Wines for a great night inWines for a great night in

There was once a time when fine wines were reserved for special occasions. But now, thanks to cultural diversity, sipping vino has become part of the ritual of everyday life.
With the likes Bridget Jones and Sex in the City promoting the delicacy it’s now estimated that us women buy as much as 70% of the wine drunk in the UK.
With that in mind it’s time to revolutionise a girls nights in. Bin the usual Blue Nun and Lambrini, as chic women it’s your duty to drink sophisticated beverages and what better way then to sample delicious wines from across the globe.

To get the ball rolling here are some of tried and tested:

South Africa
Kumala Chardonnay Semillon, from £5.49 (Asda, Bargain Booze, Nisa Todays and Tesco)
This crispy little number is great with desserts. The zesty wine with undertones of melon and pear flavours, is perfect accompanied with a fruit tart to hand. Or for those on Aktins the fresh taste and lightness means it works well with salads.

Boschendal 1685 Shiraz from £7.99 (Sainsbury’s)
A mature wine with grapes specially selected from vineyards in the mountains. This is a classic shiraz. Deep red in colour and black rich fruits in flavour completed with elegant notes of exotic spices.

Italy
Da Luca Primitivo Merlot from £4.99 (Waitrose, Tesco, Somerfield, Sainsbury’s)
A fab combination of the classic Italian Primitivo grape and the popular Merlot. The taste is smooth with velvety plum and spicy undertones.  Intense ruby red in colour and robust in flavour, this wine from the heel of Italy is perfect with any meaty dish or simply a kebab.

Chile
Traidcraft Cabernet Merlot £67.70 for a case of 12 (www.traidcraftshop.co.uk)
Fresh, spicy and with a complex nose this Chilean red wine is a perfect 50/50 blend of the popular Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Best drunk young, this wine has an overt blackberry aroma and a plummy, chocolaty palate, giving it body and depth through the long finish. Its flavours and grippy tannins complement red meats and pasta dishes, as well as cheeses and grilled tuna.

Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc from £7.03 (Somerfield)
An aromatic and fruity stunner which would make a great accompaniment to elegant party platters. Exploding with refreshing citrus flavours and floral notes each sip is easily devoured.

Argentina
Traidcraft Shiraz 2005 £70.00 for a case of 12 (www.traidcraftshop.co.uk )
This full-bodied red is intense in colour and best drunk immediately or after laying down for 3-5 years. Spiced plum fruit blended with ripe cassis and a peppery finish create a clean, smooth taste which partners wonderfully with BBQs or a fancy cheese board.

Traidcraft Torrontes 2005 £67.70 for a case of 12 (www.traidcraftshop.co.uk )
Crisp and fresh with a bewitching floral bouquet of roses, jasmine, ripe white peaches and melon, perfect for those long summer evenings or in the UK simply great with the girls and a creamy pasta dish or spiced ethnic food. This Argentinean classic offers great intensity and elegance in a bottle.

Bordeaux
Mouton Cadet Rouge from £6.99 (Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Fenwick’s, Londis)
Dense in colour this smooth, medium bodied wine hits the nose with an elegant bouquet, and blackberry aromas. This rich and creamy number is great with a beef steak.

Mouton Cadet Blanc from £5.99 (Morrisons, Londis)
A popular Bordeaux bottle. The taste is fresh and zesty with a lemon and lime character. The colour is pale straw and the body medium. Perfect with seafood or grilled Chicken.

France
Chateau Tour Prignac Medoc from £8.99 (Oddbins)
A great valued Bordeaux. Filled with powerful cassis, spice and mint tones with a green pepper nose. The palette is medium bodied. A rich berry and oak taste lasts from start to end.

Touraine, Domaine Pré Baron 2005 from £7.99 (Threshers,www.victoriawine.co.uk )
Great country wine with a grassy nose and classic flavours of gooseberry. This full-flavoured dry wine has a crisp lemon acidity on the palate. Perfect with goat’s cheese or grilled fish.

USA
Turning Leaf Pinot Grigio from £5.99 (Asda, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Thresher)
The palate is vibrant, light and crispy dry with a honeyed peach, pear and apricot aftertaste. This wine has plenty of character with a rich, weighty texture. Try with mildly spiced Asian recipes.

Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Shiraz from £6.99 (Somerfield, Tesco)
Fantastic during the British cold front. This is a powerful winter warmer to share with the girls. The useful screwcap opens up to a smooth personality with a magic mix of peppery and blackberry flavours. Great with barbecues or sweet and sour dishes.

Australia
Hardys Oomoo Shiraz from £7.99 (Morrisons, Thresher)
After a sip of this deliciously fruity and rich berry flavoured wine you’ll find it easy to believe that Oomoo translates as good. This number has been launched in the celebration of 150 years Hardys wine. It’s definitely one the top spicy shiraz bottles on the market. The bottle’s pretty too.

McGuigan Gold Chardonnay from £5.99 (Sainsbury’s, Tesco)
A medium bodied wine with subtle buttery flavours blended with tropical fruits creating a complex but balanced structure with a clean finish.

Wine Treats 
Rubis from £5.99 for 50cl (Somerfield)
An indulgent blend of red wine and premium chocolate essence. A rich authentic chocolate flavour balanced with classic fruity tones. Great served over ice or in a long tall glass by a log fire.

Robert Mondavi Moscato D’Oro from £12.99 (Revelstoke, Bedales)
If you love Madeira wine you’ll adore this. A sweet and aromatic dessert wine balanced with spicy notes. Perfect with tarts or simply alone after a scrumptious meal.

Sparklers

Codorniu Reserva Raventos from £7.99 (Majestic, Oddbins)  A great price for a high quality, elegant cava.  Honouring 125 years of Cava making this bright pale straw yellow colour has an interesting fruity nose and finish. Fantastic with tapas or salmon fritters.