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This well-judged blend of 80% sangiovese with 10% each merlot and cabernet sauvignon is a cinch for post-festive pasta or fennel-spiked Tuscan bangers. Its plum, leather and bramble fruit and fine tannins make it a great alternative to pricier Supertuscans. In a region which has suffered from droughts, Barbarani strive to minimise water use, drawing water only from two natural springs – the 'Pulicchio' and 'Villa Monticelli' – on the estate. After use it is purified and released back into the area around Lake Corbara.

Cabardès of ripe, dark fruit with a hint of mint. In its choice of grape varieties, Cabardes has to include both Rhône and Bordeaux varieties, and 2019 was an excellent vintage and one which saw cabernet franc replacing cabernet sauvignon. The new blend (37% syrah, 22% merlot, 18% malbec, 13% cab franc, 10% grenache) enhances the quality of the fruit.

Uncomplicated charm doesn`t get more charming than this. A popular southern French red and a Wine Champion in 2024, Laborie was given a makeover in 2023 to include some especially good, crunchy syrah fruit. Tasted blind among its peers, it was a resounding hit: ‘So much fruit, juicy and user friendly. Incredible value.`

All the Bordeaux varieties are present in the Languedoc but, by and large, cabernet franc has often given the best results, as it seems to cope well with the climate. This is vibrant, roundly textured and fruity with a hint of ripe raspberry.

A lusciously round, ripe and quite full-bodied merlot from the hot and dry 2023 Languedoc vintage.

Made along the heel of Italy in sea-cooled but sunny Puglia, this old-vine negromaro is generous and soft, with blackcurrant and plum flavours. There's a little mocha and a sweeter finish point , with well judged ageing in large old oak barrels really enhancing the overall quality.