Weekend wine bargains at Waitrose

Having gamely ploughed through 200-odd wines at the Waitrose tasting yesterday here are seven that are currently on offer I’d be happy to put in my trolley this weekend. Prices apply until May 21st:

LaVis Vigneti di Montagna Pinot Grigio 2012 (Normally £9.49, on offer at £6.32 until May 21st)

There’s so much bland, insipid Pinot Grigio around it’s easy to dismiss it altogether but this is a good example - crisp and intense - to drink with light pastas, risottos and raw or lightly cooked seafood.

Montgras Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Chile (normally £8.99, on offer at 2 bottles for £10 until May 21st)

Chilean Sauvignon is quite distinctive - more citrussy/grapefruity in style than the big gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc but I like it. A well-made wine that would be good as an aperitif or with all sorts of seafood dishes

Waitrose 2011 Beaujolais (normally £6.99, on a 2 for £12 deal until 21st May)

I’m not a great fan of Georges Duboeuf, the so-called (self-styled?) king of Beaujolais, but it’s hard to quarrel with this sort of price. A young, fresh, fruity (12.5%) Beaujolais that would be great for a picnic (if we ever get any picnic weather). Give it 40 minutes in the fridge before you drink it

Cuvee Balthazar Syrah 2011, Pays d'Oc (normally £10.99, on offer at £8.79 until May 21st)

A handsome-looking Northern Rhone-style syrah from the Languedoc - big, juicy, ripe and spicy. Good for a steak - or other grilled meats.

Domaine des Trois Pierres 2012 Costières de Nimes (normally £7.49, on a 2 for £12 deal until May 21st)

Situated between the Languedoc and the Rhone the lesser-known Costières de Nimes is one of the bargain areas to buy wine in France particularly at this price. A good, ripe juicy hearty (14%) southern French red to drink with most beef, lamb or robust vegetable dishes.

Baron de Ley 2008 Reserva Rioja (on offer at £8.29 instead of £12.49 until May 21st)

Probably the best bargain on this list. A smooth, deliciously ripe, mature (but not faded) Rioja from a consistently reliable producer. Will easily keep for a couple of years, too. Great with roast lamb or a cheeseboard

Santa Julia Malbec 2012 Mendoza, Argentina (normally £7.49, on a 2 for £12 deal until May 21st)

Not the most spectacular Malbec I’ve ever tasted but should do the job if you're a Malbec fan - smooth ripe and plummy. Spot on for a barbecue

Note not all these wines are available in all stores. And that the 2 for £12 deals are not available online

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