Something for the weekend? 2002 Aramonte Catarratto; 2001 Château Cazal-Viel; 1998 Ascheri Barolo Sorano

Under a fiver: 2002 Aramonte Catarratto, IGT, Sicilia, £4.99, Marks & Spencer

The catarratto grape is ideally suited to Sicily's extremely hot, dry climate, where its natural acidity holds up well. Refreshing spritz, tropical fruit and delicately toasty character, with a hint of honeyed richness - try instead of chardonnay with smoked mackerel, salmon pâté or fish cakes.

Under a tenner: 2001 Château Cazal-Viel, Cuvée des Fées, Saint-Chinian, £6.99, Waitrose

Made mostly from low-yielding syrah grapes in one of the Languedoc's best appellations, this powerful red from Henri and Laurent Miquel is spicily aromatic with a peppery perfume. A Mediterranean classic for braised lamb shanks (Somerfield has the almost equally delightful 2000 vintage, at £6.79).

Splash out: 1998 Ascheri Barolo Sorano £18.99, Tesco (selected wine advisor stores)

Coming into its own now after a five-year wait, Matteo Ascheri's modern barolo showcases the nebbiolo grape in typically tarry and floral-scented style. Cherryish fruit, firmly structured by rich, solid tannins and fresh acidity, creates a distinctive, full-flavoured red for the likes of pheasant stew.