Wines of the week: Monteflores Malbec 2011; Los Unidos Carmenère Cabernet Franc 2010; The Co-operative Fairtrade Torrontés Chardonnay 2011

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Tomorrow marks the start of Fairtrade Fortnight, so here are three wines bearing its ethical seal of approval worth seeking out...

Sunday lunch

Monteflores Malbec 2011

Getting the nod from M&S imposes a high standard on the sometimes erratic nature of Fairtrade wines and this sets the bar very high. Made by a Frenchman in Argentina, it is a supremely elegant Malbec, full of forward black fruits, but with background notes of leather, tar and spice delivering a mature, rounded flavour that belies its youth. A simple, rare steak is called for here. £9.99, M&S

Midweek meal

Los Unidos Carmenère Cabernet Franc 2010

From a co-operative of small growers in Chile (Los Unidos means "banded together"), this is a lovely example of the grape that has become synonymous with the country. The characteristically rich and juicy red fruits of Carmenère are here given structure and freshness by the addition of Cabernet Franc, delivering a smoothly approachable, drinkable wine that happily matches any kind of Med food. £5.99, Waitrose, Nisa, Booths

Bargain basement

The Co-operative Fairtrade Torrontés Chardonnay 2011

The Co-op should be praised for its support of the concept, but its extensive range of budget-priced Fairtrade wines sometimes struggles for quality. This bottle, however, is great value for money. The aromatic, ethereal and flowery nature of Argentina's other signature grape, Torrontés, is given a Chardonnay make-over, adding weighty tropical-fruit underpinning. Excellent as a refreshing aperitif. £4.99, Co-operative stores