You might think of Chile as being all sun-drenched landscapes. But in the moderate Malleco Valley, cooler climate grapes such as Chardonnay & Pinot Noir really thrive – ripening slowly & constantly, developing complexity & retaining acidity. In such an environment (and with the help of expert winemaking) wines show real elegance & restraint akin to Old-World styles. & this h&-harvested Chardonnay from award-winning Chilean pioneer Morandé really shows off the standard. Rich in aromas of citrus fruits, green apple & toasted nuts, it’s both intense & elegant. There’s plenty of fresh acidity & structure here, plus a hint of minerality, so try it with smoked salmon. ...

The Belen Estate in Chile's Casablanca Valley is perfect for growing grapes that make fresh, fruit driven wines. The clay & granite soils are not too fertile & the maritime influences allows the grapes to ripen slowly retaining delicious fruit flavours. This fine, fresh Chardonnay is all about fruit with an abundance of citrus, pear, apple & pineapple flavours. Try this with marinated meaty white fish. ...

The Belen Estate in Chile's Casablanca Valley is perfect for growing grapes that make fresh, fruit driven wines. The clay & granite soils are not too fertile & the maritime influences allows the grapes to ripen slowly retaining delicious fruit flavours. The nose of this wine is full of fresh red fruit aromas & these are represented on the palate as well but with added hints of clove, chocolate & coffee. This would be best with roast duck. ...

The Pais grape was brought to Mexico by Hernán Cortes & from there spread throughout the Americas. The variety, once the most planted in Chile & used for table wine, is now enjoying a renaissance as quality driven producers are making light, fresh fruity red wines. Reminiscent of good Beaujolais this wine is light & fruity with red cherry & raspberry flavours followed by an earthy & spicy finish. This will be delicious with charcuterie & ripe cheese. ...

In Scansano, in the southern part of Tuscany, Morellino is the local name for Sangiovese. In this case blended with 15% Ciliegiolo, another indigenous local grape, this is a slim & youthful style of red, with only a third of the blend spending 6-8 months in new oak. Ripe cherry & strawberry fruit forms the backbone of this wine, which is medium-bodied & approachable, & fresh in feel. A subtly rustic streak gives a touch of complexity & food friendliness. Partner with anything from lamb chops to game, either immediately or within the next 5 years. ...

Mid ruby. Exotic, orange peel aromas. Sweet start & very lively. Racy, jewelled. Lots of fine tannins. There is tightness & density here rather than sheer mass & alcohol (though the label says 13.5%). Rather sophisticated but not big. Very long. 18/20, jancisrobinson.com ...

Unusual for being made from 100% Aligote. This has an almost savoury nose, with notes of spice & toasted nuts. On the palate, this has zesty citrus fruit & a steely minerality, but these are offset by mouthcoating fruit. The savoury toasted notes come through once more on the long finish. ...

An interesting 1er Cru, half of which is from two vineyards, Le Village & La Riotte, & the remainder from the young vines of the Grand Cru. The assemblage can vary, dependent upon vintage conditions. This again has good depth of colour & some minerality on the nose. Savoury, but richer than the villages, as you would expect. There is structure, but the tannins are already soft & accessible. There is good detail in this wine & it will drink well young ...

Nestling between Chambolle-Musigny & Gevrey-Chambertin, the lesser-known village appellation of Morey-St-Denis produces wines of similar style & quality to those of its more famous neighbours. Les Sorbes is a 1er Cru plot located on a prime site of clay & chalk. A backbone of ripe raspberry fruit characterises both nose & palate, with a pungent herbaceousness & woody smokiness adding depth & complexity along the wines full length. Drink now or over the next 2-3 years. ...

Born in 1981, Aurélien Verdet is one of a younger generation of Burgundy winemakers carrying on the winemaking traditions of his father, in this case continuing with the pursuit of organic viticulture. This wine comes from a 1.5-hectare plot in Moret-St-Denis, & offers characteristic morello cherry fruit at the core, framed by velvety tannins & woody aromatic complexity. ...