Wines of the week: Casa Silva Cool Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2011; Turckheim Reserve Pinot Gris 2009; Sangre de Toro 2010

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Sunday lunch

Casa Silva Cool Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2011

With the English asparagus season now well under way, it is time to reach for the Sauvignon Blanc, about the only grape variety that really matches that sublime grassy, green, earthy taste. Closer to a French version of the grape than the full-on Kiwis, this is a precise and pure wine, highly refreshing, bone dry, mineral and citric on the palate with a long finish full of delicate fruit flavours. £13.99, Wine Rack, averys.com

Midweek meals

Turckheim Reserve Pinot Gris 2009

A slightly more radical bet for asparagus, this Pinot Gris from Alsace has an elusive, smoky, almost spicy finish, which comes as a contrast to the almost floral aromas. There are some flavours of apples and pears to add to the complexity, which amounts to an intriguing package quite capable of handling oily fish and light meats, as well as those green spears. £9.95 (to 30 April; normally £12.95), harrods.com

Bargain basement

Sangre de Toro 2010

Ignore the silly little plastic bull attached to the bottle and savour the un-gimmicky and full-on flavours in this really juicy, fruity, smooth red from Catalunya, made with a blend of Garnacha and Cariñena grapes. A terrifically versatile bottle that would be great for a party or barbecue, ideal with any simple red-meat dishes or, slightly cooled, with a prawn and chorizo paella. £6.98, Asda; £7.49 (or two for £5.99 each as part of a purchase of six varied bottles), majestic.co.uk; £7.99, Waitrose