Wines of the week

Sunday lunch

Lowburn Ferry Home Block Pinot Noir 2012

New Zealand's Central Otago rivals Burgundy for getting the best from fickle Pinot Noir, this bottle winning a Gold in the 2014 International Wine Challenge. Silky, sophisticated, medium-bodied but concentrated, with bright flavours of cherry and cinnamon. Goes with all autumn game, particularly grouse. £28.51, cambridgewine.com; £29, winetrust100.co.uk

Midweek meal

Petit Plaisir 2011

South Africa is also proving adept at creating French-style blends, even giving this Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon combination a Gallic name. But it's not fooling anyone – this has a robust, fruit-driven, New World character. Pair it with grilled meats or dishes with Middle Eastern spicing. £8.99, Marks & Spencer

Bargain basement

Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro 50cl

And here, Spain's Penedès region produces its own version of Languedoc's Vin Doux Naturel with the Moscatel grape. Unlike most dessert wines, this is lightly bodied, ethereally fragrant and packed with zesty flavours of orange blossom, candied peel and honey. Drink with sweeter puddings, particularly if involving meringues or ice cream. £7.49, Tesco, waitrosecellar.com