Wines of the Week: Castell el Masroig Castell De Pinyeres 2008; Fairhills Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2011; Peacock Tail Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
Sunday lunch
Castell el Masroig Castell De Pinyeres 2008
From up-and-coming Montsant, bordering Priorat, home to some of the most exciting wines in Spain, comes this award-winning blend of Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo. As richly textured and satisfying as might be imagined from the number of grapes involved, it is lively on the palate but silkily balanced and evolved, demanding robust meat dishes, such as slow braised pork cheeks, or blue cheeses. £12.50, slurp.co.uk; £12.75, jeroboams.co.uk
Midweek meal
Fairhills Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2011
Fairtrade Fortnight begins tomorrow, so it is a good time to explore some of the increasingly improving wines from approved New World producers such as South Africa's Fairhills. The Petit Verdot grapes add fruit and vibrancy to the darker, more tannic Cab-Sauv, combining to deliver a punchy, very moreish wine that is the perfect partner to baked gnocchi or pasta with meatballs in tomato sauce. £7.99, Tesco
Bargain basement
Peacock Tail Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Another Fairtrade bottle from South Africa, this fabulously zesty, palate-tingling affair from the Stellenbosch area is a considerable bargain in its own right, such is the class on display and evidence of M&S's renowned quality control. Thrillingly intense and pure gooseberry and grapefruit flavours made for standing up to chilli- and lime-spiked Asian dishes. £7.49, Marks & Spencer
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