Last updated 05:41, Friday, 03 October 2008

Carlisle’s only independent wine shop, Corkscrew, is under new management. Its premises under the railway arches in Viaduct Estate have always been a treasure trove of vinous delights.

Here are “six of the best” as chosen by the new owners Dave Ogden and Liz Hardwick.

Prosecco Frizzante Spago, Domenico de Bertiol, £6.99, an easy-drinking Italian fizz only 10.5 per cent alcohol.

Explorer Gewürztraminer, Concha y Toro, £5.99, off-dry, spicy Chilean white that’s great on its own, served well chilled, and will happily partner Chinese or Thai food.

Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc, £9.99, an aromatic, cool-climate South African sauvignon blanc to rival Marlborough’s best.

Domaine Fontareche Syrah, £7.99, from Corbières in southern France, a wine to give pricier Rhône reds a run for their money. Should work a treat with beef or lamb.

Rioja Vega del Rayo, £6.49, a keenly-priced Rioja, unusually aged in Russian as well as American oak.

And finally Barossa Babe, £19.99, a real Aussie blockbuster, heavy in alcohol with concentrated fruit from 140-year-old vines.

It’s made by Tim Burville who used to be senior winemaker at Penfolds before moving on to start on his own.