Wine Box; The Week's Best Buys

Domaine St Pierre, Vin de Pays de l'Herault (Marks & Spencer, pounds 2.99)

Rose de Syrah 1997, Vin de Pays d'Oc (Marks & Spencer, pounds 3.99)

COOKERY writers sometimes tell you to use a whole bottle of red wine in braising beef or lamb. Wine writers rarely like to tell you about bottles that are OK for cooking but not drinking. Domaine St Pierre is both, especially if the drinking's to be done at a party. It is a member of a species once thought extinct: the enjoyable pounds 2.99 bottle. Soft, light and well made. And having used it for cooking, I can recommend it for that purpose as well. The Rose de Syrah, by contrast, is for drinking only - and very enjoyable, uncomplicated drinking it will be, with sweet, berry-laden fruit. A fine aperitif for a springy Sunday lunch.