Santoro Wines

15/09/2026

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Late summer, I was delighted to come across a wine I haven’t seen for years: Bourgogne Passetoutgrain.
It brought back fond memories of my twenties, when this was a wine I would regularly buy. Juicy, fresh, fragrant and wonderfully uncomplicated — and, crucially, affordable. You could find it in most good wine shops, or tucked away in the tasting cellars of Burgundy.
Sadly, those days seem to have disappeared. But I was delighted to discover a supplier in London selling this bottle for £20.60 — and the bottle I found in Paris was, dare I say, only €12.50.
I would strongly recommend this charming red Burgundy. combines the elegance and finesse of Pinot Noir with the vibrant, juicy fruit of It is wonderfully versatile: an excellent lunchtime wine, a refreshing aperitif, or simply the perfect bottle to open at a party.
A lovely reminder that Burgundy doesn’t always have to cost a fortune.
Enjoy! 🍷

Where to find it:

🇫🇷 Paris:

🇬🇧 London:

02/09/2026

Es Fumeral, Cala Nova
A rather smart addition to the dining scene at Cala Nova, on the north-east coast of Ibiza. Think of it as a slightly more relaxed, perhaps even a little wannabe Es Jondal, set beneath a beautifully positioned marquee overlooking the bay.
The setting is undoubtedly its greatest asset. Those expansive sea views, particularly as the afternoon gives way to evening, make the journey worthwhile in themselves.
The atmosphere suitably seaside Ibicencan and most importantly, pooches are genuinely welcome — always a significant consideration in my book. 🐾 🍷

31/08/2026

On a very warm summer’s evening, this Saint-Véran from was just perfect.

Made from Chardonnay in the Mâconnais in Southern Burgundy, Saint-Véran offers wonderful freshness and minerality, with delicate aromas of honeysuckle and lemon zest. It has that classic White Burgundy character, but without the price tag of some of its more illustrious neighbours further north.

For me, this is one of the great-value appellations of Burgundy. If you enjoy White Burgundy but don’t want to spend a fortune, Saint-Véran is always worth seeking out — both in a good wine shop and on a restaurant wine list.

A perfect bottle for a warm summer evening.

Cheers! 🍷

Where to buy:
🇬🇧 UK —
🇫🇷 France —

28/08/2026

22/07/2026

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Ibizkus Red 2022
Wading through the extreme heat and 85% humidity, this is the perfect lunchtime wine.
A light, easy-drinking red with bright, juicy fruit, plenty of finesse and just the right amount of structure. It’s beautifully balanced, never over-extracted, and somehow the second glass always tastes even better.
Made from 100% Monastrell grapes grown around San Matteo / Sant Mateu in the north of Ibiza, this wine reflects one of the island’s most unspoilt and picturesque areas—well worth a visit if you’re exploring beyond the beaches.
Ibizkus, owned by Totem Wines, was founded in 2007 by a group of wine enthusiasts from southern France together with Laurent, who originally managed the winery. Their tasting cellar and winery are conveniently located on the Santa Eulària / Santa Eulàlia road, making it the perfect place to stop and stock up on a few bottles.
Enjoy!

14/07/2026

Wines for the Summer! ☀️🍷
Las Blancas by Bruno Murciano – what a scrumptious wine!
I was handed a glass of this wonderful white from Valencia, perfectly chilled, and it made an immediate impression. It’s a rich, full-bodied white that reminded me of the outstanding wines from northern Spain, particularly Valdeorras. Bursting with crisp tropical fruit, a gentle buttery texture, and beautifully balanced with no cloying sweetness, it’s predominantly made from Malvasía, with Moscatel adding extra perfume and richness, giving the wine wonderful weight and character.
farms organically using sustainable methods, including harvesting everything by hand, and that care really shines through in the glass.
If you enjoy Chenin Blanc or the fuller-bodied white wines of the Rhône Valley, this is a fabulous alternative.
Unusually for me, I didn’t stop at one glass—I happily had two… perhaps even three!
If you can track down a bottle of Las Blancas, don’t hesitate. It’s one of my standout discoveries of the summer.
Where to buy:

UK

France

04/07/2026

My Second Heatwave Cocktail -

The Cadillac Margarita

It takes just three minutes to make, so off we go!

Preferably use a cocktail glass or a champagne coupe.

Ingredients (for 2 glasses)

* 4 oz (120 ml) (100% agave)
* 2 oz (60 ml)
* 2 oz (60 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
* Coarse salt for the rim
* Crushed ice
* Lime slices for garnish

Method

Rub the rim of each glass with a spent lime half, then dip into the coarse salt to create a salted rim.

Pour the tequila, Grand Marnier and freshly squeezed lime juice into the glasses. Add a generous handful of crushed ice and garnish with a slice of lime.

Simple, refreshing and dangerously easy to drink on a hot summer evening, with the Grand Marnier adding a luxurious twist.

¡Y listo! Salud! 🍹

25/06/2026

🍹Heatwave Cocktail 🍹

For those sultry, hot evenings, I have the perfect cocktail for you!

« Gin and It »— a blend of dry gin, preferably or , and Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, served over plenty of ice with a slice of orange. I use a slice of lemon but try either.

A poor man’s Martini, without the shaker but with much the same effect. Clean, strong, and wonderfully refreshing, it’s the ideal antidote to a summer heatwave.

Enjoy! 🍊🍸☀️

13/05/2026

Tignanello, Tuscany 2022
What else do you need on a rainy Sunday afternoon in the local pizzeria? A delicious bottle of Tignanello 2022. Antinori’s king of wines, showing a deep ruby colour with intense fleshy notes of cherries, violets and vanilla. A classic blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this beautifully mature Super Tuscan slipped down well alongside pasta and pizza.
For a wine of this pedigree, still feels remarkably reasonably priced — polished, seductive and effortlessly drinkable.
Where to buy:
France - , Paris
UK - , London

28/04/2026

Château - Figeac, Saint Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé “A” 2016
An old family favourite, this is a classic and elegant Saint-Émilion that has remained true to its style over the years. Still family-owned by the Manoncourt family, the estate continues under the guidance of Madame Manoncourt and her two daughters.
I visited the chartreuse — the charming single-storey château — 37 years ago, where I tasted vintages dating back to the 1920s.
This certainly did not disappoint. Still youthful, it shows that wonderfully old-school Saint-Émilion character, with a deep garnet-purple colour and intense aromas of plum and violet. The palate is powerful yet refined, with fine tannins carrying notes of dark chocolate, cedarwood and Victoria plum, all leading to a long, mineral finish. The even blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot gives both structure and finesse.

A small amount remained in the bottle for day two, and it was still alive with rich plum fruit and even hints of prune — always the sign of a serious wine. A wonder.

This is not a bargain bottle, but for a special celebration it is absolutely worth the indulgence. To track one down, look online or speak with a trusted local wine merchant.
UK
France