Cinsault is a dry, light to medium-bodied red best known in southern France, with plenty also grown in South Africa and around the Mediterranean. Expect juicy raspberry, strawberry and red cherry with floral notes, herbs and gentle spice. Fresh and easy-drinking, it’s brilliant with roast chicken, pork, charcuterie, pizza, grilled vegetables and Mediterranean food.

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.

Brunello di Montalcino is a bold, dry red from Tuscany, Italy, made entirely from Sangiovese. Expect ripe cherry and plum with herbs, spice, tobacco and earthy flavours, backed by serious structure and plenty of ageing potential. It’s made for steak, roast beef, lamb, beef ragù, lasagne, truffle pasta and mature Italian cheese.

Brachetto d'Acqui is a sweet, lightly sparkling red from Piedmont in northern Italy, bursting with strawberry, raspberry, cherry and rose. Light, fruity and usually lower in alcohol than most reds, it’s a brilliant match for chocolate, strawberries, berry desserts, cheesecake and fruit tarts – basically, dessert just found its plus-one.

Barbaresco is a dry, full-bodied red from Piedmont in northern Italy, made entirely from Nebbiolo. Expect red cherry and raspberry with rose, spice, earth and savoury flavours, backed by high acidity and noticeable tannins. It’s brilliant with roast beef, steak, lamb, beef ragù, mushroom risotto, truffle pasta and mature cheese.

Bandol is a bold, dry red from Provence in southern France, made mainly from Mourvèdre. Expect blackberry, black cherry and plum with herbs, black pepper and savoury spice, backed by plenty of structure. Rich and powerful, it’s brilliant with steak, roast lamb, beef stew, BBQ ribs, grilled meat and slow-cooked dishes.

Zinfandel is a bold, dry red best known from California in the United States, packed with ripe blackberry, black cherry and plum alongside pepper, spice and often a touch of vanilla. Full-bodied, fruity and usually generous in alcohol, it’s brilliant with BBQ ribs, burgers, pulled pork, steak, pizza and rich tomato-based pasta.

White Zinfandel is a sweet to off-dry rosé from California, made from the red Zinfandel grape. Expect strawberry, raspberry and watermelon with peach and citrus, all wrapped up in a light, easy-drinking style. Fruity and refreshing, it’s brilliant with spicy Asian food, BBQ chicken, salads, fruit dishes and creamy cheeses.

Weissburgunder is the German name for Pinot Blanc, a dry, light to medium-bodied white with crisp apple, pear and citrus flavours alongside white flowers, almond and a subtle mineral edge. Fresh but rounded, it’s brilliant with seafood, roast chicken, creamy pasta, salads, grilled vegetables and soft cheese.

Viognier is a dry, aromatic white grape best known from France’s Rhône Valley, packed with peach, apricot and honeysuckle alongside citrus, spice and a rich, silky texture. Full-flavoured but beautifully fragrant, it’s brilliant with roast chicken, creamy pasta, prawns, Thai curry, grilled fish and aromatic Asian dishes.

Vidal is a white grape best known from Canada, where it’s famous for producing rich, intensely sweet Icewine. Expect peach, apricot and pineapple with honey, citrus and tropical fruit, balanced by refreshing acidity. It’s brilliant with cheesecake, fruit tarts, crème brûlée, blue cheese and tropical fruit desserts.

Trollinger is a dry, light-bodied red best known from Württemberg in southern Germany. Expect juicy strawberry, raspberry and red cherry with gentle herbs and spice, soft tannins and plenty of freshness. Often served slightly chilled, it’s brilliant with roast chicken, pork, sausages, pizza, charcuterie and grilled vegetables.

Toro is a bold, dry red from Castilla y León in northwestern Spain, made mainly from a local expression of Tempranillo known as Tinta de Toro. Expect blackberry, black cherry and plum with spice, cocoa and smoky oak. Full-bodied and powerful, it’s brilliant with steak, roast beef, lamb, BBQ ribs, burgers and slow-cooked meat.

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.

Syrah is a bold, dry red grape best known from France’s Rhône Valley, producing wines packed with blackberry, blueberry and plum alongside its signature black pepper, herbs and savoury spice. Full-bodied and structured, it’s brilliant with steak, roast beef, lamb, BBQ ribs, burgers, sausages and slow-cooked meat.

Soave is a dry, light to medium-bodied white from Veneto in northern Italy, made mainly from the Garganega grape. Expect lemon, green apple and pear with white flowers, herbs and a subtle almond finish. Fresh but full of character, it’s brilliant with prawns, grilled fish, seafood pasta, risotto, roast chicken and light Italian dishes.

Silvaner is a dry, light to medium-bodied white best known from Germany and Alsace in France. Expect green apple, pear and citrus with fresh herbs and a subtle mineral edge. Crisp, understated and brilliantly food-friendly, it’s a great match for asparagus, seafood, roast chicken, salads, pork and grilled vegetables.

Shiraz is a bold, dry red best known from Australia, packed with ripe blackberry, black cherry and plum alongside black pepper, spice and often a touch of chocolate. Full-bodied, rich and warming, it’s brilliant with steak, BBQ ribs, burgers, roast lamb, sausages, brisket and slow-cooked beef.

Sauvignon Blanc is a dry, crisp white grape originally from France and now famous worldwide, particularly in New Zealand. Expect lime, grapefruit and gooseberry with fresh herbs and tropical fruit depending on where it’s grown. Zesty and refreshing, it’s brilliant with seafood, goat’s cheese, sushi, salads, asparagus and herby chicken dishes.

Sangiovese is a dry, medium-bodied red grape from Italy and the star behind some of Tuscany’s biggest names, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Expect cherry and red plum with herbs, spice and earthy flavours. Fresh, savoury and made for food, it’s brilliant with pizza, lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, tomato pasta, steak and roast meats.