Wines of the week: Domaine Des Vieilles Caves Chénas 2009; Gran Sangre de Toro 2007; Bordière Nord 2010

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Sunday lunch

Domaine Des Vieilles Caves Chénas 2009

It is a relief that the annual Beaujolais Nouveau hype at this point in the year has abated, as it diverted attention from real wines from the region such as this. As far away from the Nouveau Ribena as possible, this is a sleek, elegant wine from Chénas, and demonstrates lovely balance between finesse and power, earthiness and spiciness. A good organic roast chicken is in order here. £12.99, highburyvintners.co.uk

Midweek meal

Gran Sangre de Toro 2007

The fresh and crunchy red-berry fruit flavours of the dominant Garnacha grape – mixed with the local mazuelo and a little Syrah – easily lift up this otherwise quite potent, oak-aged red from Catalunya and give it an easy drinkability, with a good velvety mouth feel and a long finish. Try with autumn game or maybe a pan-fried duck breast with balsamic jus. £7.99, Co-operative stores

Bargain basement

Bordière Nord 2010

A really good-value Languedoc white for dishes such as smoked haddock with parsley sauce or even roast pork. The creamier Marsanne grape – normally found in Rhône blends – softens and restrains the sometimes too aromatic Viognier to deliver a succulent, full-bodied wine with flavours of honey and apricots and some nice smoky and spicy notes on the finish. Be careful not to over-chill. £6.99 (or £5.99 for two as part of a minimum purchase of six bottles), majestic.co.uk