We have offered this exemplary wine for over two decades and the multitude of awards over the years – and the 5-Star reviews – speak volumes. It is our bestselling sparkler by a mile. Roche Lacour winemaker Viviane Gianesini works her magic beneath the cool hills of Limoux. Here, the monks of Saint Hilaire are said to have mastered sparkling wine methods in 1531, centuries ahead of Dom Pérignon. Bottles back then were fragile and didn’t travel, so their success remained a secret. The cuvée is rich in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – like Champagne – and nearly half the wine is oak fermented – just like Krug! It’s an expensive technique (so rarely practised) yet important for depth and complexity. Enjoy on its own or with deserving canapés.

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Courageous. That’s the motto of Kings’ Creed in South Australia’s beautiful Adelaide Hills district. Their aim is to “craft small batch wines of quality with bold character.” The wines are made by the legendary Ben Riggs, so that’s a creed that will be easy to live up to. Their gorgeous Chardonnay certainly shows lots of lavish fruit on a cool, crisp palate. Medium-weight in structure, you’ll find refreshing apple, stone fruit and citrus flavours. The fruit was whole bunch pressed and fermented in old French oak barrels. Left on lees for six months. Perfect for lunch with poached chicken and a Waldorf salad.

As you can imagine, the folk who live on Strout Road have heard a lot of trout jokes. If you can’t beat them, join them, say the Strout Rd Vintners – which is why there’s a trout on the label. They may only be a small outfit, but they’re certainly making a big splash with their luscious, mouthfilling wines, like this beautifully balanced Chardonnay which takes its fruit from vineyards in McLaren Vale. It would be a wonderful accompaniment to a delicious salad of smoked trout, but will also match just about match any long lunch fare you can think of beautifully.

Refresh yourself with this very attractive 93pt Adelaide Hills Chardonnay from the dynamic team at Zonte’s Footstep. “It's splendidly fruited with complexity, showing ripe peach, rockmelon, roasted hazelnut, and brioche characters. The palate is equally appealing with succulent fruit flavours with a creamy mouthfeel, beautifully structured by bright acidity, offering excellent drinking.” 93pts (Wine Orbit)