Dry Fino Sherry: One prediction for the next decade or two which I bet will come true is that sherry will climb back up to the pinnacle of fashion.
The tapas trend is already helping it along, with the dry styles, fino and manzanilla, leading the way. Made for M&S by major bodega Williams & Humbert, this is a very tasty fino with smooth almond flavours, a salty tang and a hint of toasty richness in behind. Serve it well chilled in a white wine glass and finish the bottle within a week. Unbelievably good value. From M&S, €7.
Féraud-Brunel Rasteau Côtes du Rhône Villages 2000: In The Wine Guide 2005, Rhone specialist Simon Tyrrell is named Importer of the Year, and three Wines of the Year are from there. This is a super wine, stuffed with flavours of the warm south, but with a refreshing finish. From Drinks Store, Stoneybatter; Redmonds, Ranelagh; Donnybrook Fair, Donnybrook; McCabes, Blackrock & Gables, Foxrock; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Mill, Maynooth; Grape Escape, Lucan; Wine Centre, Kilkenny; Gaffneys, Ballina & Castlebar, about €15.95.