Between Rhône and Provence, Ventoux takes its name from the imposing mountain which forms the backdrop to its ancient vineyards. Its footslopes provide ideal terroir for growing exceptional quality grapes, a fact first recognised by the Perrin family over 40 years ago when they discovered this sandy (safres) plot. As the Ventoux name implies, it's a windy region and, coupled with the height of vineyards, the area’s red wines have “a kind of mountain coolness and freshness” (Andrew Jefford). This is a terrific wine from the 5th-generation Perrin family, the leading organic producer of the southern Rhône. Using a classic blend of grapes, it's a vibrant red with scents of herbal fruit and tobacco. Ideal with lamb kebabs or roast squash pilaf.

In 1911, great grandfather of the current owner forsook his birthplace of Burgundy and headed south to the Rhône valley. There he bought his first vineyard. Today, Laurent Guillot is in charge, working the family plots both in Burgundy and the southern Rhône. For this voluptuous Villages red, he combined two parcels of premium quality grapes from some of their oldest vines. The Grenache is from between Orange and Avignon, close to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the soils of which produce a powerful, full-bodied style. The Syrah is from clay-limestone soils on the Rhône’s right bank, lending a silky, fresh-fruit note. Add in the quality of the vintage and this red is rich, dark and intense. A great wine to serve with roast lamb or a rich casserole.

The southern Rhône’s cru villages deliver remarkable richness as well as value – all nine of them well worth discovering. One of the best is Vacqueyras, the village watched over by the towering Dentelles de Montmirail (google and you'll find some impressive images of these iconic rugged landmarks) . Cuvée Préstigieux is from the Guillot family. In 1911, great grandfather of the current owner forsook his birthplace of Burgundy and headed south to the Rhône valley. There he bought his first vineyard. Today, Laurent Guillot is in charge, working the family plots both in Burgundy and the southern Rhône. This Cuvée Préstigieux is a full-bodied style with ripe raspberry fruit from the Grenache, while the Syrah brings herbal aromas and blackberry and a touch of Mourvèdre adds spice. Ace with roast lamb or a rich casserole.

Grenache is enjoying a well-deserved moment, with a new generation of talented Aussie winemakers delivering deliciously fresh, approachable wines. This McLaren Vale Grenache is a superb example, from the exciting small-batch project Marsc Wine Co. Bringing acclaimed winemakers and prestige vineyards together covertly under a ‘masked’ label, they’re able to deliver great quality wines for brilliantly low prices. We can’t reveal who made this Grenache, but we can say that they have picked up some of Australia’s highest winemaking honours – namely, TWO Bushing Kings and a Jimmy Watson.

For years the Tscharke family has tended their premium Barossa vineyards to supply grapes to famous Penfolds. Today, however, Damien Tscharke is keen to keep the best grapes and make a wine of his own. Tscharke are leading the way with organic wines that reflect the terroir and the personality of the fruit, in this case grenache from the Marananga sub region. This is a deliciously versatile, luscious Barossa Grenache with just a dash of Mourvèdre (aka Mataro) for complexity and freshness. Some lees fermentation added some texture and body. It's super-refreshing and too versatile to bring to mind an ideal food pairing, you just can't go wrong!

This new exclusive red from Ponting Wines displays the passion for quality of Aussie legend Ricky Ponting, the skill of winemaker Ben Riggs, and the quality and value of Langhorne Creek. Howzat for a fine all-round package! One of the world’s best ever batsmen and captains, a respected coach, commentator, – and recipient of the Order of Australia, Ricky has always pursued excellence in both sport and philanthropic endeavours. There’s no gimmick to Ponting Wines. Ricky and Rianna were united in their love of wine, and “... are into every detail, working closely with Ben on the wine styles..” With over 100 trophies including McLaren Vale’s “Bushing King” and the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge (both won twice), Ben is well aware of this legacy of excellence: “I’ll never make anything less than a high-quality wine with the Ponting name on it....” Del Monte – named after the picturesque accommodation Ricky shared with the likes of Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist while at the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide – displays this commitment to quality perfectly. Del Monte Shiraz Grenache 2021 is a stunner. From first sniff to its long satisfying finish, it’s hugely appealing, with fresh plummy Shiraz and raspberry-edged Grenache shot through with attractive spice and approachable tannins.