Winemaking is a labour of love anywhere in the world, but particularly in Burgundy where every vintage provides its own unique challenges. Independent family wine Maison Albert Bichot is more than up to the demanding task though – the company was founded in Beaune in 1831 & now owns more than 100 hectares of vineyard in the region. The passion of the sixth-generation owners is matched by that of winemaker Cyrille Jacquelin, who first joined in 1996 & now specialises in making exceptional Pinot Noir. He harvests grapes for Secret de Famille strictly from the prestigious Côte d’ Or, with villages such as Chambolle-Musigny, Nuits-Saint-Georges & Marsannay represented in the blend. The finished result is a balanced & velvety wine with good structure & perfumed fruit aromas of blackcurrant & red berries. Try it with roasted meats or mild cheeses. ...

Maison Antech has been in the same family for six generations. It's situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where every vine is h&-harvested & farmed organically. The attention to detail really shows in this Blanquette de Limoux, the signature sparkling wine of this region. You can expect a blend of Mauzac, Chardonnay & Chenin Blanc aged for a luxurious 24 months on texture-imparting lees. Discover notes of green apple, candied lemon peel & quince with a balancing minerality. ...

Maison Bouachon have produced fantastic blends in Châteauneuf-du-Pape for over a century & have expanded out of the region to other Southern Rhône spots. They were pioneers in creating wines from old vines, & their experience certainly shows here. Up to 21 varieties can make their way into a Cotes-du-Rhône blend. This one is made from Grenache & Carignan. Grenache brings body & red-fruit flavour. Carignan brings tannins & hints of sweet spices. Crucially, this is made from very old vines, which produce intensely concentrated grapes. ...

The maison began over 100 years ago, when the family made barrels for other estates to age wines in. Today, they create fantastic wines in several of the Rhône Valley's appellations & have a reputation to match. This is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette & Viognier. Grenache Blanc brings the full body. Clairette brings complexity & freshness. & the Viognier brings the flavours of stone fruits & honeysuckle. Importantly, the Grenache Blanc is rested on its lees to bring texture & buttery notes. Try it with grilled fish in a creamy sauce. ...

The small area of Bouzeron is a fascinating rarity in Burgundy – it’s the only village appellation where wines are made entirely from white Aligoté grapes. Maison Chanzy is the largest vineyard owner here – & among the best. Their winemaker, Max Blondelle, spent 14 years honing his skills at one of Chablis’ finest wineries, Domaine Chanson. & his excellent knowledge of Burgundy’s terrain & signature grapes shines in this zesty wine. It’s aromatic with notes of lime blossom, citrus & crisp green apple. Fresh acidity & lemony flavour makes this a great match for a light chicken dishes. ...

Burgundy’s Crémant sparkling wines are a fabulous alternative to Champagne. They're often made in the same second-fermentation traditional method & cost a fraction of the price. This fizz, produced by Maison Roche de Bellene, shows the sophisticated heights that Crémant can reach. It has flavours of exotic fruit, citrus, white flowers & pastries. Try it with canapés. ...

In Burgundy, the name of Nicolas Potel is held in the highest esteem. He grew up working under his legendary father, Gerard Potel, at Volnay’s Domaine Pousse d' Or. Not content with learning Burgundy’s landscape inside out, Nicolas went on to study at several wineries renowned for their world-class Chardonnay & Pinot Noir. Today, his longstanding relationships with Burgundy’s winegrowers means he is able to source the highest quality grapes to make his wines. So it’s no surprise that Maison Roche de Bellene has been named amongst the Top 100 Wineries of 2022 by Wine & Spirits magazine. This classic Volnay is made from 20–50-year-old vines & showcases Nicolas’ skills. It’s wonderfully fragrant with notes of red berries. Flavours of cherry & raspberry are complemented by savoury hints of mushroom & oak. Match its earthy notes with a casserole like Boeuf Bourguignon for an authentic Burgundy pairing. ...

Maison Saint Aix lies high in the hills of Provence. Here, the sun shines for an average of 300 days each year – & that, combined with mineral-rich soils & the cooling effects of altitude, makes for ideal grape-growing conditions. The team crafts this much-loved rosé from perfectly ripened Grenache, Syrah & Cinsault, blending them at their state-of-the-art winery to create a wine that'll transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Fresh & aromatic, it has delicate notes of red berries, peach & white flowers. Its elegance & freshness make it an ideal match for light salads & salmon dishes. ...

Maison Sassy is home to some of Normandy's finest organic apple orchards. The cider made here is the subject of meticulous fine tuning & kept a closely guarded secret. This Calvados brandy is distilled from this cider & aged for at least two years in oak for a complex & sophisticated finish. It's something truly special. Expect flavours of fresh green apple & white flowers. Pour it over apple sorbet for a traditional Trou Norm&. ...

Not sure what to pick? Take it from Majestic customers. These best-sellers have proven a hit time & time again. However you're celebrating, sit bit & relax in the knowledge that you're in for a crowd-pleasing treat. ...