Wines of the week: Catena Malbec 2008; Reserve de La Saurine Rose 2010; Southbank Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Sunday 26 June 2011 00:00 BST
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Sunday lunch

Catena Malbec 2008

A big, juicy, plummy, black-fruit-flavoured example of Argentina's finest grape, produced by one of its best exponents from high-altitude vineyards in the Mendoza region. A lovely, smooth mouthful, with touches of spice and leather and a lengthy finish that makes it ideal with roast or confit duck or a prime, rare, fillet steak. £11.99, Waitrose, ocado.com, majestic.co.uk (where it is also available for £9.99 per bottle when buying two bottles as part of a case of six bottles)

Midweek meal

Reserve de La Saurine Rose 2010

Not all southern French rosé has to come from Provence and taste of strawberries. This has a sharper, spicier taste, although still sufficiently fruity. Made in the neighbouring Gard region from Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan and Syrah grapes, this needs to be drunk ice-cold on a summer's evening, perhaps with a robust fish soup, accompanied by rouille croutons. £6.49 Marks & Spencer

Bargain basement

Southbank Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2010

A good deal on a top-quality Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc from the esteemed Marlborough region. Characteristic flavours of nettles, gooseberries and green apples mingle with passion fruit and other tropical fruits to create a crisply refreshing wine just right for the last asparagus of the season or almost any shellfish. £5.99, majestic.co.uk (when buying two bottles as part of a mixed case of six bottles; normally £7.49)

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