Etoile Filante Viognier, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Domaines Virginie 2003 and Château Tahbilk Marsanne, Goulburn Valley 2001
Etoile Filante Viognier, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Domaines Virginie 2003. There are a lot of pretty basic Viogniers coming from the south of France, but for a few extra euro, this one offers a lot more pleasure and interest. Made by the same producer as this week's Languedoc Marsanne - a pretty big outfit - this wine comes from a more ambitious range. Enjoy it as an aperitif or with a pork or chicken stir-fry, but be sure not to overchill it or those subtle flavours will be lost. From Oddbins, €10.70 or €10.11 each when you buy six.
Château Tahbilk Marsanne, Goulburn Valley 2001. Serious students should buy two bottles - one to sample now and one to keep for a few years. As the colour deepens, its fresh pineapple character with a hint of marzipan takes on fantastic orange and butterscotch richness. All without a hint of oak. Tahbilk is an Australian classic at a comfortable price, and a dream with creamy curries. From Superquinn; Redmonds, Ranelagh; Martha's Vineyard, Rathfarnham; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Red Island, Skerries; McPhails, Drogheda; O'Donovans, Cork; Gaffneys, Ballina and Castlebar and many others, €11.99-€12.99.