SPAIN: VINA ZORZAL
For anyone looking for great value Spanish reds, the modern Zorzal winery in Corella village in southern Navarra is one of the most progressive in the sub £10 price range. Andre Sanz with sons Xabier and Inaki (pictured) set up in 2007 in Ribero Baja and quickly began to focus on searching out gnarled old Garnacha and Graciano vines. I would highly recommend their humble basic unoaked Garnacha Joven 2016 from old vines grown on alluvial gravel and clay at 380m altitude (£6.75), their more powerful Single Vineyard Malayeto 2015 (£10.95) and best of all the delicious spicy Graciano 2015 (£7.50: all at www.thewinesociety.com)
SOUTH AFRICA: VILAFONTE
This joint American and South African wine venture produces just three wines, but has already hatched up the coveted 5 star Platter points for Cabernet-based Series C. Set up by Mike Ratcliffe from Stellenbosch-based Warwick Estate, leading Californian winemaker Zelma Long and American viticulturist Dr Phil Freese who designed the first Opus One vineyard – and six others – this Paarl-Simonsberg based winery has some serious heavyweight names behind it. Their focus is primarily on standout Bordeaux-style red wines using a high percentage of Malbec: Vilafonte Seriously Old Dirt 2014 (£21 www.thewinesociety.com)
AUSTRALIA: BK WINES
Having trained in New Zealand, Argentina and California, Kiwi couple Brendon and Kirstyn Keys chose Australia as the place to make single vineyard wines. They source grapes from a variety of growers fermenting them in their boutique winery in the bushlands of Piccadilly Valley in Adelaide Hills. Their Chardonnays are the most exciting whites to emerge from Australia – try the lush elegantly oaked BK Wines Swaby Chardonnay 2013 (£35 www.swig.co.uk; www.standrewswine.co.uk)
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