Much like Ribera Del Duero, the Tempranillo grape is king in the region of Toro. Since the area is not as well-known as its famous neighbour, you can find excellent wines at a lower price. The region’s vineyards strive to survive the fiercely hot, dry climate. In the right hands, hard-working vines create complex & intensely flavoured wines. El Picaro translates as 'the rogue', which perfectly sums up this vibrant, charming wine. With just two months ageing in concrete vats, you can taste its youthful freshness – there’s notes of juicy blackberry & blueberry, liquorice & sweet spice. The perfect choice for cuts of roast beef. ...

Matsu translates from Japanese as ‘to wait’. It perfectly captures the patient philosophy of Bodegas Matsu on their century-old Toro vineyards. The bodega’s mature vines help to create wines with diverse & complex flavour profiles. ‘ El Recio’ is made from Tempranillo vines between 90 & 100 years old. So expect heady notes of black fruit, chocolate & vanilla, a full body & a fruity, lingering finish. Enjoy it with juicy lamb shanks. ...

Matsu translates from Japanese as ‘to wait’. It perfectly captures the patient philosophy of Bodega Matsu on their Toro vineyards. This is their remarkable flagship wine. It's sourced from a vineyard that’s now in its second century. The mature vines make for an intensely flavoured, complex wine. Despite the region’s hot & dry climate, it's also incredibly elegant. & unlike neighbouring Ribera Del Duero, Toro wines don't demand the same price tag – making this fine wine even more extraordinary. It has notes of jammy black fruits, smoky, toasty spice & an elegant structure. Perfect for herb-crusted filet mignon. ...

A stylish wine from one of Burgundy's most reliable & reputable cooperatives. Cave de Lugny is situated in the heart of the Mâconnais, & is the biggest producer of the region. Crisp & elegant with citrus & apple fruit characters alongside a lovely streak of minerality. Refined & classy, with good length. Ideally partnered with light seafood dishes, whole salmon or chicken. Drink well chilled & in its youth. ...

Cave de Lugny are true specialists. They’re the biggest Chardonnay producer in Burgundy, but they don’t rest on their laurels. Their mission is to make standout white Burgundy which is affordable & delicious. This is made using grapes from 30-year-old vines. Older vines produce more intensely-flavoured grapes & the team dial up this fruitiness by leaving it unoaked. It’s fruity, juicy & refreshing – think citrus, green melon & a touch of honey. The wine spends some time resting on its lees, which gives the texture a delicious creaminess. It’s fantastic with roast chicken. ...

Deep in the Côte Chalonnaise, Montagny is an appellation with a difference. It dedicates itself entirely to the production of white wine – all Chardonnay. Two thirds of the vineyards have the prestigious Premier Cru classification – an extremely high proportion of high-quality vineyards. ‘ Les Milliers’ is one of these Premier Crus, made by Caves de Buxy. They’re a name to note, known as an excellent, quality-conscious producer – & because they’re a cooperative with access to grapes from a variety of top-notch growers, it’s excellent value for your money. It’s fermented & matured in stainless steel tanks to preserve the really pure, ripe fruit flavours. Peach. Pear. Honey. It’s a really delicious glassful, with a nicely rich texture that’s still fresh. Perfect with cold ham. ...

Montagny is an appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise. It’s a real enclave of quality, specialising in Chardonnay. In fact, it’s the only grape that’s grown in the whole region – so Montagny-based Cave de Buxy really know their Chardonnay inside-out. Montagny’s limestone soils mean the wines are fresh, with a fuller body than other Chalonnaise wines. The fruit flavours are really pronounced – a factor amped up by the fact that it’s ‘ Vielles Vignes’. It’s made using grapes from thirty-year-old vines. Because they’re old, they only yield small amounts of grapes – so all the flavour is exceptionally concentrated. Think ripe apple, citrus & white blossom. The ripeness is balanced by serious crispness, & it’s left unoaked so the fruit flavours can really shine through. Perfect with chicken. ...

Batailley is the larger sibling of neighbouring Haut-Batailley & was designated as a 5th growth in the 1855 classification. The vineyards today comprise about 60ha with Cabernet Sauvignon the dominant variety, making up 70% of the total. Deep ruby/violet colour with elegant blackberry & blackcurrant & truffle flavours, notes of cigar box, pepper & spices lead to hints of liquorice & earth on the finish. Drink now with roast tenderloin of pork & all the trimmings. ...

Château Citran has stood strong since the 14th century. Moulins de Citran is the estate’s second wine. This means that it's made from slightly younger vines than the Grand Vin, but with just as much care & attention. So if you’re adding just one bottle of great-value Bordeaux to your wine rack, make it this. Ripe. Structured. Supple. Discover flavours of ripe strawberry, raspberry & black cherry, with mature notes of nutmeg, cedar & tobacco. Its silky texture & long, complex finish pairs perfectly with grilled pork chops topped with melted cheddar cheese. ...

From the estate of the historic 17th century Château de Pennautier in Cabardès, this is a bright & fruity Chardonnay-Viognier blend. Expect notes of apple & citrus from the Chardonnay, & hints of apricot from the Viognier. Try with meatier fish & Mediterranean-inspired dished such as ratatouille. ...