Wines of the week: Jean-Marie Haag Pinot Blanc 2009; Anfora Trio 2010; Otra Vida Winemakers Selection Malbec 2011
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
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Jean-Marie Haag Pinot Blanc 2009
The fine white wines of Alsace in north-eastern France are an undiscovered pleasure for many and this Pinot Blanc is an excellent place to start. A lovely aromatic nose leads to clean, bright but full-bodied orchard fruit flavours and a crisply acidic finish, the whole package being full of elegance and finesse. Alsace is long way from the sea, but this is perfect with lobster, langoustines or the strong, runny cheeses from closer to its home. £12.60, jascots.co.uk
Midweek meal
Anfora Trio 2010
Another unheralded wine-making area, Turkey still has a long way to go to match other parts of Europe. But this is a fantastic example of what can be done – the "trio" of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and the local Kalecik Karasi grapes grown on the Guney Plateau in the south-west produce a robust, brambly wine, with attractive leather and tar flavours on the palate. Excellent with turlu turlu, the local stew of chickpeas and vegetables. £7.49, Marks & Spencer
Bargain basement
Otra Vida Winemakers Selection Malbec 2011
Just because a wine is a supermarket staple and widely available does not mean it should be dismissed, particularly with this attractive discount from Asda. Typically rich, fresh, red-fruit Malbec flavours, with enough tobacco and chocolate notes to give some complexity. A great everyday bottle for a simple steak or grilled sausages with fries. £3.98 (until 23 October; normally £5.48), Asda
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