Wines of the Week: GH Mumm Cordon Rouge NV, Grande Reserve Bergerac Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011, King Valley Vermentino 2012

Mother's day lunch

GH Mumm Cordon Rouge NV

Launched in 1875 with the distinctive red sash of the Légion d'honneur, Mumm's Cordon Rouge is a quintessential French champagne, ideal for celebrating Mothering Sunday today. This is about as complex as an NV can get, using grapes from several years going back to 2004, with a high proportion of Pinot Noir in the mix. Richly fruity, with nutty, toasty flavours and a lingering, creamy finish. Drink with canapés or a first course of smoked salmon, oysters or shellfish. £25.99 (normally £32.99), Waitrose

Midweek meal

Grande Reserve Bergerac Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011

Bergerac can be overshadowed by its more glamorous neighbour Bordeaux, but those in the know are aware that its wines can represent stunning value for money, while remaining true to the same traditions. Here, the blend of two Bordeaux staples delivers bold, dark, savoury flavours, with touches of stewed fruits and firm structured tannins, combining to create a warming, satisfying wine. All roasted red meats work here, but confit duck with garlic is the real partner. £8.99, Sainsbury's

Bargain basement

King Valley Vermentino 2012

Light-as-air, bone-dry Italian-style white, but Australian-made in the King Valley of Victoria, where such European grapes, normally found in Liguria and Sardinia, can thrive. Fresh, vibrant, with tastes of pear, grass and lemon sherbet, this is an unpretentious, gluggable bottle to stock up on at the bargain price to be drunk with goat's cheese salad or prawn and chilli linguine. But hurry… £6 (until 12 March; normally £8.98), Asda