The region of Cariñena is “home to some of the best value reds of Spain, if not the world” (Decanter) and this gorgeously intense, ripe fruit red is from one of the most awarded cellars there. High up and inland, the Cariñena region (confusingly it’s also the name of a grape!) enjoys a climate both Continental and Mediterranean. In lay terms, that means plenty of sunshine, but not too hot. Add in the grand age of the vines and the stony soils and it’s the perfect recipe for intensely flavoured, well balanced reds. Viña Altogrado in a nutshell. Made from old vine Garnacha grapes, this red is seriously long and brightly fruity – the ideal partner for traditional Spanish lamb dishes, grilled meats or tapas. A great choice for a barbecue, too.

Wine Spectator calls Portugal “the most exciting wine place on the planet”, with its terrific range of native grape varieties and wines that always offer standout value. The rich, mouthfilling Lobo e Falcão fits firmly in that category. It’s made at a 17th century estate owned by the Lobo de Vasconcellos family, once the location of the king’s falconry. Special barrels of wine were kept for the king when he visited. Today, talented winemaker Joana Lopes makes this red specially for us, blending Syrah with Portugal’s exciting native grapes. Previously awarded a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Award, the 2018 has lovely intensity of flavour due to another low yield year. Generous wild berry fruit and spice with a velvet texture – a very moreish red.

Santa Cristina offers a red colour with purple highlights. The nose shows notes of ripe cherries, typical aromas both of Sangiovese and of Syrah well integrated with the balsamic sensation of mint which characterize merlot. Pleasurable sensations of vanilla and coffee complete the bouquet. The palate is soft and ample with a fruity finish and aftertaste. The grape varieties were fermented separately. After destemming and a soft pressing, the grapes were macerated on their skins for approximately one week in stainless steel tanks. During this phase, the wine finished its fermentation at a temperature held to a maximum of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees centigrade). The wine was then racked and terminated its malolactic fermentation by the end of the year. The wine aged for a few months in small oak barrels and began to be bottled in November of 2018. Antinori is a name synonymous with wine in Italy, the equivalent of the royal family of wine in the country. Intimately involved in the wine industry of Italy since 1385, initially in Tuscany, but in more recent years their influence has grown seeing them involved in wine-making projects across the country. They were instrumental in the renaissance of Chianti and their portfolio of wines includes some stellar names such as Tignanello - the Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc blend that was most influential in the Super Tuscan movement, Solaia - the Cabernet dominant blend also from the Tignanello Estate and the beautiful Peppoli Chianti Classico.

Portuga is made by Casa Santos Lima, a grand Portuguese estate in the Lisboa region, just north of the capitol. João Santos Lima founded it in the 19th century and it has been in the same family for three generations. Diogo Sepúlveda is the winemaker today. He has worked vintages all across the world, including Bordeaux's prestigious Pomerol and California's Napa Valley. He is a talented winemaker, who relaxes in his spare time by wrestling bulls (all muscle, no knives!). Portuga is a rich, velvety blend of traditional native varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, aged gently in oak. Delicious either served on its own, with rich pork dishes, or tangy tomato pasta. It's an ideal wine for a barbecue too or with mature hard cheeses.

Mencia is an up and coming grape variety due to it's versatility and approachability. This smooth and balanced expression displays notes of intense cherries, rasperries and flowers with fine tannins that makes it so approachable and well-rounded.

This wine is made from 100% Albariño grapes from a sub region called Condado del Tea, which is loacted in Rías Baixas in Spain's West coast. It is a fresh and elegant wine with notes of citrus, pear, white fruit, tied together with complex minerality and a long finish. A versatile wine that can be drunk with anything from Sushi to Pasta.