Stockist/Retailer: Aitken Wines

(2026) It's a Primitivo from Puglia, and it is appassimento, made from partially dried grapes. In itself that's not too unusual, but this is not only certified organic, it uses an ancient technique called Giro del Picciolo to dry the grapes: rather than harvest them and dry on mats, the stems of each bunch are twisted, cutting off flow of water and nutrients from the vine to the bunch, which over 12 days or so naturally concentrate as up to 40% of water volume is lost. It is also aged six months in American oak, for a smooth, bountiful red that is crammed with cherry and liquorice and as supple, full-bodied and flavourful as you like. Lots of independent stockists have this at £13.50 - £15.00, so use the wine-searcher link below or watch the video for more stockists and information.

(2026) From the Menfi DOC, Mandrarossa describe this wine poetically as "produced from the sea breezes," coming from clay and limestone soils stretched along south and south-west facing hills. Do not come here looking for Kiwi-style Sauvignon fireworks. Instead the nose has a mineral and citrus intensity, just hints of a more exotic kumquat and fragrant peach in the background. The palate is crystal-clear, and there is restraint again, with a light body and fresh, clean fruit character, not a lot of weight here, but that sea breeze, ozoney freshness is apparent. Price and stockist quoted at time of review are for a previous vintage.

(2022) Very nicely pitched, succulent Chardonnay with a sheen of almondy oak and juicy pear and apple, a hint of lime. In the mouth there's plenty of inherent sweetness to the fruit that is broad and mouth-filling, but it is tangy too, shap apple and citrus adding refreshing clarity, the lightly toasty nougat-like oak sitting nicely in the picture. Stylish.

(2022) From Jumilla in southeast Spain, a delightfully vibrant Monastrell, or Mourvèdre, unoaked and celebrating bursting red and black berry fruitines. There's a floral aspect on the nose, very violet-tinged, as well as a slightly dusty but ripe cherry fruit. In the mouth, bags of punch and flavour, but it's a smooth devil this, creamy-textured and with very rounded tannins, a good level of acidity giving the needed freshness. A pasta and chilli-basher for sure, but watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas. Use the wine-searcher link to find other stockists.

(2022) Three months in French and American oak barrels for this Roble young wine. Deep, intense and plummy fruit, a twist of liquorice and some meatiness here, a darker-hued interpretation of Tempranillo. There's a dark, vinous quality to this, plummy, dark and firm fruit and tannins. There is good juiciness though, and spices, with a more extracted feel and firmer tannins than the Glorioiso Rioja for example.

(2022) After years of research via PICA, vineyards planted at higher than 600 metres - much higher than PG would normally be planted, maturing three weeks later and changing the profile of the wine with its mountain profile. There is also a very strict selection of grapes, each vineyard fermented separately in stainless steel, before final blending. Peaches and orange peel sum this wine up, along with a dash of mineral salts. Great intensity, juiciness, but a shimmering clarity to the acidity.

(2021) This is 100% Tempranillo, matured in American oak barrels, for 20 months. It spends a further 12 months in bottle before release. Rich, ripe and spicy, some violet lift and a touch of game in the background, but very attractive. The palate has a distinct saltiness on the finish - really quite noticeable - with a powerful and concentrated finish, ripe and bold fruit, creamy tannins and smoky barrel components.

(2015) Aitken Wines of Dundee (and on the web) currently have a good price on this Fairtrade Carmenere from Torres in Chile. There's a keen, almost Rhône-like note of pepper and schist at first, certainly a touch of greenness about this, but I like the lively cherry and blackberry fruit that comes through. In the mouth it has a richness and chocolaty weight, beefed up with its 14% alcohol, but it does retain good freshness, a keen edge from that herbal and cherry-skin character, with a nicely roughening rasp of tannin too.