Sixteen Ridges Pinot Noir Early 2014

This full-flavoured pinot noir from Worcestershire took me totally by surprise this week. I would never have guessed it was from the UK.

It was on the list at Native in Covent Garden, a charming small modern British restaurant which is also a bit of a find. I was going to make it my match of the week given how well it matched a slightly smoky dish of rare venison with salt-baked turnip and smoked potato but it’s such an intriguing wine it deserves the spotlight on its own.

It’s made by Simon Day who also makes cider at Sixteen Ridges sister company Once Upon a Tree and costs £15.49 from their website. Other stockists include Hawkins Bros who have it for £16 and Hay Wines (£16.49) (Restaurants and hotels can buy it from Jascots*)

Pinot noir early - otherwise known as pinot noir précoce is, as the name suggests, an early ripening variant of pinot noir that is doing particularly well in this part of the world. Think less the pure fruit flavours of the best burgundy or New Zealand pinot noir and more earthy, hedgerow fruits. They also suggest pairing it with crispy roast duck, slow roasted lamb or a rich mushroom dish

It won a silver medal in this year’s IWSC awards and a Bronze in the Decanter World Wine Awards.

* who are one of our regular sponsors

Gin of the month: Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin

You like gin? You like shiraz? You’re in luck! Australian distillery Four Pillars has combined the two in a gin they’ve called Bloody Shiraz, the perfect bottle with which to celebrate Australia Day.

Apparently it’s made from shiraz grapes that are steeped in gin for 8 weeks, giving it a luscious dark berry character - a bit like a sloe or damson gin. I enjoyed it most as a shot and on the rocks: although they advise that you can drink it with tonic I actually found it too sweet that way. There are lots of other cocktail ideas on their website including the Bloody Jasmine.

The price in the UK varies considerably. The cheapest I’ve spotted it is on special offer at £34.99 from Ministry of Drinks and Simply Wines Direct and £37.95 from Field & Fawcett while some sites sell it for as much as £51.

Either way it’s not cheap but I know a lot of you gin fanatics out there like to get your hands on something different and you can pretty well guarantee no-one will have a red gin in their collection!

Six food pairings for gin that might surprise you

Off the shelf: Tesco Cotes de Gascogne Blanc

At just £5* and 11% this is the perfect wine for this cash-strapped, trying-to-be-a-bit-healthier time of year.

I had the idea a while back of plucking the occasional bottle off the shelf to review and promptly forgot about it but readers tell me it's useful so I will try and remember to do it from time to time.

It comes from Gascony in the south-west of France where it’s made by the excellent Plaimont co-operative and has the same tropical fruity character as a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

At only 11% it’s only 1.4 units and 81 calories per 125ml glass which makes it perfect if you’re cutting back rather than cutting out wine for January. (By comparison a 14% wine would be 1.8 units)

What to drink it with? Fresh-tasting food such as salads and fish. It’s a good early evening tipple and a perfect party wine.

Value for money 8/10

*from my local city centre Tesco Metro. It seems to be cheaper still online at £4.50

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Chateau de Caraguilhes 2014 Corbieres

What bottle should you take to dinner with friends? It’s a tricky one. You want something that doesn’t break the bank but will impress. Cheap bordeaux and burgundy are dodgy. Barefoot and Blossom Hill brand you as a cheapskate

Obviously it depends what you’re eating (if you know) but this bottle of Corbières should fit the bill with anything meaty, especially roasts and stews.

Mainly syrah with a good whack of beefy carignan and a dash of grenache it’s a bottle that you - and they - will love if you like warming spicy reds though at 13% it’s not over-alcoholic.

It’s also made from organically grown grapes and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. And it looks smarter than it’s £9.99 price tag (though if Waitrose has one of its periodic 25% off deals I’d definitely take advantage and stock up)