The first whiff of this restrained Sauvignon Blanc indicates a departure from the hugely aromatic styles of Marlborough. It has a delicate floral nose with an inkling of Indian spice while the fruit is more stone-fruit than tropical. The palate is elegant, texturally soft with a mouthfeel of freshness and breadth. The cool climate of the Loire produces wines with distinctive freshness, a lean acidity and a spicy or steely spine.

This is the emblematic vine of Jura. In Jura, Savignin is mostly used to produce vin jaune, an oxydative wine which has made Jura famous. Domaine du Pélican produces a non-oxydative cuvée (topped up during elevage in the barrel to avoid oxydation, hence called "Savagnin Ouille"). The Savagnin vine belongs to the Traminer family. Since its birth in Montigny-lès-Arsures in 2012, Domaine du Pélican has rapidly established itself as one of Juras leading lights, producing exceptional biodynamic wines that mix finesse with thrilling Jurassien character. The project was born in Taillevent Paris where Guillaume dAngerville, proprietor of the great Volnay estate Marquis dAngerville, was served blind a bottle of Jura Chardonnay from the 2005 vintage. Struck by its quality, Guillaume was taken a back to discover the wine was not from Meursault, let alone anywhere in the Côte dOr. This moment proved the trigger for an exciting new project. Several Jura visits and tastings later and Guillaume was convinced to buy land there. He sought the help of respected Jura geologist Yves Hérody to find the best vineyard sites, a journey which took three years and culminated in a deal with the Château de Chavannes in Montigny-lès-Arsures in 2012 to purchase and lease five hectares. Jean-Marc Brignot sold him another five hectares shortly afterwards and finally in 2014 five hectares were leased from retiring Jura legend Jacques Puffeney. The estate is managed by Guillaumes Volnay Régisseur and partner in Domaine du Pélican, François Duvivier, who runs a team permanently based in the Jura. The vines are between Arbois and Montigny. Vitally all 15 hectares are within 2km of each other, the same as in Volnay, this allows the estate to grow the vineyards bio-dynamically for which some of the necessary treatments need to be made within two hours of preparation. The plots are among Juras finest, the very best being En Barbi and Grand Curoulet. The terroirs here, a mix of marly clay and gravels with varying exposures from north to south, are even more complex than in Burgundy. Whilst a broadly Burgundian approach is employed to wine-making, there is no doubting the individuality and Jurassien personality of the wines. The dAngerville approach in the cellar has always been light-touch, one which is toned down even more for Domaine du Pélican, little new oak is used and élévage is shorter, lasting twelve months as opposed to eighteen in Volnay. Tanks and foudres are employed for ageing the reds, 500 litre casks for the Savagnin and traditional Burgundian barriques for the Chardonnay. The whites are both topped up as opposed to the more common oxidative Jura method. The rigour and investment of the Marquis dAngerville, local know-how and great terroir is proving a potent combination, for these are some of the most Juras most exciting and complex wines.

LArtisan Sauvignon Blanc is a delicious fruit-driven wine with expressive tropical fruit, limes citrus aromas, ample tropical fruit, lemon curd flavours, supple textures and juicy acidity. The grapes are grown in the undulating landscape of the Languedoc Roussillon region. Warm sunny growing conditions are moderated by cooler nights. The fresh Tramontone breeze which blows in a south-easterly direction, carries dry cold air from the Atlantic Ocean across the vineyards and acts like an air conditioner in the Summer heat. Minimal-intervention and organic principles are employed in the vineyards and cool fermentation techniques promote varietal aromatics, suppleness and clarity of fruit. Jean Claude Mas has created a modern style that brings the latest in technology but also reflects the artisanal nature of viticulture and wine making. The brand motif harks back to childhood times when Jean Claude Mas took out his mothers moped into the vineyards and forest tracks around his home. LArtisan Sauvignon Blanc is a great stand-alone aperitif wine, or pair with summer salads, grilled chicken, bouillabaisse, BBQ prawns and grilled white fish.

This Paul Mas Chardonnay has plenty going for it! Nectarine, melon and minerally aromas are followed by a long, textured palate with stonefruit flavours and fresh acidity. Great value.

The Mader domaine is a very small quantity, high quality wine producer based in the picture postcard village of Hunawihr in the middle of vineyards on the Route des Vins. A fine dry Riesling with texture and depth. Intense floral citrus and lime aromas with mineral backing and wonderful acid backbone.

Light with refreshing acidity, Paul Mas Sauvignon Blanc is different to the fruit ripe New Zealand style Sauvignon, which is packed with passionfruit. In place are gooseberry and lifted white floral notes aroma on the nose. Great steeling mineral on the palate. A fantastic example from the region.

This Pinot gris by Hugel et Fils is rich and rounded, although still dry, it is ideal with terrines, white meats and fish in sauce. Of all the Alsace varieties, Tokay Pinot Gris has the greatest ageing potential.

Dopff is a traditional Alsacian producer of quality table and sparkling wines. This fine stylish Riesling is delicately perfumed with both honeysuckle and citrus aromas. A tight palate follows with just the right amount of sweetness to give a textured mouthfeel with green apple and lime flavours. The finish is crisp, clean and racing. A bargain Riesling for those new to the variety and a steal for those who already know the beguiling beauty Riesling is.

Produced from old hillside vineyards in the Herault valley in the south of France, this polished blend from Paul Mas is smoothly textured on the palate with dark berry and sweet spice flavours. Outstanding value.