Wines of the week: Cape Mentelle Cabernet Merlot 2010; Vermentino South Australia 2011; Limestone Coast Chardonnay 2012
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy…
Sunday lunch
Cape Mentelle Cabernet Merlot 2010
Australia Day falls next Saturday, so the first of three appropriately Antipodean tipples to savour is a Bordeaux-style blend from the Margaret River area in the far south-west, which similarly benefits from a cool, coastal climate. Aged in French and American oak, it has black-cherry fruit aromas, a voluptuous palate with suggestions of cedar and tar and is ideal with roasted or grilled rare red meats. Such a shame that it's unlikely to be barbie weather, then. £14.99, frazierswine.co.uk; £11.99 (for any two Australian wines as part of a purchase of six mixed bottles; normally £14.99), majestic.co.uk
Midweek meal
Vermentino South Australia 2011
Another wine with a distinctly New World take, but paying due respect to the Old World. Vermentino produces crisp, zesty wines in parts of central Italy and southern France, and the hot, dry climate of southern Australia emphasises the underlying spicy edge to the grapes and draws out the vegetal flavours in a very satisfying fashion. Excellent to accompany oily fish such as sardines or mackerel or even lighter chicken dishes. £8.99 (normally £9.99; until 31 January), Marks & Spencer
Bargain basement
Limestone Coast Chardonnay 2012
Budget supermarket Aldi has some terrific bargains for those seeking all-purpose wines for parties and gatherings, and this bottler is a sure- fire winner for anyone who prefers their Australian Chardonnay pure and unoaked yet still packing a reasonable punch. Full-bodied, creamy and loaded with flavours of brioche, peaches and pineapple, it is worth stocking up with some extra bottles for spring and summer drinking. £5.99, Aldi
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