This week's recommendations are Aresti Rosé, Curico 2003 and Château de Flore Cahors 1999.
Aresti Rosé, Curico 2003. The last rosé of summer? Not if you take advantage of the special September deal and buy heaps. This vibrant Chilean has so much colour and flavour that it almost counts as a light red wine, so it's just right for early autumn drinking. Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, it has tasty blackcurrant, blackberry and raspberry flavours which leave a fresh, juicy trail behind them. Snap this up right now, while there's one third off the usual price. Delicious with cold meats, chicken or tuna and a knockout with Chinese pork or beef.
From all SuperValus and many Centras, normally €9.49, on promotion until October 2nd at €6.35.
Château de Flore Cahors 1999. I'm pretty sure that this smashing red from south-west France is the sort of thing Lawrence Osborne might have relished along the road to Accidental Connoisseurship. Made from the younger vines of Clos Triguedina, a top Cahors estate, it has the feel of a true artisan wine. Rich, smoky, slightly earthy aromas come first; then layers of flavour bedded in a fleshy body. A wine of real substance at a lovely point of maturity, and it will live on.
From Bubble Brothers, English Market & Marina Centre, Cork; also Listons, Camden St; Drink Store, Stoneybatter; Bin No 9, Clonskeagh; Sky & Ground, Wexford; World Wide Wines, Waterford; Lonergans, Clonmel; Urru, Bandon; Herans, Boyle Lloyds, Adare and others, €12.95-€13.95.