Life

Wine: On the nose you find fruity aromas of mostly dark fruit

Vacqueyras AOP, Dame de Clochevigne, France, £11.99, Lidl
Vacqueyras AOP, Dame de Clochevigne, France, £11.99, Lidl Vacqueyras AOP, Dame de Clochevigne, France, £11.99, Lidl

Vacqueyras AOP, Dame de Clochevigne, France, £11.99, Lidl

A wine that Lidl have brought in for Easter... Vacqueyras is a well-known wine village close to Châteauneuf-du-Pape in France and uses the same blend of local grapes that are so popular with wine drinkers around the world. This is a bright, ruby?-red wine in colour and on the nose you find fruity aromas of mostly dark fruit such as blackberry, plum and cherry as well as the spicy notes of juniper and bay leaf. A real winner for me...

Santa Julia Malbec, Argentina, £7 until April 13, Sainsbury’s

This full-bodied Santa Julia Malbec is full of cherry and plum flavours with spice notes and a velvety finish. It is a smooth and approachable Malbec with subtle oak aging, leaving the emphasis on the spice, damson and black cherry flavours. It is the ideal wine for steaks, burgers, firm cheeses and pasta with red sauces – or for something different try it with oriental dishes..

WINE OF THE WEEK

Abellio Albarino, Spain, £8, Centra stores

Albarino is a really good all-purpose wine, happy to partner all sorts of fish and white meats. This example is light with aromas of fresh apricot and a touch of honey. There is a generous palate with white peaches, apricots and a simple hint of grapefuit enlivened by crisp and refreshing acidity. A well-priced wine that’s a good alternative to Sauvignon Blanc.