2009 Moncaro Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico, Marche, Italy
Nutty-straw nose and a fresh, well-rounded palate with crisp, herbal flavours and broader, nuttier notes; medium-bodied and dry, but not bone-dry, with an appetisingly crisp finish. A really useful, good value white that works with or without food. 12.8% abv.
£4.99, Waitrose
2008 Heinrich Hartl Rotgipfler, Thermenregion, Austria
You read that right: rotgipfler. It’s a white grape variety – begat by roter veltliner and traminer, but don’t worry about it. The wine is mouth-filling, slightly oily in texture (nicely so) and off-dry, with a honeyed, citrus and sweet-earth perfume and slightly spicy, candied citrus and peach flavours. Drink it on its own or with something a bit spicy. 13% abv.
£15.99, WaitroseWineDirect
2008 Heinrich Hartl St-Laurent Classic, Thermenregion, Austria
Herr Hartl’s st-laurent (yes, red grape variety) is a delicious Austrian alternative to red burgundy and New Zealand pinot noir. It has a fragrance and flavour of fresh, sweet cherries and rose petals with a hint of spice wrapped in a satin-smooth texture. Pure and elegant. 12.5% abv.
£15.99, WaitroseWineDirect
