IT may well have been a long, hard battle for the traditional wine supplying countries against those "upstarts" from the New World, but one nation is beginning to emerge unscathed.

Spanish wines are back on form, and sales are beginning to rise once more.

Bar and restaurant sales of Spanish wines increased by more than 14 per cent during the 12 months leading up to October, against an eight per cent average for all wines. Shop sales were also up by eight per cent, ahead of a six per cent average for all wines.

The positive growth in Spanish sales is set to be boosted by the support of new stockists for the Faustino rioja range.

A trio of classic reds -- Faustino I Gran Reserva, Faustino V Reserva and Faustino de Crianza -- are hearty, dependable reds perfect to accompany the traditional British roasts and casseroles. Then there is the Faustino Cava, a fresh, lighter drink.

The Cava at £5.99 is the most affordable, but that does not mean quality has been sacrificed in any way. This is a delightful easy-to-drink sparkling wine, fresh and fruity enough to enjoy without the accompaniment of food. Safeway has become the first high street outlet for the Cava.

I also tried the Faustino de Crianza 1997, which is 100 per cent Tempranillo, priced at £7.99. It is a wonderfully smooth, weighty drink, crammed with flavour and full of body. It is now being stocked in Beefeater restaurants.

A range of Faustino wines are also available from Bottoms Up, Oddbins, Safeway, Sainsbury's, selected Threshers, Wine Rack and leading independents.

SAVANNA is a refreshingly fruity alcopop style drink, so perhaps bearing that description in mind, it comes as no surprise its makers have chosen to sponsor popular television programme "Sex and the City".

The schnapps-based drink features in a variety of fruit flavours and is a perfect invigorating summer tipple. The new sponsorship is in connection with the show's repeat performances on the Paramount Comedy Channel, Monday to Thursday at 10.30pm.

WHEN people say the Loire Valley Wines have a wonderful bouquet, they really mean it. The range has a garden at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, from July 4 to 7, which will capture the scents, flavours and colours of the red, white and rose wines of the Loire.

The garden has been designed by May and Watts Garden Design and will show off many different styles of wines in a sensory journey. Visitors to the show will be encouraged to explore the intriguing garden and not just wander through it, with a chance to also of course taste the wine. Visitors should immediately sense plant fragrances apparent in the "nose" of the wines.

SAFEWAY runs its Global Wine Event this month until May 25, giving customers the chance to try wines across the supermarket's 600-strong range.

Customers are advised to keep their eyes open for a variety of money-off promotions on a wide variety of wines representing as many ranges throughout the world as possible.