I have five stunning, great value wines this week all making their debut on this page.
2010 Triade Rosso, Puglia, Italy (£8.99, reduced to £6.74 until 8 May, Waitrose). This is one of a host of great value Italian cheapies this week and it is made from three characterful, plum and liquorice-scented southern Italian red grapes. With a nice dunking in oak barrels, too, this is a seriously intense and rewarding surprise.
2011 Marks & Spencer Chardonnay, Piedmont, Italy (£5.99, Marks & Spencer). It may sound a little odd drinking Chardonnay from Italy, when it’s grown all over the world, but this is the finest cheap chardy I have tasted in years. Bright as a button, with perky floral fruit this is a winner.
2011 Alasia, Cortese, Araldica, Piedmont, Italy (£6.79, reduced to £4.99 until 8 May, Waitrose). The Araldica winery is ultra-professional and they seem to have the gift of making exquisite, inexpensive wines. This cortese (the grape that makes Gavi) is as fresh and floral as can be with hints of pineapple and lemon – beautiful!
2011 Reggiano Rosso, Reggio Emilia, Italy (£5.99, Marks & Spencer). This is a still red wine made principally from Lambrusco varieties and it is a star! The burst of red and black fruit is offset by a crisp refreshing, herbal finish and it is perfect with this week’s tomato and anchovy tart recipe.
2007 Villa Cafaggio, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy (£11.99, reduced to £9.99, until 1 May, Co-op Market Town & Superstores). This noble, swaggering Chianti is a mighty wine and one which would adore the pasta with chilli, bacon and tomato sauce recipe. At five years old it is at its peak – treat yourself to this terrific slice of Tuscany.
