Wines of the week: Secret de Viu Manent 2010/11; Les Bastions 2009 Saint Mont; Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc Brut NV
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
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Your support makes all the difference.Sunday lunch:
Secret de Viu Manent 2010/11
Made with mostly Viognier grapes from Chile's Colchagua Valley (the "secret" being the identity of the remaining 15 per cent), this is an ideal wine for a summer lunch, indoors or outdoors, if there is, say, salmon or sea bass on the table. Intense citrus fruit and floral aromas pave the way to a real mineral freshness on the palate, with tastes of lemon, peach, apricot and a long, persistent finish. £9.49, hailshamcellars.com; £11, Oddbins
Midweek meal:
Les Bastions 2009 Saint Mont
Given the weather we have been having, it's nice to have a decent, full-bodied red to hand for a cool summer's evening and this one fits the bill, while also being a perfectly good barbecue wine. A gem from the Plaimont co-operative in the south-west of France, this is a blend of the local Tannat and Pinenc grapes, with a dash of Cab Sauv to add some structure. Robust, rustic, spicy, with lots of black fruits, dark chocolate and leathery flavours, it's perfect with Middle Eastern food such as grilled lamb kebabs. £6.99, cellarandkitchen.adnams.co.uk
Bargain basement:
Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc Brut NV
Then again, we ought to at least hope for some sunny days for summer celebrations. This is a perfect alternative to cava or prosecco and at a good price for stocking up for parties. Made by the vineyard that pioneered Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, it is characteristically laden with dry, clean gooseberry, grapefruit and lemongrass flavours, with the added bonus of zesty sparkling bubbles. Wonderfully enlivening. £8.98 (until 1 August; normally £12.98), Asda
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