We used to think that Sofia Barbanera's regular Saracosa was intense. And then she upped the ante, with this lavish, luscious, silky smooth Saracosa Governo. A limited-edition luxury version of her already indulgent ‘Super Tuscan’, Governo uses an ancient Tuscan method of allowing a portion of the grapes to air dry for a period of time, dialling the flavour concentration way up. Italy’s top critic, Luca Maroni, has long been a fan of the Saracosa reds, and this one is no exception – he has rated both the 2016 and the 2017 vintagehere a stunning 98 points! English wine writer Oz Clarke is also smitten by Governo’s many charms, calling it “indulgent and exotic”. One taste and we think you’ll fall in love with it too.

The region of Cariñena is “home to some of the best value reds of Spain, if not the world” (Decanter) and this gorgeously intense, ripe fruit red is from one of the most awarded cellars there. High up and inland, the Cariñena region (confusingly it’s also the name of a grape!) enjoys a climate both Continental and Mediterranean. In lay terms, that means plenty of sunshine, but not too hot. Add in the grand age of the vines and the stony soils and it’s the perfect recipe for intensely flavoured, well balanced reds. Viña Altogrado in a nutshell. Made from old vine Garnacha grapes, this red is seriously long and brightly fruity – the ideal partner for traditional Spanish lamb dishes, grilled meats or tapas. A great choice for a barbecue, too.

If you’re looking for a lusciously rich red with warmth and depth, Double Gold Pillastro Primitivo is hard to beat. Our bestselling Italian red wine,is packed with deep, dark fruit, has a silky smoothness customers can’t get enough of – and it has an amazing track record of delighting show judges too – the past seven vintages winning at least a Gold, the last five ALL winning Double Gold! The wine comes from the Salento region in Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, where the prized local variety Primitivo thrives. It’s from Cantine Due Palme, a winery founded by local hero Angelo Maci. He started over 30 years ago by championing small, independent growers. Back then, he worked with just 15 – today, there are over 1,000. But it wasn’t just the growers Angelo helped save. He also preserved the ancient traditions and almost extinct grape varieties that make southern Italian wines so characterful and flavourful. Now in his 80s, he’s handed winemaking over to his grandson, Francesco Fortunato. And this latest vintage is tasting as good as ever. Francesco uses fruit from old vines, which produce fewer grapes but have far more concentration and intensity Think spiced plum, raspberry and a plush, velvety richness. The result is a gloriously smooth red that’s perfect with spicy tomato pasta, hearty stews or a cosy night in.

A Gold-winning, 92pt taste of one of Italy’s most characterful white grapes, Falanghina, best-known in the pricy whites of Campania. It also thrives in Sicily and in the abundant sunshine and sea breeze freshness of Puglia on Italy’s stiletto heel. Southern Italy’s Puglia region is well-known as a great source of authentic, rich reds that always represent good value. Less well-known are the characterful whites. This is one from the talented winemaker Leonardo Palumbo, whose family has a rule that you only put your name on the label of a wine you’re really delighted with. And he is! Traditionally fermented, this Falanghina shows classic notes of pear and apple, with hints of orange, wild herbs and blossom, with a pleasing roundness. Chill down and enjoy with seafood, salads or as an aperitivo.

Vintage after vintage, Barón de Barbón proves to be our bestselling Rioja. It’s a lot to do with the wine’s enticing berry aromas, silky texture and luscious flavour. The talent behind this contemporary, fruit driven red is the young and infectiously keen Javier Murúa. His father Julián owns Bodegas Muriel (a winery Julián’s parents established in 1926) in Rioja’s superior Alavesa. We have a fabulous working relationship with the family, ensuring our Buyer Beth goes in straight after vintage and gets first refusal on the finest vats. With its easy going, ripe red berry flavours and fragrant vanilla character, this supple Rioja is great to drink on its own or with simple suppers such as lamb chops, char-grilled vegetable kebabs or chicken.

Stretching along Italy’s Adriatic coast, the Abruzzo boasts pretty coastal coves and dramatic landscapes of soaring mountains, rolling verdant hills, deep valleys and ancient castles. It's a favourite spot for holidaying Italians, but is otherwise little known. Yet its extensive vineyards produce a range of deliciously accessible wines – creamy, plum-filled Montepulciano reds, citrusy Trebbianos and this fruity Pinot Grigio. This white addition to our Farinelli range provides excellent value, yet over the vintages it’s scored an amazing 93 points at the IWC competition and won four medals. Enjoy here a lovely balance of ripe peach and apple fruit with citrusy zip. It makes an ideal apéritif and goes well with lemon chicken and creamy pasta.