With its soft mouthfeel and distinct green apple fruit character, this latest addition to the Département range, Département 11 Blanquette de Limoux, is a benchmark example of the world’s original traditional method sparkling wine. What is a little different is that we decided upon a lower dosage, one of only three grams, which means that this wine exhibits an élan that is sometimes missed in overly sugared examples. A lower dosage also allows other aspects of the wine to emerge, that may otherwise be too shy to make themselves known. A sprinkling of sea salt appears to cling to the green apple, inducing the desire for some sweet clams or oysters with which to accompany. Whichever way you choose to consume our Blanquette; with food, friends or unaccompanied with nothing but a bowl of olives, we hope that you enjoy its breezy aspect as much as we do. Blend of 90% Mauzac, 5% Chenin Blanc and 5% Chardonnay.

Matthew Jukes: “It is simply thrilling quality and mind-boggling value for money… an unmissable treat. Kiwi winemaker Ben Glover and English Master of Wine Liam Steevenson have collaborated on a series of incredible wines under the SPOKE label. I tasted the range the other day; it is an absolute tour de force. If I were you, I would buy all of these SPOKE creations, including my featured bottle, and host a Marlborough masterclass with your friends. I have led this column with the inexpensive, estate-level wine because it is made with the same care and attention as the pricier models, with the elemental forces of the Awatere coursing through its veins.” Decanter: “If Sancerre or other Loire Sauvignons are more your style, give this great value wine a try. From Awatere Valley fruit, it exudes green melon, jalapeno and crunchy nectarine flavours and lip-smackingly zingy acidity. The barrel-fermented Resolute is also delicious.” 91 points. Jamie Goode: “This is bright and focused with a crisp grapefruit and lime character, as well as some pretty passionfruit notes in the background. There’s a hint of green here, too: delicate and fine, with some tomato leaf. Such purity and focus to this wine. Benchmark.” 92 points. James Suckling: "There are lemon undertones to the peachy and tropical nose. Medium-bodied with silky texture. Succinct and restrained with mineral notes accompanying the fresh tropical fruit. Vegan. Drink now. Screw cap." 91 points.

Matthew Jukes: "A spectacular, mineral-driven, laser-sighted wine that will make event he most revered Loire Valley specialist sit up and take note." James Suckling: "This has aromas of chalk, blanched almonds, white grapefruit, lemons and green apples. Hints of liquorice. Medium-bodied with phenolic tension. Structured, sharp and focused. Wild fermentation in old French barrels. Drink now or hold." 92 points. Jamie Goode: "Single-vineyard hand-picked Sauvignon, wild ferment in old barrels. This is a truly beautiful expression of Marlborough Sauvignon, tensile and complex with a spicy frill to the powerful citrus, apricot, passionfruit and fennel notes. There’s a beautiful acid line here, with crystalline citrus fruits dominating, and a long spicy finish. High acidity, but it doesn’t jar, such is the richness of the fruit here. This should age really well." 94 points.

Jamie Goode: "From Marlborough’s oldest organic vineyard. Co-fermented in old French oak. This is complex and lively, with some fennel and grapefruit, as well as a core of yellow fruits including apricot, peach and plum, as well as some persimmon notes. It combines freshness and fruity richness, with these lovely aniseed and fennel notes. Like top white Bordeaux with the volume knob turned up." 92 points. James Suckling: "Aromas of beeswax, pears, green apples and cooking spice. Medium-bodied with juicy texture. Bright. Apple and citrus wash over the palate. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. Screw cap." 91 points. Matthew Jukes: "Takes a well-known model in places like Graves and Margaret River and turns it into a graceful, beautifully upholstered, organically-grown Grand Vin with stellar presence and unrivalled finesse." Harpers Wine & Spirits: "The latest wine from Vineyard Productions - the Bristol based wine company founded by Liam Steevenson MW - is SPOKE a new sustainability focused range that puts a number of classic New Zealand varieties to the fore. The range also sees Steevenson team up with New Zealand winemaker Ben Glover, the man behind Zephyr wines and previously Wither Hills. Our pick, a highly approachable Sauvignon/Semillon blend that is made from the oldest organic vineyard in Marlborough, with others such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay all worth checking out, too."

This wine is wonderfully bright and vibrant with a spicy complexity from integrated French oak. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or pork, rare fillet steak, carpaccio, beef wellington. Dishes with morels and other wild mushrooms, such as risotto.

El Garbi is the Arab wind that blows through the vineyard and plays a vital role in ventilating the canopy. It brings warmth to the high-altitude sites, where the Garnacha Blanca grape ripens to perfection. This wine is textured and long on the palate, with flavours of toasted brioche, fennel and aniseed. It offers aromas of apricot, white stone fruits and complex spices. It is wonderfully versatile, pairs perfectly with a diverse range of food flavours and is particularly suited to richly spiced dishes. Try this wine with Moroccan tagine, tempura shrimp or roasted pork shoulder.

El Garbi is the Arab wind that blows through the vineyard and plays a vital role in ventilating the canopy and bringing warmth to the high-altitude sites. With aromas of ripe red fruits punctuated with subtle spicy notes from the oak, this wine is soft on the palate, juicy and very drinkable. It pairs well with red meats or served slightly chilled with chicken or veal.

An elegant Provence rosé from the finest sites in the region, with layers of fruit balanced by refreshing acidity. The palate has a soft roundness and a grippy, tight finish. On the nose, it is eager and intense with orange peel and red current aromas. Being southeast facing, the vineyard is directly influenced by the nearby Mediterranean Sea, the wine therefore offers a subtle character brought about by the sea air. It is delicious served as an aperitif or with Provençal style foods that are rich in flavours like olives, garlic and oily fish.

A well balanced, fresh wine that beautifully showcases the land where it was grown. The focus of this wine is fresh fruit and instant availability that is inspired by the rustic country kitchen of Southern France. Scents of herbs and dark, brooding hedgerow fruits are very well balanced. This wine is delicious on its own or served with charcuterie and cheese boards. It also pairs perfectly with white meats and game casseroles.

From 100 year-old Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre vines. A rich, opulent and fascinating wine with complex aromas of spice and clove. The palate is fleshy and mouth filling with attractive dark fruits, plum and cassis. Overall, it has impressive minerality and a fine structure that makes it very compelling to drink. It pairs perfectly with red meats or roasted game, casseroles and hard cheeses.