This is pure and bright, and has plenty of red florals and fruits, both on the nose and on the palate. There are lively tannins too. A little detour is always worth it when you’re cruising around France in a Renault Twizy.

Petit Detours Pinot Noir 2023

Pertois-Moriset L'Assemblage Brut NV

From the north end of Burgundy – just east of Chablis. Pear drop and a good line of clarity. The French called it Aligoté but we just call it the perfect sunny-day wine. This has Meyer lemon, nectarine and texture too, with seashell. Seems made for oysters.

Christine, Elodie and Patrick Chalmeau Aligote 2022

Gigondas is a slice of winey heaven 90 minutes north of Marseilles in the Southern Rhône where the Grenache is bold, rich and elegant. Santa Duc takes Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault from various places in the sub-region to shape a wine that simultaneously speaks to the area, and the Domaine’s interpretation.

Santa Duc Gigondas Aux Lieux Dits 2021

That’s another way of saying value and alluding to the fact that the profile is luscious, round and full of ripe lemon zest, florals and the minerally backbone we’re all searching for. Séguinot-Bordet was founded in 1590.

Seguinot Bordet Petit Chablis 2023

Has all the bold flavours but serves them up in an elegant profile that tastes like smoked meats, spices, stony minerals and olive tapenade that unfurl in gentle layers.

Natacha Chave Crozes Hermitage 2022

A bottle to celebrate with, gift, or make the most of a night/day with! Deliciously open and creamy with white flowers, honey blossom and a pinch of salinity. This is punching above its weight so look out Champagne, here comes another breathtaking Crémant!

Domaine des Huards Initia Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV

Domaine de la Pinte Cuvee d Automne Savagnin Chardonnay NV

Vivid floral and gently sweet fruit. This is incredibly pretty and an almost lacy-like texture that’s brimming red currants and sweet, lifted spices. Straddles both engagement and digestibility in equal parts to deliver something truly impressive.

Petit Perou Morgon Les Dryades Beujolais 2023

Billaud Simon Chablis Tete d’Or 2022

Orange essence and delicate, falling strawberries that seem dipped in Campari. It’s a dreamy rosé that we absolutely love for all those flavours because they’re so elemental, easy and enjoyable, and yet deliciously complex.

Maurice Grumier Coeur de Rose Champagne Rose NV

From the northern tip of Southern Rhône. Has a bright tension, but also some soily notes and a handful of black fruits. Expect some saline-laced acidity and loving every drop!

Domaine la Guicharde Cotes Du Rhone Pur Rouge 2022

Red cherries and pure fruits wash down with spicy oak notes. It’s a cool entry point into Red Burgundy and a pretty affordable one that’s full of great value.

Michel Sarrazin Bourgogne Rouge 2023

Tastes of tropical fruits, rich yellow flowers and a delicate slice of grilled pineapple. Very approachable style, get ready to love Chenin Blanc.

Le Pas Saint Martin La Pierre Frite Saumur Blanc 2022

Domaine Jolly et Fils Chablis 2023

We love the brilliant floral register here that’s kept tight thanks to a taut but sturdy backbone of acidity. The finish is chalky, and there’s also some salinity to dial up the appeal in a crispy, lovely way.

Allouchery Deguerne Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV

A great bottle for gifting because everyone’s going to adore this Champagne. If you’re bringing the bubbles, get them to pick up some soft, delicate cheeses, like Brillat-Savarin or Brie.

Alloucherry Deguerne Selection Brut Champagne NV

Pair with a fancier cut of meat to make the most of this wine. Just thinking about that juicy pairing and all the plush red plum and oak sweetness is making me salivate.

Les Courtilles Cotes du Rhone 2023

Plush, open and satisfying. It’s a generous French Pinot, full of violets and wild plums coupled with a lush layer tannins. Fruit is from some of the Domaine’s oldest vines in Mercurey–at the southern tip of Burgundy.

Domaine Charton Derriere Sazenay Bourgogne Rouge Pinot Noir 2022

Of course, it still drinks clean thanks to a persistent note of minerally rock salt and a lovely core of citrus and chalky pith.