KNACKERED MOTHERS’ WINE CLUB

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK

Koha Gisborne Chardonnay 2016, £6.50 (normally £8.50), M&S

ONCE the weather cools I want something a bit punchier. I’m not after light and fragrant so much as ripe and round. This answers the call: a lightly-oaked Chardonnay from the Gisborne region in New Zealand. Think peaches and cream and you get the idea. Glorious.

WHITE WINE

The Huguenot Chenin Blanc 2016, £9.99, Laithwaites

ANOTHER autumn-friendly white, this is made from the Chenin Blanc grape grown in the Cape winelands. It’s got all the lovely fresh lemon and baked apple fruit I like from a good Chenin. FOOD PAIRING: Chicken pie.

RED WINE

Bijou Rouge Cuvee Sophie Valrose 2016, £8.49, Waitrose

THIS is a soft, cosy gem of a wine. Made in Cabrieres in southern France’s Languedoc region, it’s a blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes, giving it plenty of soft black fruit flavours and juicy tannins. Beautifully packaged and such good value.

FOOD PAIRING: Lamb shanks.

SPARKLING WINE

Exquisite Collection Cremant du Jura, £7.99, Aldi

A RIDICULOUSLY well-priced sparkling from the Jura region in France, this is made in the same way as Champagne. And it’s made from the Chardonnay grape, so has that same elegant, toasty character. A brilliant party fizz solution.

FOOD PAIRING: Salty snacks.