WINE OF THE WEEK

With its lovely warm summers, beautiful countryside and excellent food and wines, France is one of our favourite holiday destinations. And with so many valleys and vineyards to explore, crossing the Channel and heading to one of its wine-producing areas is an adventure in itself.

However, France labels its wines by region. Here are three favourites…

1 Bordeaux

Bordeaux is predominantly dotted with red grapes, but the Bordelais also produce excellent dry white wines made from sauvignon blanc. Delicious and reasonably priced, you can’t go wrong with Asda’s Extra Special Sauvignon Blanc Bordeaux 2016, France (£6.98, Asda in-store).

2 Burgundy

Chardonnay is the white grape used in Burgundy’s famous white wines, such as Chablis. But these fine wines – especially those from the grand cru and premier cru sites – come at a price. Dear to our hearts, but not our wallets, try an entry level petit Chablis (the vineyards are on the outskirts of the region) such as Petit Chablis ‘Pas Si Petit’, Chablisienne 2015, France (£12.10, Bon Coeur Fine Wines).

A fresh, fruity style, notes of ripe pear and citrus fruits shine through with a hint of richness and zesty acidity on the finish.

3 Provence

When you have a pretty Provencal rose that flows as easily as Barton & Guestier Passeport 2016, Cotes de Provence Rose, France (£19.99, 1.5L Waitrose), why not invest in a magnum?

Pale in colour, but with a bright, lively, floral character, refreshing red berry fruits and an appealing herbal note, you’ll be delighted you traded up for the larger format.

All that’s needed is a generoussized ice bucket and a sun-drenched terrace among the olive groves.