WWF Spring French Classic Mixed

Made by an ex-ballet dancer, and now joined by her daughter, this estate is going from strength to strength. A blend of grenache, syrah and mourvèdre that comes from a blend of vineyards and aged exclusively in cement. There is real energy here, with a silky core and ripe fruits with glossy tannins. Drink this year to 2032. 14%

Characterful red from Faugères where the soils of schist seem to give the wines their fragrance and mineral flavours. Succulent, fleshy, cherry and damsons fill the full-bodied, spicy and fruity palate. The blend is mainly carignan, with mourvèdre, syrah and grenache completing the picture.

Most Muscadet is appetising, light and refreshing but 'cru' Muscadet like this one is an altogether more complex affair. From the commune of Château-Thébaud, close to the river Maine and on the border of Cru Clisson, this wine spent 35 months ageing on the fine lees. The decomposed granite subsoil here brings a spiciness and slight smokiness, with volume and texture lifted by appetising wet-stone freshness. A great alternative to white Burgundy, to complement richer seafood and white meat dishes.

From a classic and fresh vintage this is a fresh, ripe and perfumed cru Beaujolais from very vines planted more than100 yeas ago. Displays good fruit density, with notes of kirsch. Supple and silky textured. from very old vines, the youngest of which were planted in 1913 on red granite soils.

From the foothills of the Cévennes mountains near Pic St Loup, this viognier, roussanne, grenache blanc and marsanne blend is produced by the Chapoutier family and has a lot of tension and freshness that is typical of the 2024 vintage. ‘Soledre’ refers to the local wind that brings cool, fresh breezes to the vines planted on slopes. Expect citrus, white grapefruit and hints of pineapple. Drink now to 2030. 13.5%

From an old parcel of vines and a vineyard which takes its name from the oldest of the three medieval castles,'Wahlenbourg' overlooking the vines in the town of Eguisheim. Attractive rose petal and citrus notes combine with spice and tangy notes, which offers benchmark aromatics but not overpowering. The sweetness is balanced to perfection with vibrant acidity.