Wines of the week: Meandro do Vale Meao 2007; Dourthe La Grande Cuvée 2010; Codorniu Reina Maria Cristina Blanc de Noirs 2008
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
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Meandro do Vale Meao 2007
The Douro is no longer just about aged port, but also stunning reds such as this. The traditional port grape mix, dominated by Touriga Nacional, produces a full-bodied wine of real depth and power: an aromatic nose, concentrated flavours of rich autumn fruits and some slightly sweet, smoky, oaky, undertones. Excellent with Christmas roast game or fowl. £16, thewinesociety.com; £19.99, henningswine.co.uk (2006/8)
Midweek meal
Dourthe La Grande Cuvée 2010
Good white Bordeaux under £10 is not easy to find, but this is a really great example of traditional, old-world Sauvignon Blanc that makes a great match for any kind of seafood or starters such as smoked salmon, but is light enough to be a perfect party bottle. The palate is clean, crisp and refreshing, with light, grassy, citric flavours that make it very drinkable. £7.99 Waitrose; £6.49 (each for two bottles purchased as part of a minimum six mixed-bottle purchase; normally £7.99), majestic.co.uk
Bargain basement
Codorniu Reina Maria Cristina Blanc de Noirs 2008
A special offer on the top label from one of the two great Spanish sparkling wine houses, Maria Cristina is as close to traditional champagne as you can get which, until the French took a grip, was what they called cava. Very dry, fine bubbles and really lovely fresh apple, pear and toast flavours, it is a great wine for festive celebrations. And a wonderfully stylish bottle. £9.99 (as part of a minimum six mixed-bottle purchase; normally £14.99), majestic.co.uk
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