PINOT noir is the grape used in Burgundy's classic reds. But like everything else these days it has been "globalised", popping up from Chile and Argentina to Central Otago in New Zealand and Tasmania in Australia, and in differing styles.
Here's a couple, starting with Trapiche 2007 Pinot Noir (£3.99, was £5.99, Sainsbury's, until May 13) from Argentina. You'll find plum, raspberries and cherry tunes in a savoury red that will love a lasagne.
Paraduci Californian Pinot Noir 2006 (£
8.49, Oddbins) smells of plum jam and drinking chocolate, with a lovely acidic flick to bring out its savouriness. Try ham on the bone, fillet steak.
Casa de la Ermita 2006 Jumilla Monastrell (£7.70, Oddbins) is organic – and smelling of rasps, plum, cherry, even rubber. Lamb shanks, or beef olives.
The cherry, leather and chocolate aromas from the sangiovese grapes in Santa Cristina 2000 Toscana (£6.99, Morrisons) will do well with pepperoni pizzas.
With Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio 2007 (£4.49, was £5.99, Sainsbury's, until May 13) think tropical fruit medley, rounded and smooth.
It may be £8 off, but for all its apple and citrus, GH Martell Prestige Brut Champagne (£15.99, was £23.99, Sainsbury's until May 1) didn't do it for me.
Wolf Blass President's Selection 2006 Chardonnay (£7.49, was £9.99, Sainsbury's, until May 13) has a vanilla creamyness that'll need food – try a spiky chicken laksa.
BARGAIN OF THE WEEKSo impressed were Decanter magazine with Concho Y Toro's Casillero Del Diablo 2006 Carmenere (£4.49, was £5.99, Sainsbury's, until May 13) it gave it a 'gold'. Its blast of plum, coffee grounds, leather and twist of pepper was memorable.
WINE OF THE WEEKGrove Mill Marlborough 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (£8.99, Oddbins) comes from "the world's first carbon zero winery". Even better, its nettle, green pepper, peapod and luscious herby notes are totally captivating.
The full article contains 323 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
