Wines of the week: Il Colle Rosso di Montalcino; Tyrrell's Hunter Valley Verdelho; Esprit de Puisseguin, Saint Emilion 2011

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Sometimes it's not the renowned wine or great vintage that can be the best buy, so be a discerning drinker and shop around…

Sunday lunch

Il Colle Rosso di Montalcino 2012

This gorgeous example of the cheaper cousin to Tuscany's fêted Brunello di Montalcino demonstrates a perfect balance between elegance and power: light- to medium-bodied, but bursting with crunchy, fresh-berry fruit flavours and a hint of spice. Drink with pork loin or a veal chop. £16.80, hhandc.co.uk

Midweek meal

Tyrrell's Hunter Valley Verdelho 2013

Tyrrell's in Australia's Hunter Valley is esteemed for its long-ageing Semillon, but they also work wonders with the Verdelho grape, which needs to be drunk young. Lovely as an aperitif or to wash down shellfish, this is brightly refreshing and full of zingy flavours of limes and lemon zest. £8.95, thewinesociety.com

Bargain basement

Esprit de Puisseguin, Saint Emilion 2011

Decent claret at sensible prices is hard to come by, so this bottle from a slightly less-regarded year is an excellent buy at the discount price. A Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, it is juicy and tastes of ripe autumn plums and blackberries. £9.74, Waitrose (to 9 September; normally £12.99)