World Cup Wines

What should you be drinking with your World Cup Feast? Find out here
You've planned your World Cup Feast, your friends are on their way, now discover the best wines from around the world to serve with your buffet, lunch-time spread or al-fresco barbecue.

1. 2009 Asda Argentinian Torrontés, Mendoza (£4.24, 13.3%)
If you haven't met Argentina's most distinctive local grape, this grapey, fresh, floral, unoaked white is a great way to make its acquaintance.

2. 2009 Tesco Australian Reserve Riesling/Gewürztraminer, South Australia (£4.96, 12%)
An unusual combination of grapes (at least for Australia), but this off-dry white is spicy and perfumed, with rose petal and ginger aromas and a lime-like tang.

3. 2008 Moncaro Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico, Marche (£4.99, 12.8%, Waitrose)
This unoaked Italian white, made from the under-valued Verdicchio grape, is fresh and forward, with notes of juniper and ripe pears and a nutty undertone.

4. 2008 Zalze Pinotage, Western Cape (£6.65, or £4.99 each for two, 14%, Majestic)
The Cape's most controversial red grape can be deliciously approachable when it's as juicy as this. Spicy and lightly oaked with supple red fruits.

5. 2009 Marks & Spencer Gascogne Rosé, Plaimont (£4.99, 12.5%)
This Gascon pink is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and very tasty it is, showing flavours of redcurrant and green pepper and crunchy acidity.

6. 2008 Viña Rocabo Rioja, Rioja Alavesa (£5.99, or £4.79 by the mixed case, 13%, Oddbins)
A Spanish red that's made in a Beaujolais style: bright, brambly and fruit-packed with sweet tannins, cherry and raspberry fruit and not an oak barrel in sight.

7. 2008 Yarra Hills Chardonnay, Yarra Valley (£7.49, or £4.99 each for two, 12.5%, Majestic)
Miles better than most commercial Aussie Chardonnays. Fresh and subtly-oaked, with fresh, citrus fruit acidity and undertones of fig and melon.

8. 2008 Kiwi Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays des Vignobles de France (£5.99, 12%, Sainsbury's)
Despite the name, this comes from the Loire Valley in France. It's a pretty vibrant style of Sauvignon, with gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours and grapefruity acidity.

9. 2009 Caves Saint Pierre Préférence Côtes du Rhône Rosé (£5.99, 14%, Tesco)
A lovely, pale pink rosé from the south of France. Understated flavours of rosehip and red fruits combine beautifully in the glass here.

10. 2008 Bouchard Pinot Noir, Vin de Pays d'Oc (£5.99, 13%, Sainsbury's)
Pinot Noir from France tends to be expensive, so this is a real bargain. It's soft and fleshy, with a pale colour and notes of wild strawberries and a touch of oak.

By: Penny Day

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Get more recipe ideas and general food tips to create fabulous dishes in the kitchen