Bordeaux and Champagne: From Vineyards Direct

A classy-yet inexpensive Bordeaux and Champagne from FVD

These two wines from FVD are both classics and relative bargains; the Champagne is from a tiny, family-owned producer whose vineyards on the Montagne de Reims are all Premier Cru.

The red is a more-affordable stable-mate of first-growth Haut-Brion.

Champagne Arlaux, Premier Cru Gande Cuvée NV (£32.95) yeasty-citrussy with toasted hazelnuts, orchard fruit toasty brioche. Fine mousse, elegant and balanced with a long nutty finish.

Good and will improve further with age.

Drink as an aperitif or match with light starters.

Clarendelle Red 2012 (£16.95) classy, classic Bordeaux with a bit of age; bramble fruits, pencil shavings and earthy-woodsiness, fine tannins and freshness. Complex, adept and very well-balanced. Drinking nicely now, this is as good a mid-range Bordeaux as you can hope to find.

Good and Good Value for the quality; will only improve with further aging.

Drink with red meat, especially darker game.