Three wines that won’t break the bank.
2010 Cuvée de Richard, Comté Tolosan, France
This has always been a useful, light white at a refreshingly low price, but the 2010 is a step up. Perhaps it’s the smidgen of sauvignon added to the colombard/ugni blanc blend for the first time. Anyway, it’s sprightly, zesty and grassy with a light top-note of sweeter tropical fruit. 11.5% abv.
£4.79, Majestic
2005 McWilliams Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon, Hunter Valley, Australia
A classic Hunter semillon now at a fascinating and delicious stage of maturity – straw, toast and honey flavours blending with pithy lemon and a pinch of white pepper, and with the slightly oily texture of semillon cut by knife-edge acidity. 12% abv. Great value.
£9.99, Wine Rack; £10.70, Slurp.co.uk
Château Camplazens La Garrigue, Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape, France
Aptly named, garrigue-scented, medium-bodied red, from a region which doesn’t often manage to make characterful wines at this relatively modest alcohol level (12.5%). Soothingly supple with spicy, red-cherry fruit and an undertow of aromatic herbs.
£7.99, Wine Rack