M&S has some good things in its sale, on until 30 January in-store and also on-line.
2009 Quadro Sei Gavi, Piedmont, Italy
M&S has dropped the price of this Piedmont white by £2 because the 2010 vintage is waiting in the wings, but this is still appetisingly lively, with sappy, fresh pear flavours and soft, lime juice acidity. Much better than any pinot grigio I can think of at a fiver. 12% abv.
£4.99, Marks & Spencer
2009 Cartagena Tres Viñedos Sauvignon Blanc, San Antonio Valley, Chile
One of Chile’s exciting cool-climate coastal sauvignons, reduced by £3 in the sale. Intense and structured, with smoky mineral and briny notes breaking through the zesty, concentrated elderflower and fresh green-bean/asparagus fruit. In an ideal world, I’d rather it wasn’t 14% abv, but the wine carries it effortlessly enough.
£6.99, Marks & Spencer
2008 Minervois, France
An oak-aged Syrah, Grenache and Carignan blend made for M&S by Gerard Bertrand. Well-rounded and modern, but with authentic flavours of the south – spice and garrigue, ripe berry fruit and warm earth. 13.5% abv. Down £2 in the sale.
£4.99, Marks & Spencer
