Two wines from the warm sunny south of France this week. The Grenache grape comes in a variety of colours, all related to each other. Grenache noir, used to make red wine is the most popular; Grenache Gris is a pinkish grey mutation used to make rosé wines; and Grenache blanc, which is grown in the Rhône Valley and the Languedoc, is used to make white wines.

Cairanne is a village in the Southern Rhône, not far from the better-known town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wines are known for having a certain elegance compared to other local wines, but these things are relative. You can still expect a rich and warming wine, perfect for those colder evenings.

Sous les Mers, Specially Selected Grenache de Grenache Blanc 2023

13% abv, €9.99 from Aldi

Plump ripe peaches add texture to the refreshing, zesty lemon. Drink alongside richer fish and chicken dishes. A creamy fish pie would be perfect.

Specially Selected Cairanne 2023, Chassaux & Fils

14.5% abv, €10.99 from Aldi

Powerful and smooth with plenty of spicy, ripe red cherry and strawberry fruits. One to savour alongside winter casseroles with beans and or beef.