Domaine Bernard Defaix is a fourth-generation family estate with deep roots in the Chablis region. Their holdings in Montmains, one of the region's best-regarded Premier Cru sites, lie on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils and consistently produce wines of clarity and drive. The fruit is hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts. A portion of the wine is aged in older oak barrels, while the rest is aged in stainless steel, striking a balance between structure and freshness. Each vintage shows the signature Montmains profile: citrus peel, oyster shell, and green apple on the nose, followed by a palate that's taut, stony and long. There's no excess weight here, just a clear line from vineyard to glass. Bernard Defaix's Chablis has become a dependable name for those who seek Premier Cru quality without the complications. A wine to enjoy now or cellar for several years, particularly in stronger vintages. Serve it cool, alongside shellfish or roast chicken.

Portugal offers wine drinkers terrific value in the wine drinking stakes, as well as an awe inspiring range of native grapes. The country’s winemakers are also adept at producing some cracking wines with international stars. Take Aluado from one of Portugal’s top names. José Neiva Correia is a doyen of Portuguese wine with many awards to his name. Having consulted for many of the country’s top cellars, he now has his own estate, and combines generations of tradition with an inquisitive spirit undimmed by decades of experience. Using grapes from vineyards close to the coast, Aluado has lovely ripe peach fruit balanced by a zing of stony crispness. Just what you want, as a glass on its own, or served with seafood, salmon or chicken dishes.

Spain’s Navarra is full of surprises, producing styles from traditional and oaky to the most modern and fresh. Flor de San Martín is certainly in the latter camp, a brilliantly zippy fresh white made only from grapes grown in high altitude vineyards in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Little rain and these dizzy heights mean lovely intensity of crisp fruit and lifted herbal aromas – flavours that are unique to the region. This white will really get the taste buds tingling! It’s from winemaker Gonzalo Zelayeta, who works his magic at the modern San Martín de Unx winery, founded back in 1914. From hand-picked (impossible with machines) grapes and cool fermented, this is a refreshing glassful. Tops with seafood, salads and lighter dishes.

Don’t know Torrontés? This really is a white to try. Founded in 1963, Zuccardi is the most highly awarded winery in Argentina. It was originally set up to illustrate a new method of irrigation that founder Alberto Zuccardi had invented. Today it is run by the second and third generations – José Alberto Zuccardi, given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work, as well as the the ‘Legend Winemaker’ prize from Tim Atkin MW, while his son Sebastián, was named Decanter’s Top Winemaker of South America. “Zuccardi keeps going from strength to strength with their top-level wines” wrote Wine Advocate, while Tim Atkin MW declared, “The quality of the wines ... has never been better … great wines, not just of south America, but the world”. Finca Beltran Torrontés is crisp, aromatic, fresh, with citrus & minerality.

Tropical flavours of lychee, citrus and gooseberry, balanced with crisp acidity on a lingering finish.