Wines of the week

Match with mild cheese

Ernest Wein, Pinot Gris, Alsace, France 2019. £7.99, Lidl, alc 13.5%

A world away from its alter ego Pinot Grigio, this Alsace Pinot Gris is bursting with juicy, ripepear fruit character. There’s also some acacia here and almost a faint savoury note. It would be delicious matched with mild, creamy cheese.

Toasty notes

Ramón Bilbao, Crianza, Rioja, Spain 2017. £9.95, The Great Wine Co, alc 14%

A great-value red Rioja, with aromas of spicy black berries and toasty notes from its 14 months in American-oak barrels. The palate is taut and fresh, with smooth black fruit and plenty of spice, interlaced with hints of coffee and a savoury note.

Summer-fruit sweetness

Villa Sandi, Il Fresco Rosé, Prosecco, Veneto, Italy 2019. £14.99, Bellavita Shop, alc 11% Prosecco rosé is now a thing and Villa Sandi is one of the first producers to release one. Fairly intense, with fresh scents of raspberry, strawberry, melon, cherry, apple and pear. The palate is soft, smooth and creamy, with summer-fruit sweetness mixed with gentle orchard fruits. Bright and moreish, it has a long, fresh finish and a lick of salinity.

Fresh finish

Momento, Tinta Barocca, Western Cape, South Africa 2017. £28.48, Lay & Wheeler, alc 13%

From 40-year-old plots in Bot River, Stellenbosch and Paardeberg, a vibrant and mineral wine. Rooibos tea and redcherry aromas, with darker spiced berry fruits on the silky palate. Plum skin-like textured tannins and cleansing freshness through the finish.