From vines grown on volcanic soils of the hills around Clermont Ferrand, at altitudes of between 350 and 570 metres - technically a Loire wine, but geographically on the same latitude as the Northern Rhone and Bordeaux and not too dissimilar in style to a rather good Burgundy. The colour is pale ruby and the nose is pure Pinot - a heady mix of wild strawberry and cherry, damp earth, tobacco, orange, polished wood and exotic spices. Subtle hints of violets and white pepper add yet more interest. Although relatively light in body, it is big on flavour, with all of those red fruit, spice and earthy flavours coming through, supported by ample acidity and beautifully soft, ripe tannins. It really is a lovely wine, which bears comparison with many a decent Hautes-Cotes or even Village Burgundy - which at this price makes it a spectacular bargain. Indeed, it has been described by a rather well-known UK journalist and blogger as the best sub-£10 wine he has tasted all year. Absolutely delicious!

From vines grown on volcanic soils of the hills around Clermont Ferrand, at altitudes of between 350 and 570 metres - technically a Loire wine, but geographically on the same latitude as the Northern Rhone and Bordeaux. The colour is a pronounced ruby red, whilst the nose is also deep and expressive - a heady mix of cherries, soft citrus and herbs, with notes of iodine and smoke. The palate is deliciously rich and really quite concentrated, yet with a good deal of elegance - flavours of raspberries and cream give way to tangy cherry, gently peppery and spicy, with a nice touch of tannin and ample acidity. Much as its Pinot counterpart (above) is comparable to a decent red Burgundy, so this wine is more than a match for some pretty serious Cru Beaujolais - it really is that good.