Two wines for around a tenner
Emiliana Chardonnay Marsanne Reserva 2006, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 13.5%, €10-12. An unusual blend that works very nicely. Medium-bodied with fresh pears and a lovely kick of acidity. This would work very nicely with crab or prawn dishes. Stockists: Redmond's, Ranelagh; Morton's, Dublin and Galway; JM Vintners, Rush; Gibney's, Malahide; Wolfe's, Capel Street; The Drinkstore, Manor Street; Lonegan's, Clonmel; Unwined, Swords; McHugh's Off-licences; Donnybrook Fair; The Wicklow Arms.
Fitou Les Belles Roches 2005, Les Caves de Mont Tauch, Languedoc, 12.5%, €9.99.The Caves de Mont Tauch are the largest producers in Fitou by some distance. Generally, they produce excellent wines at very reasonable prices. The Les Belles Roches is a delicious wine with fine warm red fruits, a mineral edge, and a nice grippy finish. Try it with Tolouse sauages and lentils. Molloy's; Carvill's, Camden St.; Martin's, Fairview; JC Savage, Swords; Morton's of Galway; Deveney's, Dundrum; Next Door, Enfield and New Ross.