Here are five superb wines for our Spring recipes.
2011 Le Haut Païs, Sauvignon Blanc, Bergerac, France (£7.99, reduced to £5.99 until 8 May, Waitrose). This diminutive sauvignon does a very good impression of the more expensive French sauvignon model, Sancerre, such is the energetic citrus punch on the nose and the palate. Snap up a few bottles of this classy wine to drink alongside this week’s Watercress, asparagus and smoked salmon quiche recipe.
N.V. Pongracz Brut, South Africa (£13.99, reduced to £9.99 from 23 April until 20 May Morrisons). This is South Africa’s classiest and most alluring sparkler and it is irresistible at this price. The smart bottle and elegant aroma are absolutely spot on. I was amazed when I first tasted this wine because I thought it would cost twenty or more pounds.
2010 Valençay, Le Poirentin, Sebastian Vaillant, Loire, France (£9.25, Oddbins). This little-known Loire region is home to some beguiling, aromatic white wines. With more texture and exoticism than Le Haut Païs, this is a silky, lemon meringue pie-scented wine which would adore the Sea bass with roasted peppers and rocket dish.
2011 Danger Point by Cape Heritage, Cabernet/Merlot, Western Cape, South Africa (£5.99 or 3 for £12, Morrisons). This is a very cool looking, feisty red with masses of charm and slippery smooth red fruit. At the four quid mark it sets out its stall as one of the best value reds in the country! Are you looking for some Danger?
2009 Heartland, Dolcetto / Lagrein, South Australia (£13.00, Oddbins). This is one of my ‘100 Best Australian Wines’ and it is a truly magical blend of two oddball northern Italian grape varieties cunningly combined by one of Australia’s most talented young winemakers, Ben Glaetzer. Crazy mulberry, liquorice and plum notes abound – it is a rollercoaster ride.
