Wines to try, whether you're eating out or in. . .
Whites
Domaine de Montplaisir Chardonnay- Viognier Cuvee Prestige, Vin de Pays d'Oc 1999 (Super Valus/ Centras/ Roches Stores, usually £7.89). Wonderfully fruity, with exotic hints of peach, and pleasantly fresh, this classy newcomer suits most light to medium spice.
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 1999 (quite widely available, £8.99£9.49; also in many restaurants). This fragrant New Zealand Sauvignon is another flexible choice - great with mild Indian and Chinese food, and especially delicious with Thai dishes. See Bottles of the Week.
Trimbach Alsace Pinot Gris Reserve 1997 (Sweeneys, Dorset St; McHughs, Kilbarrack; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Vintry, Rathgar; McCabes, Blackrock; selected Superquinns; Mill, Maynooth; Greenacres, Wexford; Vineyard, Galway and some other outlets, usually aboaut £11.99; also in restaurants). Trimbach Riesling costs a little less but pales, I think, beside its richer, spicier sister as a hot nomination. A terrific choice - mouthfilling and distinctive.
Reds
Chateau la Tour des Gardies, Coteaux du Languedoc Pic St Loup 1998 (Superquinn sale - see below, £6.37). From the cracking 1998 vintage, this popular southern French number sails through the spice test, knocking plenty of costlier bottles sideways. Santa Rita Merlot Reserva, Maipo 1998 (widely available, usually £8.99; also in many restaurants). A star performer. The reserva costs a couple of pounds more than the basic Santa Rita 120 Merlot, but it's worth it. See Bottles of the Week.
Rosemount Estate Shiraz, South Eastern Australia 1998 (widely available, usually £8.99; also in many restaurants). Here's another really safe bet - and if that sounds boring, it shouldn't. In the league table of Shiraz, Rosemount is a succulent, cinnamon-dusted middleweight.