Spring watch on wine
If you enjoy the sunshine as much as I do, you'll be ready to open a bottle of Champagne by the time British Summer Time begins this month. I don't want to be over-optimistic after the wash-out of last year, but it's time to brush the cobwebs off the barbecue and pray for some decent spring weather.
1 2006 Asda Soave Classico (£3.48)
Not so long ago, basic Soave was a byword for innocuous white wines, but there have been some real improvements at the lower end of the spectrum. This 100 per cent Garganega white is nutty with notes of citrus and apple.
2 2006 Campo de Borja Colmado Garnacha (£4.79, or £3.79 each for two, Majestic)
I can't get enough of Garnacha from this underrated Spanish region. This is the Iberian Peninsula's answer to Beaujolais, with loads of juicy raspberry and strawberry, soft tannins and a hint of boiled sweets.
3 2006 Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Beaujolais Villages (£5.99)
Talking of which, Beaujolais seems to be coming back into fashion, now that people have realised that it doesn't begin and end with Beaujolais Nouveau in November. This juicy red has classic characters of violets and red fruits.
4 2006 Radcliffe's Piccini Chianti Classico (£6.49 or three for £4.33 each, Threshers, Wine Rack)
Inexpensive Chianti has come a long way since the days of wicker baskets. This medium-weight Sangiovese-based Tuscan red is a steal, with fine but dry tannins and flavours of cherries and wild strawberries.
5 2006 Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Viognier, Vin de Pays d'Oc (£6.99, Tesco)
Viognier is being touted in some quarters as the next Pinot Grigio. If so, this rich, creamy apricot-scented example from one of southern France's most exciting winemakers will be leading the charge.
6 2007 Limari Valley Sauvignon Blanc (£6.99, Marks & Spencer)
There were no vineyards in Chile's Limari Valley a decade ago, but now it's being talked about as one of the best places to grow Sauvignon Blanc. This is ultra-crisp and nettley with notes of green bean and mangetout.
7 Graham's Reserve Port (£9.99, Waitrose)
You don't need to spend a lot of money to drink excellent port. This fiery, concentrated example has all the virtues of youth on its side, but will definitely develop for a few years if you choose to tuck it away.
8 1996 Waitrose Brut Special Reserve Champagne (£22.79)
For less than the price of many non-vintage Champagnes, you can buy a bottle of this outstanding blend of Pinot Noir with 35 per cent Chardonnay. Over a decade in bottle has given this wine toasty richness and fine pinhead bubbles.
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