WHITES
- Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Chardonnay Vintage 2006, France (£34.99, Waitrose)
Highly rated, these brilliant bubbles received a 92/100 from The Wine Spectator, and it’s a champagne with real vinosity. Expressive with aromas of freshly baked bread, a rich, fruity freshness and exotic tropical fruits on the lively finish, this popular blanc de blancs could even encourage the Easter bunny to make an appearance.
- Domaines Schlumberger, Riesling ‘Les Princes Abbes’ 2011, Alsace, France (£11.99, Majestic)
This dry, spicy French riesling with its pure, citrus concentration and underlying minerality makes a perfect match with a goats cheese salad and with its clean and refreshing finish and citrus accents, it’s a star match with shellfish on Good Friday.
- Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Constantia Wine Valley, South Africa (£11.95, www.bbr.com)
A top-notch savvy blanc that bridges the gap between a punchy Kiwi which leaps from the glass and a less pungent, classic style from the Loire Valley. It has subtle grapefruit and grassy aromas with mouthwatering green melon and passion fruit flavours, classic Constantia minerality, fresh acidity and none of the nasty nettles.
REDS
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vigna Corvino 2013, Italy (£7.50, www.thewinesociety.com)
A wine to swoon over (especially for the price), this smooth, fruity montepulciano is a real crowd pleaser with its violet aromas and baskets of soft black cherry fruits with a veil of juicy sweetness and gentle tannins on the bright finish. A pretty expression, this would be equally delightful with roast lamb or pork.
- Wakefield Estate Merlot 2013, Clare Valley, Australia (£12.99, Majestic)
Soft, smooth and generous, this Australian merlot has all the sun-kissed juicy fruit to complement a glazed ham and the black cherry and blackcurrant flavours have enough sweetness to act as a foil to the saltiness of the meat. Meanwhile, the vanilla, mocha and spicy notes will go down a treat with a slice of chocolate cake.
- Chateau Pey la Tour Reserve 2010, Bordeaux Superieur, France (£14.95, www.greatwesternwine.co.uk)
This great value Bordeaux brings everything to the party if you like an Old World red with your Sunday roast. It’s from a great vintage (2010 looks set to rival 2009), merlot dominant, and it’s elegant and well-balanced with rounded black fruits, finely structured tannins and earthy undertones on the plummy finish. Best of all, it’s ready to drink now.
- Valoroso Cabernet, Touriga Nacional, Syrah 2012, Portugal (£9.99, www.laithwaites.co.uk)
Testimony to the art of blending, this trio of touriga nacional, cabernet sauvignon and syrah (shiraz) generates a rich, plush red with intense, juicy, blackberry fruits, savoury spice and mild tannins on the long, expressive finish. A noteworthy glass, it can go the full distance and sits well with a cheeseboard.
SWEET
- Adega de Pegoes Moscatel de Setubal, Portugal (£8.50, www.thewinesociety.com)
Pure nectar, this sticky toffee sweetie tastes sinfully good on its own. Serve chilled to appreciate the beautifully balanced orange blossom, marmalade, raisin and lightly spun honey notes that linger on the palate and a fine way to mark the end of Lent.