Supermarket sweep

AT THIS TIME of year, the supermarkets pull out all the stops with their very best offers for the month of December. I have gathered together whatever information I can about forthcoming promotions. Some of the multiples are reticent to release information before the event.

Aldi has its Crémant de Jura, recommended a few weeks back, great value at €9.99. I was also very taken with its Mâcon-Villages Henri de Lorgère at €6.99. This all-purpose budget wine would do very nicely for a range of purposes, including Christmas dinner for white-wine drinkers.

Dunnes Stores has a big selection of offers running during December. The Gérard Bertrand Tautavel is great value at €6.99, as is the Finca Sobreño at €7.99 and the Laurent Miquel range of Languedoc wines, all at two bottles for €12. Not on special promotion, but still offering great value, are the Alamos Chardonnay and Malbec from Argentina, both cracking value at €8, and ideal for a large Christmas dinner gathering. I am a long-term fan of the Somontano below, the Artiga Garnacha (€6.49) and would strongly recommend the new Père Fils range from Laurent Miquel.

It isn’t a cheap wine, but Tesco have taken delivery of the Mount Pleasant Hunter Valley Semillon 2005, selling at €19.99. This is a quite delicious, light (12%), but very stylish wine with impeccable fresh, citrus fruit. You might also enjoy Tesco’s Finest Crémant d’Alsace (€15.99), a cracking sparkling wine that really delivers at the price. Those on a tight budget should look no further than the Marchesini Pinot Noir (€5.49), a glugging, off-dry red. You could also take a look at the Gamekeeper’s Reserve, mentioned below.

Marks Spencer relies less on special promotions than the other multiples, but does have a very broad, well-priced and interesting range. It is offering two bottles of Cava for €19, and two bottles of Prosecco for €20. Personally I would stock up on the Vinalta Chardonnay (€9.99), the Pinot Grigio below, and the Las Falleras red and white at €5.99.

O’Briens has a huge list of wines on special offer, many offering fantastic value. One old favourite, the Protocolo, is always one of the best value wines available in this country, but is even better at €7.99. Another lovely little Spanish warmer is the Marques de Aldaz (€7.99). I would also be very tempted by the Torbreck GSM 2008 at €12.99, down from €19.45. From the same producer, O’Briens is also offering The Steading 2006, beautifully mature wine for a very attractive €19.99 (down from €36.99 for today and tomorrow only).

Superquinn says it is offering 200 wines at up to 50 per cent discount this Christmas. Looking through the list, the Domaine de Brunely Vacqueyras (see below) looks fantastic value, and would be great with turkey. For white wines, there are several Sauvignon Blanc worth considering; the Montana at €7 (or 2 for €12.99), the Agustinos from Chile at €8 (or three for €20) and the Haut Poitou for €7 (or three for €19.98).

Superquinn does not promote the Classic range, but two wines that offer great value are the Classic Collection Valpolicella Ripassa 2008 (€8), a delicious, big, powerful wine, full of stewed plums and ripe cherries, and the Classic Collection Shiraz (€8), recommended here before, and well-suited to these cold wintry nights.

BOTTLES OF THE WEEK

Mâcon-Villages, Henri de Lorgère 2009, 13%, €6.99Light and clean with some pleasant apple fruits, and a dry finish. Great value, all-purpose wine for the coming season. Stockist: Aldi

Friuli Pinot Grigio 2009, 13%, €11.79There are plenty of less expensive Pinot Grigios on offer, including from Marks Spencer, but this is one of the best I have come across in recent months. Lovely broad, rich fruit, with plenty of zingy acidity. Perfect for posher parties, and with all manner of starters. Stockist: Marks Spencer

Protocolo Tinto 2007, 13%, €7.99This is one of the great value wines on the Irish market. Lovely juicy strawberry fruits, with a nice spice edge. Better with food, but fine without. Stockist: O'Briens

Bestué Finca Rableros Somontano 2007, 13.5%, €9.99 (on offer at two for €15)Blackcurrant aromas, medium-bodied dark fruits on the palate, with a nice structure and spicy notes and a better finish than you should expect at the price. Good value at €9.99, great value at €7.50. Stockist: Dunnes Stores

Saint Hallett Gamekeeper's Reserve 2009, 14.5%, €9.35It doesn't have quite the same concentration as I remember from past bottles, but the price has come down. Lovely warm ripe easy dark fruits, and a smooth finish. A good all-round food wine. Stockist: Tesco

Vacqueyras Domaine de Brunely 2009, 15%, €12, down from €17.99Full-bodied, powerful southern Rhône with masses of big ripe fruits and a lovely smooth finish. A wine that calls out for food, preferably something substantial, but worth a try with turkey. Look out for its younger brother, the Domaine de Cristia Grenache – a snip at €7. Stockist: Superquinn