The discount reduces the price of the fresh, light and ultra-fashionable Pasqua Pinot Grigio Pavia 2003 from the usual é4.59 to a very palatable é3.90 and the thick, luscious and plummy Masseria Monaci Copertino 2000, with its almond notes and spicy finish is comes down from é4.99 to é4.24. Perhaps it's those visions of al fresco lunches in the sunshine that give Italian wines such summery appeal and a crisp, lemony white like Croce del Moro Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2003, from the Marches, (é4.69 or é3.99 for two or more) is perfect for the picnic basket in its shapely, amphora-style bottle. From the same central region, Conti Cortesi Rosso Conero 2001 (é6.99 or é5.94 for two or more) is made from the montepulciano grape and offers full-bodied redcurrant fruit and a weight that makes it an excellent match for barbecued meats.
There's an excellent pinot grigio new to the shelves at Aldi; Villa Malizia 2003 (é3.99) whose rounded apple fruit and nutty finish makes it ideal with creamy pasta dishes or even seafood in a tomato sauce - never an easy match. Aldi's eye-catching red of the moment is a bargain-priced beaujolais, a classic summertime tipple (forget all that nonsense with the nouveau). Quinson Beaujolais Cru Villages, Cote de Brouilly 2003 (é4.99) comes from the most southerly of the 10 cru villages and offers loads of concentrated, textured raspberry fruit. Chill it slightly and it's a wonderful partner for cold cuts.
The drinks industry hasn't passed over the opportunity to take a ride on the back of England's presence in the European Championships and the tournament has seen the return of Marston's special edition beer, Fever Pitch, complete with the Cross of St George on the label. The beer, which is available in pubs across the UK - and in Portugal - during June and July, is a refreshing pale ale with a delicious citrus bitter tang made with Fuggles and Goldings hops. Somewhat less traditional is the launch of a new five-litre ``match pack'' of WKD Original Vodka Blue - the equivalent of 18 bottles - now available in supermarkets for é18.49. Do save some in case there's extra time.
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