Rosso di Montalcino is a dry, medium-bodied red from Tuscany, Italy, made from Sangiovese. Expect juicy cherry and raspberry, a little spice and that classic Italian freshness that makes it ridiculously easy to pair with food. Pizza, lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, tomato-based pasta and roast meats are all very welcome here.

Bardolino is a light, dry red from Veneto in northern Italy, made mainly from Corvina, with other local grapes often joining the party. Expect juicy cherry, strawberry and raspberry with gentle spice and barely-there tannins. It's an easy-drinking red that's brilliant with pizza, tomato pasta, chicken, antipasti and lighter Italian dishes.

Morellino di Scansano is a dry, medium-bodied red from Tuscany, Italy, made mainly from Sangiovese – locally known as Morellino. Expect juicy cherry, red plum and blackberry with herbs, spice and a touch of earthiness. It's a seriously food-friendly red that works beautifully with pizza, lasagne, bolognese, steak, sausages and roast meats.

Zweigelt is a dry, light to medium-bodied red from Austria, packed with juicy cherry, raspberry and plum, often with a little pepper and spice. Fresh, fruity and easy to drink, it's a great match for roast chicken, pork, sausages, burgers, pizza and charcuterie – and it's one of those reds that's pretty happy being served slightly chilled.

Ripasso della Valpolicella is a rich, dry red from Veneto in northern Italy, usually made from Corvina alongside other local grapes. Expect ripe cherry, plum and blackberry with warming spice, dried fruit and a touch of chocolate. Fuller than classic Valpolicella but not as intense as Amarone, it’s brilliant with lasagne, beef ragù, roast beef, lamb, sausages and rich tomato-based pasta.

Montepulciano is a dry, medium to full-bodied red from Italy, best known in the Abruzzo region. Expect juicy black cherry, plum and blackberry with herbs, spice and a touch of earthiness. Rich without being overly heavy, it’s a brilliant match for pizza, lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, burgers, sausages, roast meats and mature cheese.

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.

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.

Regent is a dry, medium-bodied red grape most closely associated with Germany, producing deeply coloured wines packed with black cherry, blackberry and plum alongside herbs and gentle spice. Fruity and smooth with enough structure for food, it’s a great match for burgers, sausages, roast pork, roast chicken, pizza and mushroom 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.

Monbazillac is a rich, sweet white wine from southwestern France, usually made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes affected by noble rot. Expect apricot, peach and citrus with honey, marmalade and floral notes. Luscious but fresh, it’s brilliant with blue cheese, foie gras, cheesecake, crème brûlée and fruit tarts.

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.