Lukas Wiegman

Montée de Tonnerre is often considered the most Grand Cru-worthy Premier Cru in Chablis. Droin delivers a precise and refined Chardonnay with citrus, white flowers, oyster shell and smoky minerality. Powerful yet beautifully focused, with razor-sharp acidity and a long, saline finish. Delicious now, but built to age.

This is the style of Gevrey I love: dark and powerful, but never rustic or heavy. Black cherry, wild raspberry, rose petals, spice and a touch of earth sit over firm yet polished tannins. The 2023 has wonderful lift and limestone tension, making it surprisingly approachable now while still offering plenty of ageing potential.

Timorasso is one of Italy’s great comeback stories and, for me, one of its most exciting white grapes. Vietti’s Derthona combines the texture of white Burgundy with the freshness of mountain wine: pear, peach, chamomile, honey and a salty mineral finish. Delicious now, but give it a few years and it develops the complexity of mature Riesling.

Quite simply, this is the bomb. Nicola Gatta proves that Italy can produce truly world-class sparkling wine outside the familiar appellations. Chardonnay, 50 months on the lees, zero dosage and no added sulphur. It is creamy, wild, intensely mineral and full of energy. A wine with character in every bubble. I absolutely love it.328 characters

This is exactly why I love Bollinger: it tastes like a serious wine that happens to have bubbles. PN AYC21 is generous and vinous, packed with red apple, citrus peel, brioche and spice, yet never feels heavy. Powerful, fresh and wonderfully gastronomic; skip the aperitif and drink it at the table.