Wine fair

In these trying economic times then a very good alternative to champagne is a good Prosecco from NW Italy.

Half the price of champagne and I have tried it - pretty nice.

For a couple of great all rounders at a great price I'd go for tesco finest cotes catalans Grenache and a White cotes du Rhone.

White: Gruner Veltliner or Picpoul de Pinet, great but unusual all-rounders; Red: NZ Pinot Noir goes with pretty much anything, food-wise, or failing that, and slightly cheaper, Louis Latour Pinot Noir, Domaine de Valmoissine. A classic.

Doh! I do , of course, mean Prosecco from N EAST Italy - it's from Veneto.

Doh!

I've just ordered in Finest Vermentino & Finest Argentinian Malbec/Syrah for our big birthday party. Both delicious, an absolute bargain with the 25% off offer and best of all....screwcap!

For white, I would choose the Tim Adams Semillon 2008, newly discovered at the Wine Fair in Bristol. It is aromatic, clean and crisp on the palate. Special and would complement a wide range of menu options.

For the red, either the Oyster Bay Merlot, or with a little more in the budget, La Mascota Malbec 2009. Once again these wines would meet most people's expectations of a red wine to complement food. Fruity with some age and complexity, but still easy drinking.

And for the fizz - with a large audience I would go for Cava: reliable, crisp, elegant, made using champagne method, excellent in cocktails (kir royale, or with Saint Germain elderflower). For a smaller intimate gathering, then treat yourself to Jacquart or Jeepers.

I think care is needed when selecting wine for any function. You've got to try to satisfy most peoples palates at an economic cost and consider seriously the alcohol content - so that people don't end up falling down - Weddings can be quite long functions.

For the White I would go for TF Tapiwey Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. Tesco tend to play about with the price of this - normally £8.99 but until midnight tonight £4.50.

For the Red I would like something reasonably medium bodied such as Tesco Finest Montepulciano D'Abruzzo currently at a very reasonable £3.75 a bottle. I know I'm a bit of a cheapskate!

For the welcome drink and toasts - and to counter my meanness with the cheap red I'd go for the cheapest Vintage Champagne I could find. The current deal on TF Grand Cru Champagne at £14.99 I think would be more than adequate to set the tone - I don't think anybody would be complaining.

Regards

Ian