Wines just perfect for entertaining (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Make the most of an Indian summer

in Drink

The Spanish love to party, and Barcelona is home to Freixenet, the king of cava. For a cracking cava that lives up to its name, try Freixenet Cordon Oro, DO Cava, Spain (£9.49, The Co-operative), pronounced “fresh-eh-net”. Made from the Catalan trio of grapes, xarel-lo, macabeo and parellada, this fresh, fruity, semi-sweet sparkler takes its name from the gold bottle and if you like moscato, then you’ll love Cordon Oro.

Alternatively, if you prefer a medium-sweet rose and a beaming taste of fresh berries from Bordeaux, try Domaine De Pellehaut Ete Gascon Rose 2011, France (£9.99, Waitrose). A blend of 60 per cent tannat and 40 per cent merlot, it is strawberry dominant with redcurrant notes and juicy cherry flavours that linger with creamy notes on a refreshing finish... serve this pink nectar well chilled.

But if you’re thirsty for some rose-hued elegance that’s crisp and bone dry, try Turkey Flat Vineyards Rose 2012, Barossa Valley, Australia (£12.99, www.drinksdirect.co.uk). A full-flavoured, salmon-red rose that’s a popular choice Down Under, it’s a blend of four varieties (grenache, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and dolcetto) with a fruity, cranberry-filled profile, fresh acidity and crispness on the finish.

Gifted winemaker Alain Grignon has once again shown his talent for producing great-tasting, great-value vinos. If you think a good French sauvignon blanc signals a pricey Sancerre from the Loire Valley, Grignon will convince you otherwise with his must-try Esprit Soleil Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de France 2011 (£5.99; buy two, save £2, £4.99, until October 29, Majestic). Fresh, smooth and fragrant, the sunny label mirrors the appealing flavours of this bright white.