Something For The Weekend?

3 Bodega Lurton Pinot Gris; 2003 Jackson Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc; 2000 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Châteauneuf- du-Pape

Under a fiver: 2003 Bodega Lurton Pinot Gris, Mendoza, £4.69, Waitrose

Under a fiver: 2003 Bodega Lurton Pinot Gris, Mendoza, £4.69, Waitrose

Although it's produced near the snow-capped Tupungato volcano, this powerfully full-bodied and rich Argentinian white has a touch of spice on the nose, reminiscent of Alsace pinot gris. Ideal for lightly spicy Asian curries.

Under a tenner: 2003 Jackson Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, £8.99, Tesco

An intensely tropical style of sauvignon with juicy passion- fruit flavours and fine zip of lemony acidity. In the screwcapped livery that's the pride of Marlborough producers, this is one of the successes of the vintage.

Splash out: 2000 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Châteauneuf- du-Pape, H Brunier et Fils, £19.20, Tanners of Shrewsbury (01743 234500)

A fine blend of 40-year-old grenache, syrah and mourvèdre with tobaccoey aroma and spicy fruit. Could be aged for five to eight years.