The Languedoc is home to a mass of different grape varieties, so it's no wonder the area has the most wine appellations of any region in France. For a long time, this vast landscape was classed as ‘up & coming’. But thanks to pioneering wineries like Mas Olivier, we can say it’s well & truly arrived. Like many great wine stories, Mas Olivier began with a handful of passionate winegrowers. During the 1950s in the village of Faugères, a small group of them created a winery, with the aim to make distinctive wines – from what they knew was unique local terroir. Their dedication made them instrumental in getting the Faugères appellation created in 1982. Today, over 50% of the region’s wines are made by Mas Olivier. This classic Syrah– Grenache blend shows why they’re the first name in town. You’ll find it complex yet elegant, with notes of red & black fruits, plus hints of vanilla, cocoa & peppery spice. Its silky texture & generous flavour make it a fantastic match for steak. ...

A field blend is a rich tapestry of grape varieties plucked from one spot. So we expected something very special from Más Querido. But even we were blown away by the praise of top wine critics last year. This follow-up vintage is a punchy cocktail of orange peel, lime & passionfruit. ...

There’s Prosecco – & then there’s Prosecco DOCG. The addition of those four little letters signify a big difference. ‘ Denomination of Controlled & Guaranteed Origin’ indicates the top tier of quality for Italian wines. Cantine Maschio has been making wine in Veneto’s prestigious Conegliano region since the 1970s. Today the winemaking is led by Gabriele Cescon, who ensures their prize Glera grapes are handled with the utmost care. Only free-run juice is used to make this wine (where grapes are naturally crushed under their own weight in the press). This is considered to be the highest quality juice, since there’s minimal contact with the bitter elements of the grapes. The end result is delicate & refreshing with lively aromas. Extra Dry means it’s not as dry as the Brut style. So if you like particularly fruity Prosecco, this will be right up your street. Fresh. Fruity. Elegant. It has a soft mousse with notes of candied lemon & acacia flowers. ...

A superb Amarone from a renowned historic vineyard with a history dating back to the 12th century. 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella ...

Masi have come to be at the forefront of winemaking around Verona, creating attractive modern wines from the regions traditional grapes. Here, Pinot Grigio has been blended with 25% Verduzzo, which has been barrel-aged for 3 months, to create a unique white. A bright & inviting golden colour, this wine is alive with notes of peach, apricot, pear & pineapple. A lush, generous palate offering good ripeness & a dry, citrussy finish. Enjoy with fresh linguine served with mussels & clams. ...

Karl & Kathy Mason founded Yorkshire's first distillery on World Gin Day 2013. In 2019, sadly, their distillery burned down. That's until the Yorkshire spirit kicked in, & locals flocked the help the Masons. They kick-started the stills again in 2020. & when you taste this, you'll be glad they did. It's a rich, smooth & aromatic gin, with hints of juniper & citrus. Serve it with plenty of ice, Indian tonic water & a twist of orange zest. ...

Winemaker Ben Glover has been involved in the Marlborough wine industry since the 1980s, & today makes this wine from the fruit of Kerseley Estate, which was planted by his parents on the site of what was previously their own working dairy farm. Mouthwatering & juicy, this is typical of Marlborough Sauvignon, with its explosive mix of tropical & citrus fruit on the palate, accompanied by intense nettle & tomato vine aromas. A great match for the zesty, spicy flavours of south-east Asia. ...

The 2009 Barolo opens with soft, easy appeal that is very characteristic of the vintage. Dark fruit tones of cassis & dried cherry segue to spicy notes of cinnamon & nutmeg. Soft, fleshy fruit layers are stocked tight, but they do allow space for delicate tones of mint & licorice to lift from the bouquet. This is definitely a more approachable & softer Barolo, suited to near-term drinking: Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. 89 points. Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate. ...

Bodegas Matarromera are one of the finest producers in Ribera del Duero, having 80 hectares of vineyards on some of the best slopes, around Olivares & Valbuena del Duero. This wine has been matured for 12 months in oak & 12 months in bottle before release. Bright cherry with violet glints, it has a complex nose of strawberry & fig, accented with notes of roasted coffee bean, vanilla & light toast. Smooth, spicy & harmonious on the palate. Enjoy with a tender braised shoulder of lamb. ...

This Syrah has its origin in three districts located in the Rosario area. The vineyards are largely flat with a northern exposure & a deep, colluvial granite soil. The final wine is aged in French oak for 12 months before bottling. A nose with distinct tones of black pepper, autumnal fruits & violets. The complex palate shows notes of chocolate, leather & rich cassis. Well structured tannins & an extensive finish. A wine that definitely needs decanting & partnering with foods such as veal, lamb or strong, mature cheese. ...