Wines of the week: August 10

This week I’m drinking: Co-op wines

What do you think of when you hear the word, Co-op? Environmentally friendly bank accounts? Doughty 19th-century Northerners pooling their resources to escape poverty? Affordable funerals? I bet you don’t think of fine wine. Well I do now, after trying a great range at a tasting by the Co-op. Not only are there good, everyday wines, but also some adventurous stuff that I wouldn’t expect in a British supermarket. It’s a risk, but one that I hope pays off. If you don’t believe me, try them yourself…

Savennières, Domaine des Forges 2009, £9.99

This is probably the bravest wine on the list. Savennières is a small appellation in the Loire that produces one of the finest dry whites in France. It’s almost unknown outside my wine-bore circles, so compared with, say, Burgundy, it’s affordable. Made entirely from Chenin Blanc, it’s intense and bone dry with flavours of cooked apples and nuts, and a hint of vanilla from oak barrels.

Riesling Kabinett, Von Kesselstatt 2009, £9.99

Mosel Riesling is my favourite summer drink and this is a fine example. Delicately floral, slightly sweet and with a touch of fizz. This is just lovely.

Lirac Reserve, Ogier 2010, £8.99

Ogier makes some of the finest wine in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but this is from just over the border in Lirac and is therefore half the price. This spicy red combines power with elegance; like a burly French rugby player who can tango.

Rioja Reserva, CVNE Imperial 2004, £17.99

From one of the grand old names of Rioja this is the sort of wine to open when the colonel comes for Sunday lunch. He’ll love the aromas of plums and cigars, and appreciate its structure and long finish.

You will find all the wines at The Co-op: 0800-068 6727, www.co-operative.coop