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2004 Pujalet, Vin de Pays du Gers
2004 Zilzie Viognier
2002 Albert Belle Crozes-Hermitage, Les Pierrelles

2004 Pujalet, Vin de Pays du Gers
2004 Zilzie Viognier
2002 Albert Belle Crozes-Hermitage, Les Pierrelles

Gascon dry white at its best. With a sweet and sour apple-bite of crunchy acidity, this deliciously juicy, zingy-fresh-for-summer new vintage blend of the ugni blanc and colombard grapes comes from the go-ahead Plaimont Co-operative.

Under a tenner: 2004 Zilzie Viognier £7.98, Asda

An aromatic dry white and fine example of one of the new Australian styles. Not as intense as a northern Rhône Condrieu, but with the requisite powerfully ripe peachy fruit rounded out with a delicate touch of smoky oak and refreshing acidity.

Splash out: 2002 Albert Belle Crozes-Hermitage, Les Pierrelles £11.39, Oddbins

Classic northern Rhône syrah takes on delightful, perfumed characters of spice and pepper, and blackberry fruitiness. This compelling red by one of the appellation's best growers shows these qualities of the grape in spades.