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Lugana ‘i Frati’, Ca dei Frati

£23.95
The Dal Cero family has transformed their Ca' dei Frati property, situated on the southern shores of Lake Garda, into a model Italian estate over the past two decade, they remain the best producer in Lugana.The quality of the wines is attributable directly to Igino Dal Cero's obsession with detail. All their fruit is picked by hand and he ensures there is no skin contact as he wants to retain the delicate perfumes and enhance the supple texture of the whites.Made solely from the Turbiana variety (related to Verdicchio, it was formerly known as Trebbiano di Lugana and then Lugana), the wine has depth and zip that few wines from this area demonstrate.Perfect with grilled fish, light pasta dishes or antipasti.

Meandro Branco, Quinta do Vale Meao

£22.95

Vito, Xito and Luisa Olazabal represent the 5th and 6th generations to oversee the Douro’s most iconic estate. The huge meander in the Douro in which the estate sits provides the name for Vale Meao’s ‘second’ wine, but forget any ideas of compromise here: it’s a triumph in its own right. The 300 hectare property was purchased in 1877 unplanted, by the famous Dona Antonia Adelaide Ferreira - whose descendants now run Vale Meao - and was transformed by hundreds of workers into the 'chateau' and vineyards by 1894. Making some of Portugal's most outstanding reds is all very well but the family realised that when they wanted to drink white wine, they were having to buy from elsewhere; so they decided to make their own! Years of experience gave Xito the keen eye to spot some great vineyards of Arinto and Rabigato, just up the road from his Quinta. In the Meandro Branco we have unexpected freshness and class, for a lowland Douro white. The blend proportions change a little each year, with Rabigato being just dominant. The Rabigato brings a little body, riper fruits and floral elegance to Arinto’s fresh acidity, citrus and green fruit. Schist soils and a touch of lees bring textural minerality.

This drinks a little bit like really good Chablis but with a bit more zing. Delicious with fine fish dishes: dover sole grilled with a butter sauce...mmm

Southend Chardonnay, Newton Johnson

£19.95
This family farm was founded in the mid-1990s by Cape Wine Master, Dave Johnson and his wife, Felicity (Née Newton) and within the past twenty years has built a reputation for producing some of the Cape’s best Pinot Noir. Dave’s CWM thesis was on the variety. Right from the outset, Dave and Felicity’s offspring were involved and today it is very much Gordon, partnered by his wife, Nadia, who are responsible for the winemaking, with brother Bevan looking after the commercial side.Southend is a single vineyard that is owned and farmed by Newton Johnson's neighbours, the Pringle family. It is a notably cooler slope, a stone’s throw across the river from NJ, with less sunshine and consequently slower ripening. It produces wines with sparkling clarity, high-toned fruit flavours, compact structure, and vibrant acidity. They preserve these features by fermenting in larger format casks that often ferment slowly in to the winter.The oak is barely noticeable here, the wine is just fresh and juicy; such an elegant style of Chardonnay by one of the New World's best Chardonnay producers. If you know people who are adamant that they do not like Chardonnay, get them to taste this! A great all-rounder, suiting simple fish and shellfish dishes as well as salads and grilled vegetables.

Classic Riesling, Framingham

£18.95
Framingham are widely regarded a the top producer of Riesling in New Zealand. They make several different styles from very dry to very sweet. This ‘Classic’ Riesling is very much inspired by the great wines of the Mosel; a wine with a touch of sweetness but with crisp acidity and juicy citrus flavours perfectly balanced. This is sooo drinkable and refreshing and perfect with Thai food or any salads (especially on a sunny day in the garden…). Organic

Three Lions Chardonnay, Plantagenet

£15.50
Lovely Chardonnay from the great Plantagenet winery in the Great Sothern region of Western Australia. This sees no oak contact at all but is full of rich, juicy stone-fruit flavours. All the Plantagenet wines are extremely well-made with great balance. This is delicious!

Le Carillon de Vendome, Cave Co-op du Vendomois

£14.95
The Vendomois region is located along the banks of the river Loir (a tributary of the Loire proper) to the north of Touraine.This Co-operative makes great value wines and this Chenin Blanc is a great example. It comes from a single vineyard and has all the lovely Chenin qualities of food-friendliness and complexity.A great wine for fish pie or fish and chips!