WWF Spring Essential Mixed Dozen

This full-bodied, blackberry-scented red seems soaked in the Sicilian sun, but having been grown at relative high altitude it has retained a lovely freshness on the finish. Youthful, bold and unoaked, this red has great character.

Historically we've offered this wine as a blend alongside cinsault and mourvèdre but in 2025, a vintage that's being called 'the best of a generation', the shiraz was so good we wanted to showcase it on its own. Produced by the ever impressive Riebeek Cellars in the Swartland from vines across the region this is rich, spicy and generously textured shiraz with a core of spiced bramble and blackberry, with hints of pepper, five spice and smoke.

Made for us by Viña Tabalí from a very cool vineyard planted on limestone soils just 7.5 miles from the chilly Pacific Ocean, this is a more mineral than fruity, European, less is more style. Limarí's cool and dry climate suits sauvignon blanc and cacti, hence the illustration on the new label. This crystalline, cool-climate Chilean is a great choice for fish and chips: it has an intense nose to rise above the fried-fish aromas and bright acidity to cut through the richness of the dish. 

A lovely plump, generous Chilean garnacha with cherry and rose-petal perfume.

Chenin blanc is better known as a Loire grape but it has been resident in South Africa for many years, having been brought to the Cape by French Huguenot settlers. It is now the most widely planted grape in South Africa and is still sometimes known locally as 'steen', retaining enough acidity to make a crisp, fruity wine. This exclusive cuvée was produced for us by Villiera estate, and is made entirely from their own estate-grown fruit, a proportion of which came from old bush vines averaging over 30 years old - for greater depth of flavour. Chenin blanc is an ideal buffet wine, as its flavours are restrained and will not dominate your choice of dish, and its fresh fruity palate and good acidity makes it a good match for fish, crustaceans, and salads too.

Grenache is the main red variety in the Roussillon, the warmest province of France. Very versatile, grenache here makes a deliciously full and fruity red which can be served cool.

Pitchfork Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc is a bright, vibrant and aromatic Margaret River white. Pale straw with green hints, it opens with lifted semillon and sauvignon blanc characters: lemon and lime, gooseberry, green mango, passionfruit and a fresh grassy note. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve purity, the palate is clean, zippy and intensely flavoured, carrying pristine citrus and tropical fruit with a subtle pine-needle freshness. A tight line of acidity gives length and a dry, refreshing finish, making this a crisp, lively and deliciously pure expression of the style.

A balanced and easy-drinking verdejo from Bodegas Pisuerga, one of the oldest wineries in Rueda, committed to making classic verdejo from their organically certified vineyards. Think lemon zest, grassy freshness and white flowers with zippy acidity. Perfect for sauvignon blanc lovers.

A ripe, pure and vibrantly fruity tempranillo from Cuatras Rayas, a certified-organic producer now also licensed to use only responsibly sourced packaging. It’s textured, dark-fruited and impressively long for the price.

Soft, round and very easy on the palate, this is a full-flavoured Mediterranean white from the south of France. Herby, citrusy and mouth-watering.

Custoza DOC is produced from grapes grown between Verona and Lake Garda. Gently floral and citrus scented, this is a refreshing, dry white wine based on garganega (the grape used in Soave) with a little friulano, trebbiano and cortese in the blend. The palate is lively with flavours of ripe yellow apple and apricot, and a twist of lemongrass.

Popular well-rounded Loire pinot, light and fresh, with bright, red-berry and cherry fruit. Best served on the cooler side, this is an easy-drinking lunchtime red.