This fabulously affordable bubbly from the Vouvray region of the Loire Valley in northwest France. It has both ripe apple fruit and toasty flavours that work best with seafood. Deliciously different and well worth a try.

The family behind DBR Lafite has been producing wine in Bordeaux since 1868. Their understanding of Bordeaux has been culminating over six generations, driven by the purpose of allowing wine lovers all over the world to be able to dive into the originality of the varied appellations and terroirs with confidence. DBR Lafite is also B-Corp certified, demonstrating their commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The wines of the Saga R range serve as the reference point of each appellation, with a focus on expressing the freshness and elegance that make Bordeaux great. The fruit for Saga R Bordeaux Blanc is sourced from east-facing limestone slopes in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, renowned for its crisp, lively dry white wines. The blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon is harvested in the cool of the night and fermented at low temperature in stainless steel to maintain freshness, acidity, and aromatics. Pale straw yellow in appearance with aromatics, floral notes of lilies and white flowers, and white peach, green pineapple and lychee. Round and balanced with excellent freshness and crispness on the finish. Brilliant on its own as an aperitif, or with fish, oysters, and white meats.

A very important estate in St-Émilion, Château Angélus was acquired by the de Boüard de Laforest family in 1924 and merged with the previously owned Château Mazerat. The apostrophe was dropped in 1989 and is now simply known as Angélus. The wines are characterised by a fabulous texture offered by the high component of Cabernet Franc with the plump softness added by the Merlot creating a wine of pleasing plushness.

Chateau Beychevelle is a 4th Growth producer known for wines of intensity, depth and brooding nature. The 2010 continues this line but with a suppleness born of the vintage. The estate is set in the very south of the St-Julien appellation and can be some of the more powerful, concentrated wines of the region. Wines spend around 18 months in about 50% new oak for distinction and character. Though having historical ties to aristocracy of France, the current owners of this fine estate are Grands Mill?simesde France. Expect youthful drinking in the next five years and cellar up to 20.

A 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, this is a classic Bordeaux dry white that combines tradition and modern winemaking in its winemaking. The grapes are hand-picked into small crates and the juice is pressed in an oxygen-free environment,using inert gas to retain the grapes' aromatic potential. Fermentation is in French oak barrels, of which half are new. Bright pale yellow hues, with citrus and honeydew aromas and a distinctive scent of orange, white peach, and a hint of lemon blossom. The palate is fruity and well balanced, fresh and crisp, with vibrant citrus flavors finishing with a mineral touch and a very fine hint of toasted hazelnut. Excellent length.

In the upper echelon of 2nd Growth estates, Chateau Cos D''Estournel is located in St-Estephe appelltion, on the fringe of Paulliac and notably just north of the famed Lafite vineyards. Tourists flock to the Medoc estate to see the unusual, Asian-inspired Chateau design, but the wines hold their own and rightfully are considered the finest within St-Estephe. Oak is set to around 80% new barrels while alcohol is a modest 14.5%; the blend in 2010 is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon with 19% Merlot and complimentary Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in tow. A wine for thirty or so years.

Second label of 5th growth producer Château Lynch Moussas this classic blend of Cabernet and Merlot has a distinctive cherry and blackberry palate enhanced by vanilla and cedar notes.