.  South Africa has an enviable amount of old vine Chenin and are one of the best exponents in the world of this variety.  This is brightly fruited with a lovely mineral core, the sensitive use of oak providing a hint of richness and a weightier mouthfeel.

Onto South America and a terrific Sauvignon Blanc.  I’ve long said to watch Chile as a  go-to-destination for quality and value and this Reserva is lovely, offering huge fruit concentration and complexity, and although it sees quite a lot of oak, the barrels are large so the influence is subtle. Vibrant, mineral, and creamy.  A lovely drop.

For the final white we head to Italy and a grape which is much-maligned (often by me!): Pinot Grigio. This is the flagship PG of the estate, and undergoes partial fermentation and ageing in oak, resulting in a wine that seamlessly blends classic pear, peach and white flowers with sweet spices and smoky notes, the palate given added weight.

For the reds we head firstly to Australia, and a producer wine club members will be familiar with.  This time I’ve opted for their Shiraz, and this multi-award winner is fabulous.  Classic black pepper and violet notes combine with plummy, black fruit and sweet liquorice and chocolate. Its big, but supple with a surprising elegance.

Heading back to South America, this time Argentina, we have Italian-Argentina fusion winemaking.  Using Argentina’s trademark red Malbec, with a percentage of partially dried Corvina (a grape that is used in Italy’s Valpolicella and Amarone wines) added after the initial fermentation, inducing a second ferment (hence the name Passo Doble).  Ripe, fragrant, and characterful this is a really easy drinking wine.

Finally we return to Italy for one of Puglia’s indigenous grapes Nero di Troia. Aromatic, intense and very fruit-forward, it’s not overly complex but has plenty of character. Full-bodied and ripe, it’s currently my go to red, with good reason.