Top Reds for Summer

Winemaker Enrico Mercato has crafted this sumptuous lightly oak aged wine which is soft and full of rich black fruit flavours with a hint of spices and a lovely finish.

A silky Merlot blend from the Côtes de Castillon to deliciously demonstrate just how good - and ageworthy - the wines of Bordeaux's more affordable regions have become.

Domaine les Grands Bois was recommended to us as the best local grower by the owner of the best bistro in Cairanne, itself the best of the 21 Cotes-du-Rhone villages.

This pinot noir / gamay made by the Devillard family of Chateau de Chamirey in Mercurey is the house red burgundy of Alain Ducasse’s great left bank bistrot Chez Allard.

"... it's made from 100 per cent Gamay drawn from four specific vineyard sites that surround the family's 18th-century château. The wine spent a few months in old oak..."

The Gran Reserva red from Altos, invariably 8-10 years old, has long been a favourite of ours and of many of our customers, and at this price, astonishingly great value.

Made from low-yielding Grenache vines averaging over 70 years of age for a delicious example of how good modern Spanish winemaking gets.

A sumptuous blend of Sangiovese and Merlot from one of Chianti's most ancient estates, representing over 5 centuries of Siennese winemaking. Loves grilled red meats, game, mature cheeses.

An outstanding Cru Bourgeois from one of Bordeaux's all-time greatest vintages that is now at its drinking peak for just under £20 a bottle. An unmissable opportunity.

Gigondas is the greatest of the smaller appellations in the southern Rhône and Christian Meffre of Château Raspail makes one of its best wines.