France

Burgundy, France. Veuve Ambal specialises in sparkling wine from the Burgundy region in France, but they can't call it Champagne. This one is made the same way as Champagne, but from a blend of white grapes, including chardonnay. It's quite fine and delicate in style, with aromas of citrus and honeysuckle...

Bordeaux, France.  Perfumed dried herb, almost like lavender, red fruits, earthiness. Medium bodied showing attractive balanced acid and light chewy grip with some stony/graphite like character and a clean finish. Not very long, admittedly, but satisfactory. Typical style, good vintage and a thoroughly enjoyable drink. Pretty much spot on at the price point.

Northern Rhone, France.  The grapes are 100% destemmed. After a few days of cold maceration, fermentation starts naturally. The tanks are pumped over morning and evening with carbon dioxide saturation. Vinification lasts 3 weeks. The wine is matured 3 months in tank and 9 months in barrel...

Northern Rhone, France.   Beautifully fleshy and juicy, showing red fruit flavours accompanied by spicy notes and a hint of savoury black olive...