My ‘lighter’ red looks like it might be a Super-Tuscan given its name, and in a way it is, but in fact it is simply a renamed Chianti Riserva. Winemaker Rannucio Neri decided that it should wear the IGT Toscana badge in order to give him more freedom from the regulators’ often constricting wine rules. […]

Solid, reassuring, slightly perfumed and reminiscent of hay, soft saddles and strawberries with a frisky finish. Best decanted for 10 minutes. Serve it from a carafe and your friends will never guess how cheap it is. in on 25th November, 2017

At HH&C they like their wines fresh and clear-cut, so while this has the clovey pomander spice and broad, rich red fruit so typical of a St Émilion satellite merlot, there’s also a crisp edge and a bit of uplift. Very enjoyable drinking. in on 21st October, 2017

A simple but vivid claret, this is a new find for HH&C and “sometimes we taste hundreds of wines without finding anything under £10” says buyer Siobhan Gillespie. It’s based on merlot (70 per cent) with 10 per cent cabernet franc, which gives it a deliciously perfumed lift. in on 21st October, 2017

A rustic nose, with vibrant fruit, macerated black cherry, black olives, a hint of mocha and sweet spice. A little sparkle on the palate at first, but decant the bottle and this will dissipate, leaving bright cherry fruit, smooth tannins and vivid acidity. A very characterful wine, this will benefit from being opened a few […]

Cornas is of course made from syrah, which in the Rhône often tastes as if it has been seasoned with crushed black peppercorns. If it’s a good wine there ought also be a skein of mineral, and, if the wine is stil young or youngish, a dense, purplish-black lick of fruit. This Alain Verset Cornas […]

Ah, there it is on the nose, the tantalising, shiver-inducing fragrance of blood, iron, spice, violets and earth of a real Rhône syrah. Verset used to work in a factory and make wine as a hobby; now in his 60s, this tiny set-up is what he does full-time. Great wine. in on 24th June, 2017

2016 is a good year for Beaujolais: the wines combine ripeness and freshness. This one has edge and a graphite scent with a lovely burst of summer berries. Drink slightly chilled with tuna steak. in on 24th June, 2017

Viognier can be heavy and drowsily luxuriant with exotic peach and honeysuckle scent. This is a lighter incarnation, from one of the Languedoc’s flagship estates. Refreshing and uplifting. Love it. in on 24th June, 2017

Bright redberry fruit with a hint of violets spring from the glass. The palate delivers depth with firm tannins and is balanced by red and black fruit concentration and savoury notes on the finish. Still shy, it will shine even more in years to come. in in May, 2017

Made from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and boasting some mightily accurate Graves structure and poise, this is a full, spicy, vibrant wine with genuinely refreshing tannins and classic 2015 swagger. You can decant it and drink it now in order to realise its class but, ideally, I would exercise some […]