Spain’s Navarra is full of surprises, producing styles from traditional and oaky to the most modern and fresh. Flor de San Martín is certainly in the latter camp, a brilliantly zippy fresh white made only from grapes grown in high altitude vineyards in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Little rain and these dizzy heights mean lovely intensity of crisp fruit and lifted herbal aromas – flavours that are unique to the region. This white will really get the taste buds tingling! It’s from winemaker Gonzalo Zelayeta, who works his magic at the modern San Martín de Unx winery, founded back in 1914. From hand-picked (impossible with machines) grapes and cool fermented, this is a refreshing glassful. Tops with seafood, salads and lighter dishes.

A wine that highlights the bold yet elegant nature of Rioja Tempranillo, Conde de Tresaguas was recently awarded the Gold Medal at the Gilber & Gaillard International Competition. Aromas of ripe blackberries and dark cherries, along with notes of fresh tobacco, vanilla, and cedary oak. With a velvety mouthfeel framing lavours of juicy plum, blackcurrant, and a touch of mocha, this is a fruit-filled, balanced Rioja with a long and satisfying after-taste, offering outstanding value.

Garnet red in colour, the bouquet is intense and persistent, fruity with a winery note. Flavour: wood, medium body, good tannins, balanced and ready to drink. Excellent with all the typical courses of Italian traditional cooking.

Saracosa is inspired by the ‘Super Tuscans’ – a style first developed in the 1970s. These wines kickstarted the region’s renaissance and became some of the most exclusive and expensive in the world. Saracosa is from the Barbanera family estate, where half the vineyards are in the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, and the remainder just beyond. In the 5-Star 2017 vintage Saracosa’s old vines delivered exceptional concentration. Dense, dark cherry and chocolatey tones make this a serious choice for pasta with pork ragù or bistecca alla fiorentina (steak with cannellini beans in tomato sauce).

Red ripe cherry color with violaceous hues. Intense on the nose, typical aromas of the Tinto Fino can be perceived, such as mature black fruits, blackberry and currant. The subtle oak notes appear in the background. On the mouth its intense with lively tannins, but mature enough to leave a gentle and mellow sensation on the mouth. This wine is balanced and has a persistent acidity.

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.

From the region of Castilla in central Spain, this 100% Tempranillo is bright cherry red in appearance with purple hues, showing its youthful character. Fresh and lively, with aromas of red fruits, violets, and subtle tobacco notes. A fresh and easy drinking Tempranillo of outstanding value.

Nero di Troia is named after the city of Troia in northern Puglia, which Greek hero Diomedes is said to have founded after helping to defeat the city of Troy with the famed Trojan Horse. There, outside the city walls, he planted vine cuttings, which flourished and were named Nero after their dark skin grapes and the deep coloured wine they produced. Rich, warming, full-bodied Corsiero is rich and velvety with intense black fruit and spice flavours … just perfect served with full-flavoured pasta and rich meat dishes.

Not only has this family estate won 60 Golds in a decade, but also 'Best Wine in the World'. That was for their 2005 Shiraz in 2008! The secret to this weighty, spice packed red is the sandy soils, which hold little rain for the vines, plus the unrelenting hot sun. The result is a modest yield of small berries crammed with juicy flavour. With this style of wine, award winning winemaker Jaime Quendera is now forging a reputation for Setúbal's rich, bold reds. Mostly Shiraz along with a splash of local variety Alicante, Jaime finished the wine in expensive oak barrels to add a gorgeous spicy vanilla lift to the blueberry, blackberry and peppery fruit. A fine treat to serve with spicy chorizo sausages, a hearty stew or the Sunday roast.