David Porter's Wine List

What I'm Drinking Now

At this time of year I find my self reaching to the wine-rack for something red and juicy. Of course there is always a moment when I just want some White and I love pure, bright wines full of energy and vim. The ludicrously joyful wines from Manni Nossing are often opened, and the chiselled bright Chenin Blanc from Tim Hillock in South Africa's Swartland, has fast become a go-to as it always hits the spot. Virginie Moreau at Moreau Naudet in Chablis makes such a winning village wine - I like to always have this on hand too. Fresh but wonderfully textured a wine for all occasions.

I can always find a reason to open some bubbles, surely the perfect start to an evening whether celebrating or not. Roger Coulon's remarkably well priced 'Heri Hodie' is mostly Pinot Meunier fine and bright but with real depth and power too. Clever stuff and dangerously drinkable or our newest signing the fabulous English Sparkler from the chalky slopes of the Test Valley in Hampshire Black Chalk is another house favourite.

For reds at this time of year Italy often jumps out, I relish the bright fruit and delicate lick of acidity you often find in Tuscan reds which keeps the wine incredibly moreish and these wines just work so well with food. Bordeaux too always takes up a good stretch of the wine rack at home. When you find a good quality Claret - that does not break the bank - yet still offers the poise and cut of sophistication possible in Bordeaux, it's a rare joy. Old friend Chateau Montaiguillon is unbelievably charming and yet has a really refined claret-like feel.

Yet variety is key and so these mainstays are peppered with bottles from all corners of the world like the magic Pinot Noir Willamette Valley from the lovely team at Illahe Vineyards in Oregon. Or Jayden Ong's stunning The Hermit Syrah - a gentle doffing of his hat to the famous wines of Hermitage. This is pure joy in a glass at this time of year.

Beaujolais too is just such a versatile joy - Here we have a raft of incredibly well-crafted wines, soft and generous - yet with a sophistication you would be paying at least twice the price for if they were made just an hour further north, in Burgundy. These offer guilt-free drinking and real plesure.