We recently received this question from Brian Potts of Leatherhead:



''I will always select Venison, Pheasant or Game if it''s on the menu, which I know is not to everyone''s taste. Can you recommend a wine that will ideally accompany these meats, whilst not overpowering lighter red meats like Lamb for example?''



This shouldn''t be too much of a problem, but you do need to be a bit careful with the alcohol levels. A big fruity Shiraz would be ideal for Venison, but make sure that it isn''t a 14.5% blockbuster, as this will overpower the Lamb, 13% would be fine! For this very reason my first choice would be a Cornas or Croze Hermitage from the Rhone, or alternatively a Chianti Classico of the same level of alcohol. Venison is usually served in a rich sauce, whereas Lamb is often served in a lighter jus, so check the menu carefully, this might give you a better idea.

Q: "We holiday in France most years and regularly self-cater in a gite. However, I always buy wine to bring home when we get back to Calais, just before getting on the ferry. My question is, is the cheap wine of the holiday areas better value than the special offers that always seem to be in the supermarkets near the coast?" H.T., Pinner



A: The booze cruise to Calais has become a great day out, especially when time is of the essence or a special occasion is to be catered for.



When visiting a well-known wine-producing region for a holiday, whether it be the Loire, Dordogne or the Mediterranean, I think it is an ideal opportunity to investigate at leisure, and to try to find something special.

I am always sad to hear that holidaymakers only see the 1.5 Euro cheapie as good value. When we visit a wine region, the challenge is never to drink the same wine twice. In this way, we get a wonderful chance to find something inexpensive, but really interesting.



Whether you are a supermarket browser, or a vineyard visitor, the varieties are innumerable. If you drink twenty or so Bergeracs or Chinons during your holiday, you are certain to find a stunner somewhere. Don''t forget if you find one in a supermarket, you can always track it down, and buy it cheaper at the cellar door. Don''t limit yourself to the range on offer at the channel ports is my advice.