Following on from the first case of grape varieties, this selection offers the chance to buy some of the lesser known varieties that are now regularly gracing the pages of wine lists. Each selection comes with individual tasting notes and makes an ideal present to wine buyers of any level of knowledge.

Grillo di Sicilia - Antonini Ceresa

A speciality of Sicily, this has been produced from vineyards around Trapani and Marsala. After pressing, the must is fermented at low temperature to preserve the fresh floral aromas that are backed by notes of hazelnuts. It’s full and generous on the palate with a clean, fresh finish. This is an excellent food wine and offers really good value.

Muscadet Sur Lie - Chateau de la Ragotiere

A benchmark example, very clean and correct with citrus undertones to the pure fruit and mineral bouquet. Persistent and fruity on the palate with a refreshing acidity to balance. The wine is a superb partner to seafood and fish or ideal as an aperitif.

Brampton Viognier

Superb aromatics full of spicy springtime aromas of peaches, apricots and honeysuckle. In the mouth it is very waxy and delicate yet with an underlying strength and focus. A great partner to many foods especially oriental.

Pinot Bianco 'Kastelaz' - Elena Walch

The vineyard of Kastelaz faces due south and has a uniquely mild climate considering it's situation as Italy's northernmost wine region. This has yielded a fragrant white wine with elegant fruit. It is firm yet ripe with backbone and structure. Ideal with a wide variety of foods from salads to terrines, fish and seafood to white meats. This has become a real speciality of the Alto Adige and is widely enjoyed by most palates.

Rams Leap Verdelho

Because of the vineyard situation, close to the outback in an old river bed, the vines are organically farmed allowing the purest of wines to be produced. No oak was used in the production ensuring the finest of pure fruit flavours that are dominated by citrus notes with passion fruit in the aromas. Just enough residual sugar to give good weight on the palate and ensure a ripe, fruity finish. Wonderful in the summer.

Gruner Veltliner - Weingut Stadlmann

This fresh and elegant wine with delicate aromas of apple-style fruit is clean and bright on the palate with beautiful fresh fruit notes, a gentle yet perfect acidity and a soft, clean finish. Ideal as an aperitif yet also delicious when enjoyed with salmon or other oily fish.