The Castle Hotel's wine list has been specially selected by Tim Atkin, Master of Wine and wine writer for The Observer. The list features a selection of some of the best traditional European wines and an exciting range from the southern hemisphere.

If you'd like to try an unfamiliar wine, ask one of our knowledgeable staff for guidance. They'll be happy to take you through the wine list and help you select a wine to your taste.

Wines are available by the glass or bottle, here's just a sample of some of the wines available and what Tim has to say about them:

White Wines

Chardonnay, Moondarra, S. E. Australia
I've no idea where or what Moondarra is (Aboriginal for a great wine?), but there's no mistaking the origin of this ripe, oaky, full flavoured melon and pineapple style white. It has to be Oz - Australia that is, rather than Mr. Clark.

Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Sartori, Italy
Pinot Grigio is arguably the best white grape in the country. This one is as refreshing as a dip in the Grand Canal, with notes of quince and apple and crisp aftertaste.

Chenin Blanc, Impala, South Africa
Steen (the South African name for Chenin Blanc) is the most planted grape in the Cape, and when it makes wine like this soft, banana and pear-like white, it's easy to see why it's so popular with the locals.

Riesling Silverberg, Rheinhessen, Germany
A new wave German white in a smart package. This is a lively, medium dry style from the Rheinhessen with attractively grapey flavours and an enticing, floral bouquet. Drink a glass of this and you'll never buy Liebfraumilch again.

Viognier, Santa Inés, Chile
Viognier is as trendy as a Paris fashion these days. Examples from the Rhone Valley can be pricey, but this creamy Chilean alternative puts the grape's peach and apricot flavours in the limelight. Catwalk stuff.

Chablis, Ropiteau, France
Definately a wine to buy if you want to impress the person on the other side of the table, this is a crisp, refreshing white Burgundy with refined, almost minerally flavours and not an oak barrel in sight. Thanks, I'd love a glass.

Sancerre, Jean-Françios, France
Made from the same grape as the Anapai River, albeit in a very different style, this Loire Valley Sauvignon is restrained in character, showing flavours of elderflower and finishing with a bracing, mouth-watering flourish.

Saint Romain, Drouhin, France
Saint Romain is not as famous as nearby Puligny-Montrachet, but in good vintages like this one it can be delicious. A tightly focused, barrel-fermented Chardonnay with a finish that's longer than a giraffe's neck.

Red Wines

Shiraz, Moondarra Reserve, Australia
As Australian as a barbie, a stroll on Bondi Beach or an episode of Neighbours, this peppery, pleasantly oaky, blackberry fruity red is a supple, easy drinking red with no pretensions. Very gluggable.

Rioja Reserva, Campo Viejo, Spain
Produced in one of the best vintages of recent years, this is a stylish, bottle and barrel aged Rioja based on the Tempranillo grape. Sweet vanilla oak, medium tannins and plum and strawberry fruit make this an Iberian winner.

Pinotage, Impala, South Africa
If you fancy trying something unusual, how about Pinotage, a South African crossing of the Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes? This is rich and smooth with flavours of liquorice, raspberry and sweet spice.

Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Balbi, Argentina
Lovers of red Bordeaux (or Claret as we Brits call it) will be really impressed by this structured, intensely minty Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina's Mendoza region. The wine's tannin and acidity make it a winner with the food.

Chianti Classico, Ormanni, Italy
Forget about wicker baskets, this is a modern Chianti at its best. If I had to choose one red from the list, more often than not I'd plump for this serious, medium bodied, black cherry and damson-like red. A Tuscan triumph.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Chais du Batard, France
No prisoners here. The southern Rhone produces some of the full-on wines in France, typified by this heady, spicy, curranty Châteauneuf-du-Pape. There's enough sweet fruit here to keep a greengrocer in business.

Pinot Noir, Mondavi Coastal, California
California is better known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot than Pinot Noir, but the West Coast is starting to give Burgundy a run for its euros these days. Soft and beguilingly fruity with supple red fruits characters and a hint of oak.

Beaune Premier Cru, Ropiteau, France
If you want to taste the genuine article from the Cote d'Or, this is a Burgundian Pinot Noir with plenty of structure and concentration. Higher in acid and slightly more tannic than the Mondavi, it needs food to strut its stuff.

Champagnes & Sparkling Wines

Cava Rosé, Pere Venura, Spain
Cava has established itself as one of the most popular sparkling wine styles in th UK, thanks to wines like this well-priced, medium sweet fizz, with its frothy mousse, rose-petal aromas and tangy raspberry fruit flavours.

Lindauer Brut, N.V. New Zealand
New Zealand sparkling win is one the world's great undiscovered treasures. This malty, frothy, strawberry fruity fizz with its crisp acid and soft cushion of bubbles is a great value alternative to Champagne.

Lanson Black Label N. V., France
A Champagne that has made massive strides in recent years, Lanson has established itself as one of the most reliable fizzes on the market. It's a fresh, elegant style that can develop considerable complexity with bottle age.

Veuve Clicquot Brut, N. V., France
A Pinot dominated blend, made by one of my favourite Champagne houses, this nutty, beautifully poised fizz is richer and more 'biscuity' than the Lanson. A silver medal winner at the International Wine Challenge competition.

Please note: From time to time, wines may be changed as we strive to maintain the highest quality possible for our customers.