Wine

Where?

Why?

Torres Viña Sol 2008 Catalunya, Spain

Just about everywhere (Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury, Tesco for starters), although price varies – frequently listed at £6, but often promoted to £5 or lower.

This is our house white. It’s really fresh and bright with lovely fruity flavours and no oak. There’s lots of interest here, and it’s also relatively low in alcohol (11%). 2007 is also excellent, but given the choice opt for the 2008.

Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, New Zealand

£8.99 Waitrose, Sainsbury, but sometimes promoted to £6.99

A superb example of New Zealand Sauvignon, which combines riper peach and passionfruit notes with lovely crisp grassiness. Rich and fresh at the same time – delicious.

Marks & Spencer Alsace Gewürztraminer 2007 Alsace

£6.99 Marks & Spencer

A brilliant interpretation of this offbeat grape variety, which is off-dry and shows lovely grapey, lychee character. Benchmark.

Babich Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2005 Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

£8.19 Tesco

I really like this: bright, fresh, pure sweet fruit with a white pepper spiciness. Just delicious.

Dr L Riesling QbA 2007 Mosel, Germany

£6.99 Sainsbury, Asda, Somerfield, Tesco - also Oddbins, Great Western Wine, Adnams

This is benchmark Mosel Riesling – just off-dry, laser sharp, precise and refreshing. Low in alcohol, too. Great value.

Tesco Finest Fiano 2007 Sicily, Italy

£5.99 Tesco

A delicious – and different – dry white wine from Sicily, with nutty, waxy, peach and pear fruit, and a fresh finish.

Nero d’Avola Villasetta 2007 Sicily

£4.98 Asda

A smooth, focused red from Sicily with sweet dark cherry and raspberry fruit. Lovely weight and balance here – tastes like a more expensive wine.

Pleyades Shiraz 2007 Carinena, Spain

£4.98 Asda

A brilliant Spanish Shiraz with lovely ripe, pure dark fruits. Big time over-performer, this. Buy, Buy.

Casillero del Diablo Carmenère 2007 Chile

£6.98 Asda, but often promoted

The best of the excellent Casillero del Diablo range, this is dark, autumnal and mightily nourishing.

Paul Mas ‘Cau de Val’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Vin de Pays d’Oc, France

£5.99 Waitrose

Deep coloured, dense and delicious with lovely pure blackcurrant fruit and excellent balance.