Nero Oro Appassimento 2016

Nero Oro Appassimento 2016, Italy (from £8.99 on multibuy, Majestic or via WineSearcher)  I must admit I'm a huge fan of Vivek Singh's cooking - and when he's on festive form, it's a joy to partake. Witness his roast goose breast mappas with aloo podimas in this Christmas...

Saint-Véran 2016

M&S Saint-Véran 2016, France (£11.50, Marks & Spencer)  If Tom Aikens cooking you pan-fried John Dory with turnips and chestnuts isn't an invitation to crack open the white Burgundy, I don't know what is. This was my Saturday Kitchen pairing for Tom's aforementioned delightful creation. It's the affordable end...

Forty Hall Vineyard Brut 2015

Forty Hall Vineyard Brut 2015, 11.5%, London (£27.99-28.99, farm shop or website)  Many wines are rewarding. But this fizz is rewarding on so many levels that recommending it feels like a virtue in itself. Get involved, the glib summary might read, because it will make you feel...

Most Wanted Pinot Noir 2016

Most Wanted Pinot Noir 2016, New Zealand (£8.25-9, Sainsbury's)  I have an admission to make. Peter Gordon is one of my all-time favourite chefs. I used to pore over his recipe books as if they were gospel. And his particular brand of inspired fusion food...

Black Cottage rosé 2016

Black Cottage rosé 2016, 12.5%, New Zealand (£10.99 on multi buy or £12.99, Majestic or via Wine Searcher)  A slightly more expensive option on Saturday Kitchen this time - but it's worth it. I was matching it to a delicious but tricky dish by Sabrina Ghayour: harissa lamb with...

Rating Chilean Carmenere

Carmenere is the James Bond of wine grapes. It's mysterious, with a past shrouded in conjecture. No one knows how best to handle or contain it. It's often been on the ropes - but has proved a dogged survivor. It also goes under many pseudonyms, from...

Ara Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Ara Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2016, New Zealand, 12.5% (£10.59 but down to £7.94 on multi buy, Waitrose)  We are big fans of chef Freddy Forster in this household. He's not only a lovely man but also a brilliant cook - witness his utterly delicious, dangerously moreish Saturday...