Wines of the week: De Bortoli Melba Lucia Yarra Valley 2008; Marqués del Romeral Reserva 2005; Stellar Organics Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
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De Bortoli Melba Lucia Yarra Valley 2008
Opera singer Dame Nellie Melba already has Melba Toast and Peach Melba named in her honour, so why not a fine red from her native country? Petit Verdot, Merlot and Sangiovese all play supporting roles to Cabernet Sauvignon in this typically bold Aussie production, but an elegant structure holds the ensemble together so it never becomes too strident. Try with tomatoes stuffed with chicken, truffles and mushrooms, otherwise known as Melba Garniture. £16.99, Oddbins
Weekday supper
Marqués del Romeral Reserva 2005
This presses all the right buttons for lovers of an uncomplicated, traditional, Tempranillo-based Rioja, having spent two years in oak barrels and a further one in the bottle to develop real depth and character. Full-bodied, rich, mellow, lots of crunchy fruit and vanilla flavours and a nice, long savoury finish. Terrific with a lamb steak or anything involving chicken and chorizo sausage. £7.99 (until 3 April; normally £9.99), Marks & Spencer
Bargain basement
Stellar Organics Sauvignon Blanc 2010
From one of the biggest Fairtrade operations in South Africa, this is an organic, crisply refreshing wine, full of zesty green fruit and vegetal flavours. A splendid budget wine, it is perfect for parties, but elegant enough to wash down simple salads, grilled fish dishes and goat's cheese. £4.48, Asda (until Tuesday, then £5.87); £5.99, Booths, Nisa-Today's; £6.25, vintageroots.co.uk; £6.69, vinceremos.co.uk
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