Wine Spectator calls Portugal “the most exciting wine place on the planet”, with its terrific range of native grape varieties and wines that always offer standout value. The rich, mouthfilling Lobo e Falcão fits firmly in that category. It’s made at a 17th century estate owned by the Lobo de Vasconcellos family, once the location of the king’s falconry. Special barrels of wine were kept for the king when he visited. Today, talented winemaker Joana Lopes makes this red specially for us, blending Syrah with Portugal’s exciting native grapes. Previously awarded a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Award, the 2018 has lovely intensity of flavour due to another low yield year. Generous wild berry fruit and spice with a velvet texture – a very moreish red.

Pinotage defines the unique character of South African reds with its smoky berry character, while Shiraz adds a little more spicy oomph. In Grill House, Trophy winning Gerhard Swart has created a gorgeous, punchy rich red – but then he is known locally as ‘King of Pinotage’. As the name suggests, it's looking for a grill or barbecue (or 'braai' as the South Africans would say).

Portuga is made by Casa Santos Lima, a grand Portuguese estate in the Lisboa region, just north of the capitol. João Santos Lima founded it in the 19th century and it has been in the same family for three generations. Diogo Sepúlveda is the winemaker today. He has worked vintages all across the world, including Bordeaux's prestigious Pomerol and California's Napa Valley. He is a talented winemaker, who relaxes in his spare time by wrestling bulls (all muscle, no knives!). Portuga is a rich, velvety blend of traditional native varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, aged gently in oak. Delicious either served on its own, with rich pork dishes, or tangy tomato pasta. It's an ideal wine for a barbecue too or with mature hard cheeses.

What’s not to adore about Prosecco? All the sophisticated bubbles of Champagne, yet brighter, more fruity and so affordable. Il Papavero Prosecco is the latest addition to our ‘poppy’ range of wines, and already boasts an army of thirsty fans – it’s just so irresistible. But that should come as no surprise when you consider the heritage of winemaker Scipione Giuliani. This maestro was born in the very heart of the Prosecco region. A true local, he knows all the best winegrowers and went straight to the region's very finest vineyards (usually owned by long standing friends) to source the fruit for this fine fizz. Just one sip will transport you to a smart Venetian piazza. Great value, delicious taste – chill your bottle down and enjoy.

If you’re a long-standing customer who enjoys a drop of decent mature Bordeaux, chances are you’ve heard of Château Ramage La Batisse. If you haven’t, it’s a remarkable cru bourgeois from the Haut-Médoc that’s only a short stroll from First Growth Châteaux Lafite and Mouton Rothschild. Our Bordeaux Buyer Jean-Marc Sauboua has known the family for years and they always give him first refusal on their latest releases. Which is lucky for us – and you – because the family hoard their finest vintages for years, only parting with them when they’re ready to enjoy. This 2015 is supple and approachable now, but will develop over the next few years and maintain peak form for a few after that. Open an hour or two before serving with your Sunday roast.

Bleasdale is “one of the most historic wineries in Australia ... in 2015 celebrating 165 years of continuous winemaking by the direct descendants of the founding Potts family.” (Halliday). Among many major awards, they’ve won the Jimmy Watson Trophy and winemaker Paul Hotker, a “master blender”, was named Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year 2018. "Unfussed cabernet at its fragrant cassis-lifted best. Barely any oak gets in the way of its pure fruit expression, with classical regional chocolate notes more important in the overall sense of the palate. But every new sip starts with that cabernet aroma and finishes with its spicy tannins, and that's always a joy... 92pts... Great Value" (Tony Love, Halliday Wine Companion).