Chablis' own William Fèvre is another wine icon who recognized Chile's potential to become a world player. In 1992, he established Viña William Fèvre with both French and Chilean partners. The Carmenère grape, originally from Bordeaux, is thriving in Chile. The country's warm, sunny valleys allow the grape to realize its full potential, making generous and complex wines like this one.

59337    (XD)            750 mL    $12.95   

This refreshing sparkling wine is made according to traditional methods using a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac (the traditional principal variety of Limoux in Languedoc). Limoux stakes its claim to being the 'original' sparkling wine region, even before Champagne! A particularly juicy fizz, which features apple, citrus, tropical fruit and a touch of toastiness, this rich Crémant de Limoux is made for freshly shucked oysters.

An excellent choice for roast leg of lamb with an herb rub. This blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache has classic Midi aromas of blackberry, pepper and particularly garrigue, that unique-to-Midi scent of thyme, rosemary, basil, sage and lemon verbena. There's a very good balance here of fruit, acids and tannins.

670505    (XD)            750 mL    $14.95   

It's not surprising that Roussillon, bordered by Spain to the south and west and the Mediterranean sea to the east, enjoys an average of 325 days of sunshine a year! There is much excitement today about its dry wines, particularly modern, flavourful reds like this blend of Carignan (60%), Mourvèdre (30%) and Syrah (10%). The ripe red fruit and cassis flavours are counter-balanced by brooding notes of leather and toasty oak. It's dry, full-bodied with good depth and supple tannins. A great choice for barbecued or roasted meats.

The Perrins have 100 acres of vineyards in Vinsobres, a village which takes its name from a 17^th century bishop from the area.

Château Calissanne is a vast 1000 ha estate near the Mediterranean. It boasts 100 ha of sun-drenched, south-facing vineyards planted with 11 different grape varieties. This award-winning red is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon that's packed with cherry fruit flavours with hints of chocolate, mint and smoke. Serve with grilled sausages or mature cheeses.

AC Muscat de Rivesaltes, near the town of Rivesaltes in Roussillon, is easily the largest appellation for Muscat in France. Made from 100% Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, this deliciously sweet and aromatic vin doux naturel should be served chilled as an aperitif or with a fruit flan.

Puglia in Southern Italy is a great source of rich, easy-to-drink reds like this consistently delicious Primitivo (aka Zinfandel). There is a striking resemblance to its American brother with its delicious notes of raspberry, red licorice, bumbleberry pie and spices. Bright fruit flavours come forth on the medium full-bodied palate with medium tannins providing balance on the finish. A crowd-pleasing wine to enjoy with pizza, pasta or barbecued meats.

A smouldering wine that's as warm as the island of Sicily itself. This 100% Nero d'Avola is a fantastic value. It displays rich aromas and flavours of pomegranate, dried plum, leather and smoky oak. Dry, medium full-bodied with soft tannins, it's perfect with pizza alla Norma (tomato, ricotta and eggplant) or calzone.

This stylish take on Portugal's indigenous Touriga Nacional variety won a Silver Medal at the Concours Mondiale de Bruxelles 2007. Intensely coloured and richly flavoured, look for loads of ripe berry fruit, floral and chocolate flavours balanced by subtle tannins and medium acidity. Serve this sumptuous wine with roasted pork or barbecued ribs.

This Latin lover has rich, alluring aromas of blackberry, currants, coffee, vanilla and bell pepper. It is medium-bodied with gentle fruit flavours and silky tannins. Try it with a meaty paella or roast pork tenderloin.

Known as the creamiest of cream sherries, and made with 100% Pedro Ximenez grapes, this luxurious sherry sports a deep golden-brown hue with aromas and flavours of sweet raisins, figs, roasted nuts, strawberry preserves and cinnamon. It's rich and sweet with a buttery texture and a luxuriously long finish. Great as a dessert all on its own or serve it with a freshly baked raisin or pecan pie.