...And to drink?

Ten years ago, Majestic seemed like a wine wonderland to me. They had mature German Rieslings for £3.99 per bottle and something mysterious known as Swedish claret – not wine from Sweden but Bordeaux overstocks from the Swedish wine monopoly, which Majestic bought cheaply. There was a sense of excitement walking into their shops as you never knew what you might find. Nowadays they are a much bigger company and most of their wine comes from big producers. Big doesn’t mean bad, but it normally means less unusual. You have to look, but there are gems to be found. It’s worth getting on their mailing list for small parcels and offers. They’re particularly good on mature Rioja. Almost all of these wines will be up to one-third cheaper when they’re on offer – another good reason to get on their mailing list.

Domaine de Montval Syrah 2012, £9.99 or £7.49 for two bottles
It’s a very light, fresh Syrah with orangey fruit and stalky bite – an interesting wine.

Crôzes-Hermitage Les Saviaux Michel Poinard 2012, £15.99 or £11.99 for two bottles
A grown-up brother to the above wine. It smells like it’s going to be a meaty bruiser but it has a silky texture and violet fl avours.

Peter Lehmann Riesling Eden Valley 2013, £10.49 or £8.91 for two bottles
Classic Australian Riesling with a toasty nose and a limey intensity. Simple but delicious.

Majestic Cabernet Sauvignon The Parcel Series 2010, £10.99 or £7.32 for two bottles
One for the claret lover, lots of structure and length with a distinct smell of green peppers and blackcurrants.

All of these wines are available from Majestic Wine: 0845-605 6767, www.majestic.co.uk