France

This is a wonderful, bone dry but forward Vouvray from a very top domaine that is certified organic and fully biodynamic. Soft, perfumed stone fruit and melon flavours with complexity and balance.

The nose shows expressive aromas of gooseberry, white flowers and a hint of tropical fruit. The palate is harmonious with zippy acidity complemented by vibrant gooseberry and stone fruit flavours.

Aromas of fresh mown grass, nettles and tart gooseberries are followed by a richly flavoured palate with a good concentration of fruit and dry typically Sauvignon finish. The wine has a great balance of ripeness and freshness with underlying minerality - just what Touraine Sauvignon should be.

Less well known than near neighbours, Pouilly Fume and Sancerre, Quincy lies on the eastern end of the Loire, where the wines are left on the lees in tank until just before bottling. This adds an extra dimension of concentration and richness.

This wine is pale lemon in colour with youthful hues, and is reminiscent of green apples and white flowers. The palate is crisp, clean and beautifully balanced, with a long refreshing finish.

Joseph Drouard and his son Christophe make classic Muscadet from 16 hectares of vines with an average age of 35 years situated on Silican clay around the commune of Monnieres. The wine is vinified at 21 degrees in underground glass lined vats and the wine rests on its lees throughout the winter. It is not fined and just receives a light filtration prior to bottling.

Richard Martins wines are delicious. A superbly balanced, mineral nose with a bright, generous palate of creamy, green apple.

A Viognier of intense power, character and zest; soft apricots, honeydew melon with notes of camomile tea are followed by a rich palate and a nostalgic boiled sweet finish.

A magnificent Condrieu from terraces above the violate of Chavannay. 100% Viognier with 9 months in barrique on its lees. A perfect nose of peaches and apricorpts with a palate of concentrated, oily, peachy fruit. Stunning!

Domaine Fayolle is a domaine with a growing reputation. Les Pontaix is 100% Marsaanne, with 20% into barrique. A clean, fresh, citrus nose is balanced with a rich palate of nutty and honeyed fruit. Was - £28.00
Now - £23.80