ExtraSpecialPinot
Grigio2019,Trentino,
Italy12%(£6.50,Asda)
PGcanbebland,yetthis
one,fromItaly’scool,
mountainousnortheast,
isanythingbut.Lively
andbrightwitha fresh
peararomaandtangy
greenappleflavour,it’s
a dry,mouthwatering
whiteata greatprice.ExquisiteCollection
AustralianShiraz 2018,
SouthAustralia 14.5%
(£5.79,Aldi)
Softyrounded,tasting
ofblackfruitpastilles
andcassis.There’s a
softchocolatey hint in
theretoo– a strong but
gentlegiant.Good with
glazedminisausages
andothermeaty snacks.Marks&Spencer
Vermentino2019,
TerreSiciliane,Italy
12.5%(£6.50)
TheMed’svermentinois
deservedlyfashionable
this year – here it is in
a sunny Sicilian splash
that delivers a lightly
floral perfume with juicy
notes of peach and lime.FinestMalbec2019,
WesternCape,
SouthAfrica13%
(£7.50,Tesco)
It’llpartnerwith party
snacksthathave a bit of
spice, as well as
full-flavoured cheeses.
Packed with black
cherries, it has a firm
structure and body.Vale dos Pombos Vinho
Verde 2019, Portugal
9.5% (£6, Co - op)
There’s a slight spritz
to this zippy, dry wine
that makes it especially
refreshing. Its cocktail
of lemon, lime and
pears is inviting, and the
relatively low alcohol
level might be welcome.Waitrose Blueprint
Pinot Noir 2019,
Romania 13.5% (£5.99)
Easy-going, mellow and
juicy at an eye-catching
price. Expect bags of
plump red cherries and
plums. Smooth enough
to enjoy on its own or
with charcuterie and
creamy cheeses.PREMIUM WHITE
Yeal ands Gr üner
Veltliner Reserve 2019,
Awatere, Marlborough,
New Zealand 12.5%
(£12.99, Waitrose)
Beautifully balanced
and aromatic, it delivers
grapefruit and peach,
slightly honeyed but
ending delectably dry.PREMIUM RED
Adnams Côtes du Rhône
2018, France 14%
(£9.99, adnams.co.uk)
I love the blend of ripe
brambles, black pepper
and spice here. There’s
a dollop of dark treacle,
too – perfect for winter
drinking. One for
full-flavoured cheeses.DRINK
AND
BE
MERRY
WHITES REDS
Celebrations call for crisp, fruity
whites – not heavy or over-oaky
ones. Here are my winnersSmooth with ripe fruit, these will
match modern takes on party food
as well as lighter snacksThe times are
unpredictable
but parties are
almost certainly
off the agenda.Even if it’s a case of bubbly-
with-your-bubble this year
(or you have to do drinks
and nibbles on Zoom), surely
we all deserve a celebration?
I’ve whittled down the latest
wine lists for budget buys
and premium picks. There’s
nothing difficult to like here
and, although these are easy-
going styles, each is a joy
to drink. SUSY ATKINS, DRINKS EDITOR