Two wines exclusive to Tesco this week. I featured a sauvignon/Sémillon blend from Western Australia a few weeks ago. The sauvignon brings aroma and a lively crisp acidity; the Sémillon fills it out a little, bringing ripe lightly textured fruits.

Merlot has gone from hero to villain in recent years following the movie Sideways, but it does produce very attractive, smooth, easy drinking wines that go well with a wide variety of foods.

Tesco Finest* Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2023, Western Australia

12.5% abv, €12 (€10 for Tesco Club Card Holders)

Racy fresh pear and gooseberry fruits with lemon zest. Enjoy as an aperitif or with herby Asian prawn dishes.

Wairau Cove Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2022, New Zealand

13% abv, €13 (€10 for Tesco Club Card Holders)

Plump, smooth, ripe plum and dark cherry fruits with a rounded finish. Try it with lamb chops, duck breast or firm cheeses.