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Wines of the week: Abbotts & Delaunay Zephyr Limoux 2012; Racine Picpoul De Pinet 2013; Paul Mas Marsanne 2013

Terry Kirby on the best bottles to buy this week

Terry Kirby
Friday 01 August 2014 19:47 BST
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Sunday lunch

Abbotts & Delaunay Zephyr Limoux 2012

The first of three very different Languedoc whites is an award-winning Chardonnay from an Aude wine-maker that sounds like a firm of English solicitors, bringing a more refined tone to an area known for its bulk wines. Well-balanced between fresh, citric minerality and a richer depth, this is ideal for fine white fish, such as turbot, with salsa verde. £16.99, averys.com

Midweek meal

Racine Picpoul De Pinet 2013

Mostly grown on limestone near the Mediterranean coast between Agde and Sete, Picpoul is beguiling, opening with zesty pear-drop flavours, followed by a salty, smokey tanginess that hits the mid-palate. Goes with any white fish or shellfish – it comes from a big oyster farming area, so they're a natural accompaniment. £9.30, hhandc.co.uk

Bargain basement

Paul Mas Marsanne 2013

Ultra-reliable Languedoc specialist Paul Mas delivers again with the relatively unknown Marsanne, a grape which is like a creamier, lighter Viognier, full of bright acidity and a touch of nuts and honey on the finish. Terrific value, recently voted one of the South of France's top 100 wines, and great with spaghetti alle vongole. £7.99, Co-op stores

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