Trockenbeerenauslese is an intensely sweet dessert wine style from Germany and Austria, made from individually selected grapes shrivelled by noble rot. Expect apricot, peach and citrus with honey, dried fruit and warming spice, balanced by brilliant acidity. It’s stunning with blue cheese, crème brûlée, cheesecake, fruit tarts and apricot desserts.

Beerenauslese is a rich, sweet wine style from Germany and Austria, made from individually selected, very ripe grapes, often affected by noble rot. Expect apricot, peach and citrus with honey, tropical fruit and spice, balanced by refreshing acidity. It’s brilliant with blue cheese, crème brûlée, cheesecake, fruit tarts and peach or apricot desserts.

Icewine is an intensely sweet dessert wine made from grapes that freeze naturally on the vine, most famously in Canada and Germany. Expect peach, apricot and tropical fruit with honey and citrus, balanced by brilliant acidity. Rich, concentrated and luxurious, it’s stunning with cheesecake, crème brûlée, fruit tarts, blue cheese and tropical fruit desserts.

Meritage is a dry, full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend from the United States, usually led by grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Expect blackberry, blackcurrant and plum with cedar, spice and smooth oak flavours. Rich and structured, it’s a natural match for steak, roast beef, burgers, lamb, BBQ food and slow-cooked meat.

Welschriesling is a fresh white grape grown across Austria and Central Europe, producing everything from crisp, dry wines to intensely sweet dessert styles. Expect green apple, lemon and pear with floral, herbal and mineral notes. Refreshing and versatile, it’s brilliant with seafood, salads, roast chicken, schnitzel, spicy Asian food and fruit desserts.

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.

Verdejo is a dry, crisp white from Spain, best known from the Rueda region, with flavours of lime, green apple and grapefruit alongside herbs, tropical fruit and a subtle bitter edge. Fresh, aromatic and seriously refreshing, it’s brilliant with seafood, sushi, salads, roast chicken, tapas and grilled vegetables.

Scheurebe is an aromatic white grape from Germany, producing wines from bone-dry to beautifully sweet. Expect grapefruit, blackcurrant, peach and tropical fruit with floral notes and lively acidity. Boldly aromatic and seriously refreshing, it’s brilliant with Thai curry, spicy noodles, sushi, seafood, salads and fruit-based desserts.

Petit Manseng is an aromatic white grape from southwestern France, best known from Jurançon, where it produces everything from dry wines to intensely sweet dessert styles. Expect pineapple, peach and apricot with citrus, honey and spice. Its brilliant acidity makes it a great match for spicy curry, seafood, roast pork, blue cheese and fruit desserts.

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.