Piccini Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, £11.49, Morrisons
At one time much Italian Chianti sold in Britain was pretty rough stuff with tannins harsh enough to make you wonder if your tooth enamel would dissolve on contact.
That’s all changed now and Tuscany’s best is lovely.
The native Sangiovese grape is 95% of the blend and the Piccini family have been perfecting the black cherry tastes for 130 years.
Tangley Oaks Pinot Noir 2012, £14.99, cellarviewines.com
California doesn’t get too many mentions here because many mass-produced supermarket offerings are bland and far too expensive.
This one isn’t cheap but it is good value as an excellent example of what the USA’s Golden State does best - velvety-smooth Pinot Noir.
Almost all the grapes for this one come from ten hectares near Caneros in the famed Napa Valley.
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