Vinus by Paul Mas Clairette 2016, France (£8, Morrisons) Who doesn't like a good pie? Even - or perhaps especially - when it's called shakh plov. This Azerbaijani dish was being cooked by the delightful Olia Hercules on Saturday Kitchen. You really need to see it to get...
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...
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...
Saint Mont 2015, France (£9, Marks & Spencer) This was my choice of invigorating white to pair with a dish of pan-fried mullet with rosemary and a cabbage salad by Marianna Leivaditaki on Saturday Kitchen. It's a great bargain, this white, and also consistently food-friendly. We've recommended it...
The Originals Washington Riesling 2016, USA (£9 on buy 2 save 25% or £12, Marks & Spencer) Pineapple - while undoubtedly delicious - is never an easy fruit. Not to peel. Not to juggle. Not to eat. Certainly not to pair with wine. So Ching He Huang's dish...
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...
Wine fraud is a big issue. It also makes for a fascinating story. So I was thrilled to be able to explore the topic in a recent BBC Radio 4 documentary called The Wine Detectives. (Click on the link to find the original 28-minute programme...
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...
Fierce Beer Imperial Café Racer Porter, Scotland, 8.5% (£3.49 per bottle, Fierce Beer) We thoroughly enjoyed this great little brew on Saturday Kitchen alongside some delicious chocolate brownies. It's actually a coffee and vanilla porter - so a dark beer but with lots of richness to it. This...
Finest Viré Clessé 2014, France, 12% (£11, Tesco) 'You've hit the nail on the head with this - I could sit and drink this...