This week's recommendations are Chateau de la Roche Touraine-Azay-le-Rideau 2002, and Libera Barbera d'Asti, Bava 1999.
Forget cut-price supermarket offerings and splash out on a weekend treat. These beauties deliver terrific drinking pleasure for around €15.
Château de la Roche Touraine-Azay-le-Rideau 2002. This is one of the most unusual wines I've tasted this year - as well as being one of the most delicious. From a tiny production in a tiny Loire region, it's a luscious organic version of Chenin Blanc - rich and honeyed but with tangy lemon freshness in a brilliantly long finish. From Octavius, Sligo; also Listons, Camden St; Old Stand, Mullingar; Mr Macs, Limerick; Nolans, Kilkee; Salthill Liquor Store, Galway, €14.95-€15.95.
Libera Barbera d'Asti, Bava 1999. Here comes modern Italy at its most alluring - smooth and vibrant yet firmly stamped with Italian personality. Made by Roberto Bava, a dynamic Piedmont winemaker with a high reputation for Barbera d'Asti, this plummy, savoury red will hold its appeal until the bottle is empty. It does need food of some kind in order to shine, though. From Berry Bros & Rudd, Harry St, Dublin €14.95.