WINE: Langlois-Château Saumur Blanc 2003, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Terre di Epicuro 2003
Langlois-Château Saumur Blanc 2003. Even at its normal price, this is a smashing buy - a summer white to give us all a welcome holiday from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. On special offer, it ranks among the most unmissable bargains of the season. It's a classic Loire Chenin Blanc with hints of damp straw, apples, lemons and honey all spun together to make a delicious, tangy mouthful. Try one glass as an aperitif and I guarantee you will empty the bottle. Or serve with roast pork and apple sauce. Mmmmm. From O'Briens, usually €10.49, on special offer at €8.99 until end August.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Terre di Epicuro 2003. Quick, somebody, find me a pizza! That was my first thought sampling this juicily appetising red - a middleweight from middle Italy. Less rustic in style than many wines from Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, its tasty cherry and raspberry flavours emerge from a smooth, fleshy body, yet it's still a gutsy number with a vibrant personality. Amazingly good at the price. From Listons, Camden St; Octavius, Sligo; Barley & Grape, Stranorlar; Blessings, Cavan; Vintage Store, Tullamore; Mortons, Galway; Macs, Limerick; Shannon Knights, Shannon; Jaynes, Ennis and others, usually €8.99.