Wines of the Week: Cuvee Balthazar Syrah 2010 Pays D'oc IGP; Dominio del Plata Torrontes 2012; Volpetto Sangiovese Toscana 2010

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Cuvee Balthazar Syrah 2010 Pays D'oc IGP, Dominio del Plata Torrontes 2012, Volpetto Sangiovese Toscana 2010

Sunday lunch

Cuvee Balthazar Syrah 2010 Pays D'oc IGP

This Syrah from the Languedoc – robust and brambly, packed with smooth flavours of violets, liquorice and with a good dose of spice – is perfect to ward off those winter chills, which, at time of writing, seem likely to continue forever. It's also a great partner for a roast leg of lamb, studded with anchovies, rosemary and garlic or a Majorcan tumbet vegetable casserole. £10.99, Waitrose

Midweek meal

Dominio del Plata Torrontes 2012

Here is hoping that spring might finally arrive at some point soon, when we can enjoy lighter, aromatic wines such as this enticing mouthful from Argentina's native grape. Lovely jasmine and honeysuckle aromas give way to zesty, refreshing flavours of pears and peaches, with a nice citric underpinning. Excellent with lightly spiced Thai prawns, goat's cheeses or any simple white fish. £8.99, Marks & Spencer

Bargain basement

Volpetto Sangiovese Toscana 2010

A highly drinkable, supple, appealing, medium-bodied Tuscan red that is a Chianti in all but name. Lots of strong, lean, cherry fruit flavours at first, with a more complex structure of woody tobacco and leathery touches emerging. Great with all kinds of pasta with meat sauces, pizzas and light meats. Ocado was selling this half price, but this wine is currently £9.59 there, so this is a great price. £6.56, cambridgewine.com