Wines for the Garden

The 2017 Petite Lune is everything we want from everyday claret, and more. Notes of blueberries and fresh plums on the nose, with loads of finesse to the tannins and a very long and savoury finish. This is far more complex, concentrated, and pure than the price would suggest. Go long: it won’t disappoint.

Crisp acidity and drive on the palate give way to fresh flowers and crunchy pears. There’s so much complexity here, with notes of acacia and peach supported by crushed rocks and a hint of white pepper. Brilliant, and so moreish and a truly remarkable Prosecco.

Michel Chapoutier is a towering talent in the Northern Rhône, producing some of France’s greatest wines. Quick to recognise the potential in this southern corner, his investment and dedication here make for a Roussillon red of excellent value. With notes of garrigue and fresh berries on the nose, a hint of tapenade, and focussed grippy tannins, this is a charming wine from Chapoutier.

A mix of 33% Cinsault from Darling and Stellenbosch, 30% Grenache, 21% Swartland Syrah and 16% Wellington Carignan , this is a fine yet powerful red, with so much energy and character. Named in honour of Franco’s dad, it’s a stunning tribute.

A slightly more generous example, exotic but without being over the top. Lovely saline quality to the fnish, structure is lacy but amazing length. Amazing structure and balance. Lovely depth. Cool and fresh and so much energy. Beautifully balanced. 58 grams/litre.

This is made from a high quality Beaujolais village parcel, but after the wine was rejected in 2012 for being ‘too pale’, Jean-Claude decided to change its classification to the much freer Vin de France, valuing the innate character of the wine over the AOC’s regulations. It remains one of the most interesting in his range. The palate is so light on its feet, with a lifted red berry energy. 100% whole bunch Gamay gives it a cool, bright structure with lacy tannins. No sulphur dioxide is added at all here. Equally well suited as a chilled aperitif red or a superb lighter style to finish an evening off: this is natural winemaking at its finest, least-faddy best.