Garganega Pinot Grigio 2018, Garda, Italy (£6 from £7 until January 27, M&S in-store)
This is a really nice Pinot Grigio with a lovely peachy, lemony freshness and a bright, citrus finish – cool and fresh yet sweet and wholesome. In a fascinating bottle, this white has no oak influence and is a great all-rounder for a dinner party. It’s an easy drinking, good quality wine and for the price it’s hard to pass. Serve lightly chilled with grilled fish, seafood salad and light meat dishes.
Finest Passerina 2018, Abruzzo, Italy (£6 from £7, until January 20, Tesco)
Made from the rare Passerina grape – named after the sparrow that likes eating them – it offers aromas and flavours of ripe peach and delicate floral and herb tones on a round, creamy palate, kept fresh by bright acidity. More fruit than you’d expect from a little-known grape – and from a region better known for its juicy reds. It boasts ripe peach, lemon, and a well balanced acidity.
WINE OF THE WEEK
Santa Julia Malbec 2019, Mendoza, Argentina (£7.50 from £9, now until January 21, Sainsbury’s)
Another mighty Malbec with aromas of cherries and plums that follow through with the oak adding texture and spice – ending with supple tannins as it goes down. A smooth wine with subtle oak aging, with a finish that brings out the spice, damson and black cherry flavours. Enjoy with pasta or with oriental food.
