White
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Riesling 1998 (Vintry Rathgar, Redmonds Ranelagh, McCabes Merrion, Sweeneys Dorset St and Fairview, Deveneys SCR, Fahys Ballina, Vineyard Galway, Kellys-Next-Door Longford, Noble Rot Navan, O'Donovans Cork, usually about £7.99). "Oaky and spicy with citrus flavours," says Vinopolis. Oaky - are they crazy? N'er an ounce of oak can I discern - one reason why I love this refreshing, lightly floral and crispy fruity wine.
Soave Classico San Vincenzo, Anselmi, 1997 (Cheers-Gibneys Malahide, DeVine Wine Shop Castleknock, Michael's Wines Mt Merrion, Mill Maynooth, Noble Rot Navan and some other outlets, £9.99£10.59). One of my white wine finds of the year - a Soave with real flavour and length, putting all its wishy-washy sisters to shame. For some reason, Cantina Vinopolis lists it as a Friuli wine - no mention of Soave - but this is it, all right, and it's a joy.
Red
Etchart Rio de Plata Malbec 1996 (widely available, usually about £5.79). See what Robin Day, the man who gave us Jacob's Creek, gets up to in Argentina. Malbec, that country's red speciality, makes easy everyday drinking in this soft, fruity wine with a nice dash of spice.
Fetzer Home Ranch Zinfandel, Mendocino, 1997 (widely available, usually about £7.99). Zinfandel, California's red oddity, is another grape worthy of a whirl now and again because it's rewardingly different. This flavour-drenched version is a good introduction to a variety that could never be described as shy.
Raimat Abadia, Costers del Segre, 1996 (leading Superquinns, SuperValus, Molloys outlets, Foleys Cabinteely, Kielys Mount Merrion, Redmonds Ranelagh, Jus de Vine Portmarnock, Macs Limerick, Vineyard Galway, Feeneys Salthill and other outlets, usually about £8.50). My new Spanish bias runs unchecked (for another few days, at least) . . . See Bottle of the Week.
Duca San Felice Ciro Classico Riserva, Librandi, 1995 (Higgins Clonskeagh, Kellys Artane, Jus de Vine Portmarnock, Sweeneys Dorset St and Fairview, McCabes Merrion and Foxrock, O'Donovans Cork, Dalys Boyle and some other outlets, usually £9.99). Lay in a few bottles of this warming, almost port-like southern Italian and you'll be equipped to welcome winter. And dazzle friends with your grape wisdom - it's Gaglioppo.