White

Domaine du Rey Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne, 1997 (Searsons, Grapes of Mirth Rathmines, DeVine Wine Shop Castleknock, Karwigs…

Domaine du Rey Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne, 1997 (Searsons, Grapes of Mirth Rathmines, DeVine Wine Shop Castleknock, Karwigs Wine Warehouse Carrigaline, Geraghtys Fine Wines Carlow, about £5.50).

A fruity white from south-west France which offers tongue-pricking freshness along with ripe peach and pineapple flavours. A lovely, lively aperitif.

Dauzan La Vergne, Montravel, 1996 (Molloys, McCabes Merrion, Vintry Rathgar, Sweeneys Dorset Street Fairview, Jus de Vine Portmarnock and other outlets, usually £8.99).

From an estate which isn't 100 per cent organic but coming pretty close to it, Sauvignon and Semillon combine with oak maturation to provide a smooth, full-bodied wine with undeniable class.

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Bonterra Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Fetzer, 1996 (gradually spreading to many good independent off-licences, also in Oddbins outlets, usually about £10.99).

California's leading organic producer delivers a Chardonnay with more innate appeal than many of its rivals. This is a big, serious wine which needs food.