From Rioja to Limari

‘For an under-£10 pinot noir, what else are you looking for?’ Our Wine Champions tasters voted it a winner, singling out the ‘juiciness’ and ‘honesty’ of this ocean-cooled Chilean charmer, which is now being made in a fresher, earlier-picked style, emphasising its bright, pure red fruit. Undurraga’s work in making themselves as sustainable as possible has made it easy for us to name them one of our Wine Society Pioneers. They are Wines of Chile Sustainability certified and an International Wineries for Clime Change Gold member – one of only 9 wineries in the world with that status. Their facilities use solar energy, the measure their carbon footprint with the aim of reducing emissions wherever possible, use lightweight bottles use only drip irrigation for efficient and targeted water use that goes hand in hand with reusing water in the winery too. They preserve biological corridors and native vegetation, protect local wildlife, have deployed an integrated pest management system and promote a balanced eco system. Ineed, it would be quicker to tell you about what they don’t do!

One of our 2026 Wine Champions, this gem from the sunsoaked south of Spain was on showstopping form. ‘Whatever it is, I’m putting it on my shopping list,’ said one taster before its identity was revealed. ‘It’s peppery, intense, fresh and genuine. Absolutely delicious.’

A lovely blend of 55% viognier for perfume, 35% roussanne and 10% marsanne for structural support and added aromatic complexity. Undurraga’s work in making themselves as sustainable as possible has made it easy for us to name them one of our Wine Society Pioneers. They are Wines of Chile Sustainability certified and an International Wineries for Clime Change Gold member – one of only 9 wineries in the world with that status. Their facilities use solar energy, the measure their carbon footprint with the aim of reducing emissions wherever possible, use lightweight bottles use only drip irrigation for efficient and targeted water use that goes hand in hand with reusing water in the winery too. They preserve biological corridors and native vegetation, protect local wildlife, have deployed an integrated pest management system and promote a balanced eco system. Ineed, it would be quicker to tell you about what they don’t do!

A smooth and expressive Rioja, unapologetically oaky, full of creamy vanilla with real depth of plummy, juicy fruit. It is consistently a favourite of members' year after year. Navajas get their hands on some of the finest fruit from Rioja`s best vineyards. They used to sell the fruit on to the big names, including CVNE, but now, wisely, have decided to keep it for themselves.

Sauvignon gris is the pink-skinned variation of sauvignon blanc, with which it shares a familiar zesty crispness but overlays it with a light, musky, peach scent and a slightly rounder palate and flavour. This Chilean example is intriguing and delicious. Made by gifted chief winemaker Rafael Urrejola from Undurraga's own Las Lomas estate. made by gifted chief winemaker Rafael Urrejola from Undurraga's own Las Lomas estate.

A floral, vibrant Spanish red which is fresh, fruity and plump with a touch of spice and delightful bush herb fragrance. A lovely introduction to the flavour of unoaked garnacha. Boden Bodegas is like an oasis of life in a region where bare soils and liberal herbicide use are the norm, where neighbours think you’re a bad farmer if they see one weed on your farm. Louis Geirnaerdt, the energetic and inspiring owner of Bodem Bodegas, is on a mission to change that outdated mindset. Support from the Climate and Nature programme will help his team transition even faster to regenerative viticulture so they can demonstrate to their neighbours how farming with nature instead of against it can be more profitable and produce even better wine. It will help fund new natural composting systems, the planting of a range of crops between the vine rows to provide natural sun protection and nutrients for the soil, and the use of a ‘direct seeder’ so they don’t need to plough, a practice that damages the soil. This project is about leadership, showing the way to more natural, profitable and resilient farming.

Ripe yet fresh Chilean chardonnay in the apple and melon spectrum from organic vineyards. One of our Wine Society Pioneers of wine production that is as sustainable as possible, the inspirational eco-friendly Emiliana focuses on maintaining healthy, living soils in all their vineyards, through sustainable agronomic practises. The result is that their vineyards teem with natural life, a perfect blend of predators and prey that forms a balanced vineyard ecosystem. The ‘Silbador' itself is an insect-eating bird found in the vineyards whose presence means that Emiliana do not have to use pesticides on their vines and other crops. Certified Carbon Neutral for the first time in 2008, Emiliana are now IMO, BCORP and Fairtrade certified too. People are important here. with staff guaranteed fair wages and treatment, college scholarships, allotments, profits from the sale of the produce of vineyard beehives and olive groves. Local schools are provided with computer and internet access. It's wonderful stuff.

If you only try one chardonnay from 2026’s abundant crop of Wine Champs winners, this bowled us over for its quality-price ratio. Its ‘limey nose’, ‘lovely herby style’ and ‘round, creamy’ palate were even better on retasting, so don’t be afraid to decant it.

From a high-quality, coolish vintage, this is impressive cedary, fine-flavoured, partially oak-matured cabernet offering excellent value for money. Concha y Toro are a leader in more sustainable working practices in Chile, with strategies to reduce energy and water use, environmental projects including increasing biodiversity, and many local community initiatives.

Ripe and plummy carmenère from Undurraga's own estate in Cauquenes.

Lovely black and blue-fruited bright and juicy monastrell from quality-focused coop Bodegas Rosario in the southern Mediterranean region of Bullas with a touch of earthy chicory alongside the plummy fresh fruit and Mediterranean herbs. Los Ceperos is the name of the mountain trail through the high-altitude mountainside vineyards of the historic area of Bullas situated in the remote north-west of Murcia. Los Ceperos also refers to the trappers and traders who used to pass through this beautiful country side, punctuated with parcels of old bush vine Monastrell. The mosaics on the labels are taken from the old winery which dates back to 1917.

A classically styled white Rioja made from this Spanish region's traditional white grapes (mostly viura with some malvasia), with a proportion aged in barrel. It is lemony-gold in colour with aromas that are spicy and nutty, rather than fruity.