Christina Haukka

In a world teeming full of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine re-sparked my interest of the Cabernet, reminding me why we all love it so much. A true Napa classic. A big red, meditative and intense- if you have the patience to cellar this wine you will be in for a real treat in a future date. Also ready to drink now, it has all the potential for drinking or keeping.

For lovers of a big, soft, bold wine, this is it! Stilio is named in reference to the Puglian stiletto dance. The stilio is a dance the grape harvesters do if bitten by the semi-poisonous spider that lives in the vines. Not a fatal bite, but the fastest way to get the poison out is to dance it out! Travellers have often wondered why half the harvesters are working, and the other half dancing in the vines

I love my Bordeaux, and can admit to being a left bank leaner. With Saint Émilion wines we are spoiled for choice, and among all the great wines this one is my go to Saint Émilion. A very balanced Bordeaux. Bold but with smoother tannins than most. I use this wine in the restaurant and even the Bordeaux sceptical discover the elegance of quality Bordeaux. Can be served with everything!

Pascal started his independent Champagne making in 2004, making Pascal Doquet a fairly "young" growers Champagne venture. This is truly a hands on Champagne, with less than 9ha of vines, this vigneron is a rising star and must try for anyone into growers Champagne. This cuvée is clean and creamy, a terroir driven star of the Côte des Blancs.

Kabinett wine is what you want when you like a wine to be fresh and fruity, but not bone dry. The little touch of sweetness makes this wine so versatile. Of all the Riesling styles out there, the kabinett is the one that suits any occasion. With this wine you get an extra high quality, with the plot being a Grosse Lage. Riesling is fast to take the signature of the soil. Here is some of the best.

When you are familiar with and searching for the specific "Jura wine" profile, you also hope to find it in the crémants, which is not always the case. In this wine you get the nutty, rich and deep flavours of Jura wines, but with the crisp and true style of a high quality sparkling wine. Pignier as a producer is a must try for all Jura wine fans, and this is a crémant you will remember.

What I love about Tuscan wines is the surprising range. We know Tuscany Bolgheri has big beautiful red wines, but how often do you think of Bolgheri when you are craving a vibrant fresh white wine? This is a wine that showcases the beauty of Vermentino and the true style of Tuscan white wines. For a Tuscan themed dinner, this is the white wine to begin as you flow into the bold red wine.

This is one of the first wines I've ever poured at the start of my Sommelier career. I was working at a Michelin seafood restaurant in Paris and I had to find a wine that I could truly recommend that could pair with the whole menu. Here it is, a pure expression of Chenin Blanc. An elegant wine, dry and fresh with expressions of floral and apple notes that you want from a Loire Valley Chenin.

Barbera is one of my favourite grapes, and La Spinetta consistently one of my favourite wineries. More known for their iconic Barbaresco wines, La Spinetta make high value wines of the other regional grape varietals. So if a full bodied but soft and luscious red wine is what you enjoy, you need this in your glass. This wine can easily be left to cellar or drink now. With food or without!

Attention Burgundy wine lovers! If you haven't explored the wines of Claudie Jobard now is your chance. This 1er Cru is cuvée "Madeleine," in honour of Claudie's grandmother. Madeleine had the foresight to buy land/vine plots in Burgundy when it was still financially feasible (though still an investment!) This wine is in her honour. I'm currently using this wine in the Kaskis premium pairing!

We all sometimes need a fuss free highly quaffable riesling in our lives. I've used this wine in the restaurant frequently, it's as gastronomic as it is a wine easily drank with friends during apéro. It has the true zesty qualities of a classic Mosel Riesling made with the care of the brother & sister team who understand sense of place in the glass. Enjoy with food or without, serve cold.