A perfect apéritif from Italy …

Excellent value for money and a perfect apéritif

Taste the Difference, Conegliano Prosecco Superiore Brut, 2023 (Italy)

Produced from grapes grown on the steep limestone hills in the DOCG area of Conegliano in north-east Italy, this is a crisp, refreshing sparkling wine with flavours of apple, lemon, apricot and peach, and a smooth, lively fizz.

This very pleasant and well-balanced Brut wine from Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range has medium acidity, a hint of minerality and a clean finish. It is excellent for money and a perfect apéritif.

Available from Sainsbury’s (£9.75)

A little winter sunshine from Crete …

Lyrarakis Assyrtiko 2021 (Crete)

If you’re looking for a little winter sunshine to brighten up these grey January days, this Assyrtiko white wine from Crete is just the ticket. 

This is a dry wine with a crisp, refreshing acidity. It has pronounced aromas of honey, together with apple and peach, on the nose, and flavours of apple, pear and peach on the palate. 

It is a well-balanced, medium-bodied wine with a long finish that can be enjoyed as an apéritif, and is also an excellent match for a seafood or chicken dish.

Available from Majestic (£11.99, Mix Six £9.99)