Blaye, on the Right Bank of the Gironde, offers outstanding claret at affordable prices. This is thanks to a growing number of producers determined to match the standards of Saint-Emilion nearby. Les Grands Maréchaux has been on top form since new owners, Christopher Reboul Salze and Etienne Barre, bought it in 1997. They introduced the legendary Stéphane Derenoncourt as consultant (he has worked at many top Saint-Emilion estates, including La Mondotte, Canon La Gaffelière and Pavie Macquin). A fine Merlot-rich claret that always offers exceptional value and here with a decade of age. Stand the bottle upright to allow any sediment to drop to the bottom. Then pour carefully. Enjoy with simple game, roast chicken or mushroom goulash.

Bordeaux has been blessed in recent years with a run of terrific vintages. Here, we present a charming petit château Bordeaux from a small estate, close to the Garonne, in the south of the Entre-Deux-Mers. At 100 metres altitude and planted on sand, clay and silt soils, its vines – Merlot, plus Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon – thrive and have produced this most attractive claret. Already appealing, the wine is still young, so it's best opened early and decanted. A fine, well structured and well-balanced red to serve with classic red meat dishes, a rich veggie casserole or cheese.

A luscious Gold-medal Merlot from the great John Quarisa. It's smooth and complex, with velvety black forest fruits and a juicy plummy note. The palate is silky and lovely. It’s a brilliant partner to pan-fried lamb cutlets. John Quarisa’s lovely Caravan Petite Sirah has become a cult-classic with our customers. But will his velvety Merlot knock the Petite Sirah off its perch?