Something For The Weekend?

5 Viña Ulmo Sauvignon Blanc; 2005 Charles Back Chenin Blanc Viognier; 2001 Château Plain Point

Under a Fiver: 2005 Viña Ulmo Sauvignon Blanc £2.95, down from £3.69, to 29 November, M&S

A Chilean answer to the Loire Valley's sauvignon de touraine, this affordable sauvignon blanc combines elderflower fragrance, with an attractively herbal undertone and a refreshingly zesty, grapefruity tang.

Under a Tenner: 2005 Charles Back Chenin Blanc Viognier £5.99, down from £7.99, to Tuesday, Somerfield

Another new vintage dry white from the southern hemisphere, in this case a blend from the innovative Charles Back of the Cape's chenin blanc with the Rhône's viognier, resulting in a ripe, juicy dry white.

Splash Out: 2001 Château Plain Point, Fronsac £13.99, Oddbins

This is a well-made, merlot-based claret from Fronsac, a sort of mini-St Emilion from Bordeaux's right bank (of the Dordogne river). Well-applied oak adds a spicy, lightly toasty touch to the vibrant, succulent fruit flavours and firm backbone.