Rioja Alavesa lies to the south of Basque country, not too far from the famous running of bulls at Pamplona and an easy drive from Bay of Biscay. Bodegas Solar Viejo are at the heart of Denominacio d'Origen Qualificada Rioja, very near the place where Celtic Iberians settled over three millenia ago. The area is full of history and folklore, gastronomy and good wine. The team at Bodegas Solar Viejo have maintained a strong relationship with local wine growers for generations, reserving the pick of crop for Crianza Temparanillo.

No other wine conjures up memories of dolca vita and builds an appetite for great Italian food like Chianti Raffia, Tuscany's proudest export and one of the world's most popular table wines. Crafted from Sangiovese grapes harvested off the scenic, undulating vineyards under the Florentine hills, Sensi Dalcampo is still made according to the time honoured traditions of local folklore. Piquant with pepperfruit and lithe cherry spice, full of fruit yet lip smackingly dry, its juicy bramble acidity serves Chianti up a bliss alongside red tomato sugo recipes and all hearty fare.

An ancient marque steeped in history, Segura Viudas began branding it's sparklings in the 1950s, limiting production for the enjoyment of an exclusive clientele, not releasing commercial quantities until 1969. The Penedes Denominaciones de Origen produces amazing methode champenoise, crafted from a mix of indigenous Spanish varietals which are unavailable anywhere else in the world.

The Segura Viudas wineworks at Penedes date back to the 11th century. An ancient watchtower of diverse architectural styles, Gothic, Visigothic and Romanesque, it was converted circa 13th century into a stately manor for the purpose of managing local agriculture and viticulture. At the end of the 19th century, the region became self aware of it's potential and applied Methode champenoise to the local grape varieties. Aria Brut Nature is a mature wine with heady mousse, beguilling aromas and satisfyingly, cleansing finish.

The D.O.C Orvieto was defined in 1971, it has since become one of the world's most popular Italian white wines and represents three quarters of the D.O.C. production in Umbria. The Orvieto Classico denomination is limited exclusively to the limestone cliffs on which the city of Orvieto is situated. The highly favourable terroirs and mesoclimes which distinguish Valley of the Paglia and the lower Tevere, are at the root of the natural endowments which have for centuries, yielded vintages of the freshest and most quenching white wines.

Founded in 1911, Maison Salon is the passionate creation of one man, a Champagne connoisseur enchanted, then seduced by the terroir of Le Mesnil. Eugene-Aime Salon, a singular personality and bon vivant, succeeded in formulating the Champagne of his desire, a pure Blanc de Blancs without peer. Unique in many ways, the single Cru Salon is the expression of a few choice blocks within an elite vineyard. Wine lovers know that drinking Champagne Salon is an exclusive privilege, a very personal journey of exquisite delight.

Like an uncut diamond, the Chardonnay grape lends its sparkle to the Ruinart wines. In the constant pursuit of perfection, the Ruinart House excels in the art of handling this very special grape variety. Made exclusively from a sophisticated and delicately balanced blend of 100% Premier Cru Chardonnay from different years, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is smooth and rounded on the palate. A balanced wine with a beautiful luminous pale gold colour, enhanced by the elegance of the clear bottle. A perfect summer aperitif champagne, delectable sipped by the pool or on a sunny terrace.

The Bisol family have been at the heart of Treviso viticulture since records were kept, their name appears on the earliest cartography, within the illustrious DOCG Superiore di Cartizze itself. A strictly delineated provenance, Ruggeri Quartese is sourced off vines planted to auspicious hillsides between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, such challenging terrains mean that everything must be done manually, plantings are all managed by hand, bunches are picked and sorted one at a time, achieving limited release Prosecco of the highest standard.

From an exclusive parcel of vine on the Dolomitic ridges of Treviso, in the prestigious precincts of upper Valdobbiadene hills, salubrious terroirs which are so similar to the calcerous limestone slopes of Côté champagne. The vineyards here are classified as Superiore, the husbandry and harvest are all done by hand, yields are minimal but these are the finest sparkling wines in the world. Prosecco Superiore are marked by their excellence and finesse, Giustino B is defined by its vivid fruit, extra dry on the palate, in true adults only styling.

Welcome to premier grand cru of Prosecco, the hill of Cartizze is a single elite site, a mere square kilometre of the most expensive viticulture in all Italy. Many of its most precious vines are planted to steep terroirs, inhospitable inclines which challenge the growers to set aside for late picking. An intense and memorable experience of Prosecco, essentially fruity and fine, its measured elegance and exquisite finesse are complexed by the luxury of marzipan and evolved almond notes, fresh florals and applejack, blossoms and toothy anise toasts.

The Ruggeri wineworks remain family owned and operated, a tradition which predates the nineteenth century, the estate cellars were established somewhat later in 1950, essentially for the production of superior quality Prosecco wines. Glera is the grape of choice, a tradition which dates back millennia, it makes astonishingly satisfying effervescents of seamlessness and style. Ruggeri make Prosecco and little else, particularly for palates of discerning taste, elegant, flowery and intense, the frizzante of choice alongside white meats and refined Al fresco fare.