White
Campogrande Orvieto Classico, Antinori, 1998 (www.wineonline.ie £6.25; widely available in supermarkets and off-licences, usually £6.49-£6.99). At a recent blind tasting of northern Italian whites, this was one of my favourites for value. Pleasantly fruity, mouthwateringly refreshing, great with salads.
Dietrich Riesling, Alsace, 1998 (www.onthegrapevine.ie/On the Grapevine, Dalkey, £7.49; also Raheny Wine Cellar; Martins, Fairview; Lord Mayor's, Swords; McCabes, Blackrock; Thomas's, Foxrock; Kielys, Mt Merrion; Cheers-Old Orchard, Rathfarnham; Pettitts in south-east; Copes, Castledermot; O'Donovans, Cork; Wine Vault, Portlaoise and many other outlets, £6.99-£7.49). How much Alsace Riesling have you come across at this price? See Bottle of the Week.
Falanghina, Feudi di San Gregorio, Sannio 1998 (www.oddbins.com/Oddbins outlets, £7.99) Here's another Italian white wine - this time from the deep south - that's made for summer food. Smooth and fragrant as waxed lemons, with bracing freshness.
Red
Clos des Jonquiers Cotes du Rhone 1999 (www.chateauonline.com, £6.15, minimum purchase six bottles). The wine that stole the show when chateauonline lined up a dozen of its wares at its Irish launch in the Merrion Hotel. Smooth, dark, chocolatey, but it also has real personality and a long, slightly chewy finish. A real bargain.
Domaine de Bisconte Cotes du Roussillon 1998 (www.onthegrapevine.ie/On the Grapevine, Dalkey, £8.95, special offer 12 for £95; Searsons, Monkstown; Michael's Wines, Mt Merrion; Cheers-Old Orchard, Rathfarnham; Pettitts in south-east, £7.99-£8.99). This one is similar in style - velvety and meaty at the same time, with lovely, lingering flavours. Very classy.
Jadot Pinot Noir, Bourgogne, 1996/1998 (www.wineonline.ie, £8.75; also O'Briens Fine Wines; Kielys, Mt Merrion; McCabes, Blackrock & Foxrock; selected Super Valus; Vineyard, Galway; Lynchs, Glanmire and some other outlets, usually £9.75-£9.95). Wineonline is selling the 1996; the 1998 features in a chateauonline mixed case . . . and both are very good examples of straightforward Burgundy at a reasonable price. Light and delicious for summer drinking.