Due Uve delle Venezie, Pinot Grigio & Sauvignon, Bertani 2004 and Domaine Duseigneur Laudun, Côtes du Rhône Villages 2001
Due Uve delle Venezie, Pinot Grigio & Sauvignon, Bertani 2004. This likeable northern Italian blend is the essence of summer - light, refreshing, moreish and every bit as tasty by itself as with a salad or a bit of chicken or fish. Don't overchill it and you will enjoy hints of pineapple, citrus and honey in a wine with the roundness of Pinot Grigio up front and the crisp zip of Sauvignon underneath. The current price is unbeatable. Bravissimo! From O'Briens, usually €13.49, on special offer through July, €9.99.
Domaine Duseigneur Laudun, Côtes du Rhône Villages 2001. I sampled this organic red over a slow dinner and it was even better at the end than the beginning - always a great sign. From one of the Southern Rhône's cooler villages, it is a little lighter in style than many wines from higher profile appellations - but much less expensive too, and absolutely delicious. Pure flavours of plums, prunes, herbs and gentle spice are underscored by a juicy elegance. From Vendemia Wines, Kilkenny (see above), www.vendemiawines.com, €11.60; also Dublin Food Co-op Saturday market, Pearse Street; Nolans, Clontarf; Murtaghs, Enniskerry.