Some old favourites beckon invitingly and reliably among the current Waitrose promotions but my picks are from the less well known wines and follow a Southern Europe theme.
Although these promotions end on 11 August, the judgements on the wines themselves should hold good for at least three months from the time of the post.
Click on any of the bottles shown for an enlarged image to help you pinpoint the wine on a crowded shelf.
An undemanding Italian white
Fiano is one of the born again Italian grape varieties that have re-emerged recently to compete with pinot grigio under the “light and floral” banner.
There are indeed PG style gentle, perfumed, tropical fruit touches in 2014 Cantina Gadoro Fiano (£5.99 instead of £7.49) but it also has lively apple and white currant based acidity and a depth that makes me think of cream soda.
…..and a really classy neighbour
Enjoy too a white from almost next door that, similarly, involves a once endangered species; greco has also re-invented itself and here brings you balance, sophistication and complexity.
Fresh and rounded, 2013 Tre Fiori Greco di Tufo (£8.79 instead of £10.99) has warm honeyed touches beneath its pear and tropical fruit flavours and blends them nicely into a background of sweeter spices and savoury herbs yet still provides a burst of sharp, apple style acidity.
Gran reserva from outside Rioja
As for the reds, head west for a gran reserva – but not to Rioja; this example hails from the warm and quite arid wine lands of Valdepenas.
Right from its oaky nose and firm acidity there is an integrated feel about 2006 Anciano Gran Reserva Tempranillo (£5.99 instead of £8.99) with its smooth cherry and chocolate flavours, vanilla and cinnamon spiciness, graphite influenced depth and pleasingly limited tannin.
