Saint Mont is in deepest southwest France, a great place for bargain hunters to seek out well-priced wines. This unoaked wine is made from a blend of three local grape varieties, gros manseng, petit courbu and arrufiac. Plaimont is a group of 200 winegrowers who have come together to produce a range of wines. They are generally very good and very well-priced too.
Half Eye Red from South Africa is made from a blend of no less than six different grape varieties, including cabernet, shiraz, pinotage and others. It is aged partially in oak giving it a sweet spicy edge.
Plaimont Saint Mont Grande Cuvée Tradition 2020
Light to medium-bodied with succulent pear and peach fruits. This would go nicely with creamy dishes; think chicken and mushroom pie, cauliflower cheese, celeriac gratin or semi-soft cheeses. 12.5%abv €15 (€12 with Tesco clubcard).
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Half Eye Red, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium-bodied and smooth with ripe dark fruits and vanilla. Try it with grilled pork chops, tomato-based pasta dishes, or pizza. 13% abv, €14 from Tesco (€12 with Tesco clubcard).
