Something for the weekend?

Montalto Sangiovese Nero d'Avola; 2002 Drylands Sauvignon Blanc; 2001 Gigondas Les Espalines

Saturday 17 January 2004 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Under a fiver: 2002 Montalto Sangiovese Nero d'Avola £4.99, Safeway

This southern Italian red combines the chianti grape, sangiovese, with Sicily's native nero d'avola to pleasing effect. The full-flavoured blend of ripe berry fruitiness is suitably chunky for pasta and pizza. Encouraging too to see the Italians finally acknowledging the benefits of screwcaps for everyday reds.

Under a tenner: 2002 Drylands Sauvignon Blanc £9.93, Asda, selected stores

From Nobilo's new Drylands winery in New Zealand's Marlborough region, this aromatic dry sauvignon displays the classic, assertive green bean-like piquancy of the Marlborough style. Tropical passion fruit and gooseberry flavours in abundance and a tangy freshness make it ideal for white fish, grilled or baked.

Splash out: 2001 Gigondas Les Espalines, Cuvée Les Tendrelles £12.99, Waitrose

This fine dry red is how Gigondas should be. Patrick Lesec's estate blend of the southern Rhône grapes has the aromatically peppery and spicy cut of the syrah jib and beyond it a mouthful of voluptuously spicy fruit whose old vine concentration and richness coats the tongue in powerful blackberry flavours.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in