Errázuriz, Wild Ferment Chardonnay Casablanca Valley 2009 (Independents €19.99 )
A personal favourite and one of the best Chardonnays from Chile’s Casablanca Valley, or anywhere else for that matter. On the nose tropical fruits such as apricot and pineapple mingle with citrus and lemon and the aromas of nuts and toast, while on the palate the tropical fruits are luscious and combines affectionately with the creamy vanilla and a touch of bananas beginning to melt into honey. Medium bodied, it has a long tantalising finish that is perfect with chicken or a plate of cheese.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2009 (Independents, €9.95 )
Despite sitting on prime vineyard sites in east-central Italy and the promise of a perfect Mediterranean climate, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo — made from the Montepulciano red grape — generally, rarely delivers. That said, this weighty little number from Rocca San Giovanni south west of Pescara overlooking the Adriatic is one of the exceptions and is fragrant and spicy with buckets of cherries and a little raspberry on the nose, while round, plummy and very satisfying on the palate with a more than a modest finish. Perfect for Sunday roast or with a luscious steak.
