Wines of the Week: Gigondas 2009; Pouilly-Fumé 2009; Gran Tesoro Garnacha 2011

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy...

Terry Kirby
Friday 20 July 2012 17:19 BST
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Sunday lunch

Gigondas 2009

The first of three bottles from Tesco, which dominated the Best Value awards in the recent International Wine Challenge (IWC), this powerful, peppery wine from its Finest range won the Red-Under-£15 prize. Absolutely true to the style of one of the most famous appellations of the southern Rhône; savour the rich, black fruit and wild-herb flavours and the long finish with slow-cooked lamb or strong, hard cheeses. £13.49, Tesco

Midweek meal

Pouilly-Fumé 2009

Another great French name given the Finest treatment and winner of the Great-Value-White-Under-£12, this Loire wine is as typical an example of European Sauvignon Blanc as can be – a lovely summer bottle, excellent with prime flat white fish. Modern wine-making techniques, with stainless steel vats and no sign of oak, result in a pure, clean taste of gooseberries, grass and lemon zest and a finish that is perfectly crisp and dry. £9.99, Tesco

Bargain basement

Gran Tesoro Garnacha 2011

Going under a fiver for a supermarket wine can be a risky business, but this is a fantastic bargain from Spain unearthed by the Tesco buyers and winner of the Great-Value-Red-Under-£7 at the IWC. While it is just the right price for parties or barbecues, its cherry-ish aromas, lightly spicy flavours and supple, medium-bodied, easily drinkable style make it a great wine for all types of Mediterranean foods. £4.29, Tesco

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