Cabernet Franc is a dry, medium-bodied red originally from France, best known in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Expect raspberry, red cherry and blackcurrant with herbs, pepper and a subtle earthy edge. Fresh and savoury rather than overly heavy, it’s brilliant with roast chicken, pork, steak, lamb, tomato-based pasta and grilled vegetables.

Tempranillo is a bold, dry red grape from Spain and the star behind some of the country’s most famous wines, including Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Expect cherry, plum and blackberry with spice, leather and vanilla in oak-aged styles. It’s brilliant with steak, roast lamb, burgers, chorizo, BBQ food and rich tomato-based dishes.

Pinot Noir is a dry, light to medium-bodied red best known from Burgundy in France, with brilliant examples now made around the world. Expect cherry, raspberry and strawberry with gentle spice and earthy flavours. Silky rather than heavy, it’s brilliant with roast chicken, duck, pork, salmon, mushroom dishes and truffle pasta.

Merlot is a dry, medium to full-bodied red originally from Bordeaux, France, and now grown all over the world. Expect juicy plum, black cherry and blackberry with herbs, chocolate and gentle spice. Smooth and approachable, it’s brilliant with roast beef, burgers, roast chicken, pork, lasagne, bolognese and mushroom dishes.

Malbec is a bold, dry red best known from Argentina, particularly Mendoza, with rich flavours of blackberry, black plum and black cherry alongside cocoa, spice and violet. Full-bodied, smooth and made for big flavours, it’s brilliant with steak, burgers, roast beef, BBQ ribs, lamb and slow-cooked meat.

Chardonnay is a dry white grape originally from Burgundy, France, and now grown virtually everywhere wine is made. Its style ranges from crisp lemon and green apple to rich peach, butter, vanilla and toast. Ridiculously versatile, it’s brilliant with seafood, roast chicken, creamy pasta, salmon, mushroom dishes and soft cheese.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, dry red originally from Bordeaux, France, and now grown pretty much everywhere that takes wine seriously. Expect blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry with cedar, herbs and spice. Full-bodied and structured, it’s brilliant with steak, roast beef, burgers, lamb, BBQ food and slow-cooked meat.