Cuvee Chasseur Rouge 2012, £4.79, Waitrose, Waitrose.com

The first of two austerity specials from France this week which are good wines at great prices.

This is a workaday red that will go with almost anything, it's smooth with lots of fruit and a lovely mouthful.

There's a blend of grapes not unlike the Bordeaux mix and just 12% alcohol.

The name is simple and basically it is the sort of vin ordinaire you love drinking on holiday.

The difference is that it's here in the UK and still well under a fiver!

 

Les Pierres Bordes Marsanne Viognier 2012, £5.50, The Wine Society

From the Wine Society, which is owned by its members offers you all kinds of goodies for a one-off £50 fee, here's a white that's also a real bargain.

The grapes are the apricot-flavoured Viognier and Marsanne, originally from the Rhone area with an almost honeysuckle perfume.

It's a compelling mix from the Pays d'Oc region in the south with an alcohol level of just 12.5% and a light, very enjoyable taste.