Chinon Rouge 2005, France

The Chinon vineyards are spread over 1850 hectares on both sides of the Vienne River, stretching towards the Loire. The land is clayey – flinty or gravel and sand which translates into a ruby red wine with a bouquet of red berries, violet, peony and bayleaf. The wines remain in the fermentation vat 6 to 12 days according to the vintage before being packaged into a traditional burgundy shaped bottle. It is well-balanced with soft tannins and idyllically paired with red meats like lamb kebabs.

Juan Gil Pedrera Jumilla Monastrell 2005, Spain

Spain is currently enjoying a major renaissance as regards recognition of its rightful place as a producer of great wines. This beauty hails from south east Spain just inland from the Mediterranean. Monastrell (in France it is called Mourvèdre) produces deeply extracted reds with a haunting perfume to lighten its 'meatiness'. This deeply coloured effort starts with enticing black cherry and mocha aromas. The intense palate features black cherries and other dark berry flavors with a bit of licorice and spice. A winner!

Falesco, Est! Est!! Est!!! Di Montefiascone 2005, Italy

The unusual name of this Italian easy-drinking white wine comes from Martin, the cupbearer of Bishop Johan Defugger in the year 1111AD who on entering the village of Montefiascone wrote 'Est! Est!! Est!!!' on the door of the inn (instead of the usual sign of 'Est!', meaning 'a good place to stay') as he thought the wines of the area were exceptionally good. It is a blend of 3 local grapes, 60% Trebbiano, 30% Malvasia, 10% Roscetto grown in the region of Lazio. This straw-coloured wine is fresh and structured due to its good acidity level. The nose has characteristics of fine aromas with floral and fruity hints. It is an excellent aperitif and a good complement to coastal cuisines.

Bouvet-Ladubay Brut Non Vintage, France

The Loire Valley is France’s largest wine region; its extraordinary terroir, gifted by low rainfall and a unique soil of tuffeau, is home to one of the world’s premium wines. A true delight, this sparkler produced by the 'Methode Traditionelle', will cheer any occasion, and will quickly make you forget the prices and disappointments that Champagne can offer. The mousse is a bright yellow in colour with green highlights; it has a dominant fruity bouquet and fine persistent bubbles with white flowery aromas of honeysuckle & acacia. On the palate it leaves a subtle floral taste and a brisk refreshing finish. Bravo!

Umberto Cesari Sangiovese Rubicone 2004 – Italy

Umberto Cesari started off by buying 20 hectares of land in 1965. It is now a proud owner of over 90 hectares, divided into four distinct vineyards. This is a family-owned vineyard on the borders of Tuscany with the Apenine Mountains pride themselves on producing low-yielding but high quality grapes that are carefully vinified to produce award-winning wines. Winner of the silver medal 2004 London International Wine & Spirits Competition, this is a noble wine with a beautiful, deep red colour. A dense pulp, a perfume of ripe red fruits, cherry and ripe berry overtones dominate over the nose. This wine has full structure with a spicy and persistent aftertaste. A Wine Society of India favourite!

Grovers Santé Chenin Blanc 2005, India

Bangalore has an ideal combination of rich, well-drained soil, warm sunny days, cool nights and temperate climate. In 1988, Grover Vineyards was established on 40 acres of land at the foot of the Nandi Hills where nine varieties that responded well to Indian conditions were planted on a major scale. Today, Grover Vineyards has over 200 acres under plantation. Unlike other wine makers in India today, Grover Vineyards exclusively uses only French wine grapes, selected from the original thirty-five varieties of the Vitis Vinifera species. The Chenin Blanc alias 'Sante', French for 'Cheers', is the perfect start to enjoy this fresh and lively white wine. Its strong floral aromas, freshness of lemon and apricot confirm the environment of a tropical climate. Its well-rounded and fruity taste with the residual sugar being just right, complement its crisp acidity.