RAISE A GLASS

Frequent visitors to this space will know that the words that follow merely reflect what I've been up to in my life around a certain theme.

There's a clue to that theme at the top of this column: “In my glass”.

And so this week "in my glass" I've sipped some cider, a beer, a red wine and a South African white.

Not all in the same glass, that would be silly.

My first of this week's life moments is a cider, in the form of vibrant, fruity

Sassy Cidre Rosé (£4, for 75cl, from Majestic and a sensible 3% abv).

Maison Sassy from Normandy uses 18 varieties of Normandy apples to create a sip which sings of apple and strawberry.

It's not one of those gloopy, sickly pink-fruited ciders; it's fresh and inviting in the crisp spring sunshine.

Talking of which, joining me another day (in the April sun) was this Asda Extra Special Chardonnay (RRP £6) and I'll be seeking it out again.

It's from the Western Cape in South Africa. It's not a complicated wine in the least, but it's very easy going, helping tired midweek brains relax.

There are hints of pineapple, and caramelised apple and pear drops to tease the senses.

And so to a red: Cave de Tain Crozes-hermitage

(as I write it's on offer, £10.50 at Sainsbury's, but check if you're in store).

The wine appellation Crozes-hermitage is in the northern Rhône. All red wines from that region are made from the syrah grape, as dictated by the regional wine laws.

And yes, that's the same grape variety as shiraz, it's just the French name. If you like one, try the other.

The Cave de Tain has blackberries and black cherries, and a snap of twig on the nose; the tannins are medium and those dark fruits linger on the palate.

Finally a beer. New to the Co-op is

Twisted IPA, a collaboration between the retailer, brewer Brewgooder and Twisted, a food and drink social media community. For every four-pack (£6) of the beer sold, a donation is made to the food redistribution charity, Fareshare, to help provide vital support to those that need it most.

The IPA has been brewed with Centennial, Chinook and Mosaic hops, and has tropical and piney notes.

■ Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.