A vintage choice to lift gloom

IT'S a pretty depressing time with the economy slipping into freefall, so this week we thought we would offer you up some crackers that won't break the bank balance but will put a smile on your face.

Vieille Fontaine White 2007 – £2.99, Tesco
This is the perfect after-work glugger and at £2.99, it is a steal! Fresh and fruity with flavours of citrus, green apple and melon – suitably refreshing after a long day.

Gran Tesoro Garnacha 2007 – £3.29, Tesco
A medium bodied, juicy wine with plummy fruit and hints of sweet spice. Great with grilled meats and the Spanish cheese Manchego.

Tesco Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, – £3.18, Tesco
A full-bodied red with elegant ripe blackcurrant fruit flavours and a touch of sweet vanilla oak. A lovely autumn warmer.

First Cape Rose NV – £3.99, Tesco
For the last few rays of summer, this easy-drinking, fruity rose is packed with delicious strawberry and raspberry flavours. It is perfect as an aperitif or to be enjoyed with fish, salads and chicken dishes.

Tesco Sicilian Red NV – £3.19, Tesco
From the fabulous island of Sicily, this is a crowd pleasing red that marries perfectly with pizza and pasta. With soft dark fruit flavours and a subtle hint of spice, this is the perfect all rounder red.


BOTTLE OF THE WEEK
Duo Mythique Syrah Grenache Red 2006 (£4.99, Co-op)
A blend of 50 per cent Shiraz and 50 per cent Grenache gives this wine aromas of blackcurrant on the nose and a palate bursting with spices and dark berry fruits. Try this as an apéritif or as the perfect partner to pizza or pasta dishes.

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK
Tesco Finest Denman Chardonnay 2006 (£7.99 down to £3.99 until October 7)
This is a fruity, medium-bodied chardonnay with ripe peach and fig flavours supported by subtle oak. It has a crisp, long finish and is the perfect accompaniment to roast chicken.