Something For The Weekend?

3 Ken Forrester Petit Pinotage; 2001 Palandri Merlot; 2003 Pinot Gris, Le Fromenteau

Under a fiver: 2003 Ken Forrester Petit Pinotage, £4.99, Asda, Tesco

With its succulent ripeness and excellent mulberry and plum fruitiness, this juicy red from the Cape winemaker-cum-restaurateur shows that South Africa's pinotage grape can produce a deliciously drinkable, barbecue-friendly everyday red when it really tries.

Under a tenner: 2001 Palandri Merlot, £5.49 (reduced from £6.99 to 17 August), Somerfield

The ambitious new Western Australian newcomer, Palandri, is threatening to break the mould of high Margaret River prices, and, at Somerfield's discounted price, this plummy merlot is carrying out the threat admirably.

Splash out: 2003 Pinot Gris, Le Fromenteau, Josmeyer, £12.99, Waitrose

A halfway house between spicy gewürztraminer and steely riesling, Alsace pinot gris is a dinner table's best friend. Combining a honeyed richness while retaining a refreshing spritz, it works a treat with Thai green chicken curry.