Wines of the Week: Domaine Bunan, Bandol 2006; Tiers II Rioja Crianza 2007; Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2010
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sunday lunch
Domaine Bunan, Bandol 2006
If the weather allows you to lunch outdoors and the meat is, say, a leg of lamb studded with anchovies, rosemary and garlic, then this southern French red is perfect, one of three very traditional bottles this week. A fine example of the earthy wines of the Bandol area on the coast east of Marseilles, the blend of mainly Mourvèdre, with some Grenache and Syrah grapes, produces a robustly satisfying mouthful, packed with leathery aromas and vanilla and cinnamon flavours. £14.99, M&S
Weekday supper
Tiers II Rioja Crianza 2007
In contrast to the rustic Bandol, this is a much more modern style of Rioja, a well-made, balanced wine which delivers vanilla and chocolate flavours but in a silkily smooth fashion, having been aged in oak for 12 months and with plenty of up-front red-fruit flavours. Great to accompany anything involving pork and chorizo and at the discount price, would be this week's bargain, but for... £5 (until 4 July; normally £6.93), Asda
Bargain basement
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2010
Hopping back across to the Marche of Italy, here is another very traditional wine, synonymous with its curving bottle. As light, effervescent and refreshing as an Italian operetta, chilled Verdicchio makes a wonderful aperitif for warm days. Its green fruit and bitter-almond flavours marry well with lots of different foods, such as white fish, main-course salads and young cheeses, while its grassy edge might just help with asparagus. £4.49 (until 31 May; normally £8.99), Co-operative stores
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments