Marqués de Riscal made Rioja what it is today. Up until the 1850s the locals had made only light, young wines. Then, in 1858, Riscal introduced the ‘ Bordeaux method’, barrel ageing. From that moment on, the practice became integral to Rioja. Today, Riscal Reserva is one of the most famous wines in Spain. Each grape is selected from vines that are at least 50 years old. Mature vines make the tastiest grapes. So the wine is incredibly rich & concentrated. It’s full of summer-berry flavours & notes of liquorice & vanilla spice. Perfect with Jamón. ...

Marquês de Borba is leading the way in sustainable wine farming in Portugal’s Alentejo. Here, João Maria Ramos, the son of João Portugal, one of the country's most-famous winemakers, is a champion of lesser-known indigenous varieties & artisan techniques. He produces great wines from old vines (vinhas velhas) in Estremoz. Here a blend of red grapes is foot-trodden in traditional lagares tanks then aged in oak barrels. The result? A full-bodied & velvety wine that packs intense sunshine flavours into every sip. Think black fruit, eucalyptus & spice. Pair it with roasted meats such as lamb, venison or duck, or richly flavoured vegetarian casseroles. James Suckling gave the 2019 vintage 92 points. ...

A rare find, this wine is a great example of how well crianza wines can mature, when produced in great vintages. 1994 was one of the best Rioja vintages of modern times, & this superb value crianza is still drinking well today. Thoroughly mellow, with a pleasing balance of jammy red fruit, soft tannins & subtle spice. This wine has been cellared in perfect conditions throughout its maturity in bottle but as with any fully mature wine you will need to take extra care when pulling the cork. ...

Macabeo is a Spanish grape variety that produces perfect house wine. Fresh, floral aromas reminiscent of aromatic herbs such as anise & fennel, the smooth & velvety palate is fruit driven with citrus & banana flavours. Refreshing & juicy, this is a great 'anytime' wine, which will be fantastic on its own or with buffet food. ...

This blend of Tempranillo & Grenache comes from Cariñena, which lies just south of Rioja. This fabulous wine provides wines of similar quality to its more famous neighbour at a fraction of the price. Now drinking at its peak this has loads of rich dark fruit with hints of spice & leather. ...

The Lorgeril family have been making wine at the historic Château de Pennautier, a National Historic Monument designed by the same architect as the Palace of Versailles, since the Château was founded by the first Marquis de Pennautier in 1620. Aromas of peach, passionfruit & pineapple mingle with spicy notes such as vanilla, nutmeg & even a hint of clove. The palate displays hints of dried apricots & puffed wheat. It makes a great apéritif, or an accompaniment to light hors d'oeuvres, salads & fish dishes. ...

From the estates of the historic 17th century Chteau de Pennautier in Cabardès, which is the only region of France to bring together the grapes of Bordeaux & the Rhône in its blends. This rose is made in the saignee method, where the grapes have very little skin contact, ensuring a delicate coloured wine with a light texture. Displays redcurrant & raspberry character, with a hint of liquorice. Try with poached salmon in a creamy sauce. ...

Chteau de Pennautier has been in the Lorgeril family since 1620. Nicolas & Miren de Lorgeril are the tenth generation of vignerons at this historic domaine. The nose reveals honeysuckle, fresh apricots & even a hint of sherbet. Crisp & fresh, with flavours following aromas of the nose & a well balanced lingering finish. An excellent aperitif, however also goes well with all manner of salads, quiches, & grilled fish. ...

Light wines from local grapes Grillo, Inzolia & Cataratto are fortified with white grape spirits in the traditional way. The Marsala Fine is dry in style & has all the characteristics of good Marsala with notes of toasted almonds, citrus & caramel. ...

Marsannay is the most northerly village in the Cotes de Nuits, just 6 km to the south-west of Dijon. Here starts the Route des Grands Crus which goes through the Côte d’ Or vineyards. It is unique in Burgundy for having AC status for red, white & rose wines. A pale yellow colour leads to a nose of white flowers & lime blossom. A harmonious & well-balanced wine, vinified without oak for a fresher character. A subtle wine with finesse & a good length. It is delicious while still young but a few years of cellaring will make it even more appealing. ...