Take a break from the New World and rediscover some old masters

We all love our New World wines – easily drinkable on their own without food, they’re a staple in any home and a well-loved regular in wine bars and gastro pubs.

Bordeaux wines often have a bit of a reputation as’difficult’ not to say’expensive’ and that’s true of the big crus of course.

The region is home to some of the finest wines on the planet and at prices to match.But you don’t have to splash out to get a big taste of Bordeaux, your local supermarket is a fine place to start with a Bordeaux for every occasion.

As Spring comes in with an abundance of seasonal vegetables and meats, wines from Bordeaux are the perfect complement. A fruit-forward red from Médoc or Saint-Émilion with your Easter lamb, or a crisp Bordeaux rosé, made from Merlot, alongside the lighter, vegetarian meals so many people are getting into.

There’s bubbly too  and determinedly dry whites, a whole cellar of affordable, quality Bordeaux wines to celebrate with. Here are some picks for Easter.

Les Cordeliers Exclusive Blanc Brut NV, Bordeaux

Sémillon

Made beneath 13th century cloisters in the heart of Saint Émilion, this stylish Crémant de Bordeaux is the perfect drink to start off your Easter celebrations, either as an apéritif, alongside canapés, or with dessert. With evocative white fruit aromas, this dry sparkling wine is very expressive on the palate, with a fine mousse and a fresh finish.

£14.50 from Department 33                               

Taste the Difference Bordeaux Rosé 2017, Bordeaux AOC

Merlot

If we’re graced with sunshine this Easter, then this is the wine to open. Full of delicate raspberry and succulent red berry flavours, this lively rosé has a refreshingly crisp finish. Best served with light spring fare such as a fresh watermelon and feta salad.

£8.00 from Sainsbury’s

Château Bel Air Perponcher Réserve 2017, Bordeaux AOC

Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle

Herbaceous and savoury, with notes of quince and orange, this spicy blend comes from white Bordeaux specialists the Despagne family, a renowned winemaking family, with a history in Bordeaux spanning 250 years, who have organically farmed their vines for the last 30 years. Light and dry with a fragrant aroma, this wine would pair beautifully with poached salmon for your Good Friday supper.

£9.50 from The Wine Society

Le Grand Chai Réserve Blanc 2016, Bordeaux AOC

Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

2016 was a first class vintage for Bordeaux whites and this Sauvignon-based blend is certainly no exception. Intense, honeyed, citrus fruit notes have been rounded out through oak barrel aging, lending this wine a delicious creaminess, complemented by toasty vanilla spice and cut through by fresh lemon and grassy notes. A delightful match for white meat dishes such as chicken chasseur.

£13.99 from Laithwaites

Château de Cruzeau 2013, Pessac-Leognan

Sauvignon Blanc

A more structured white from one of the most notable white wine appellations in Bordeaux, Pessac-Léognan, this wine has an elegant nose of white flowers, lime blossom and citrus. With a delicious richness and a subtle lemon finish this can be matched to grilled fish or salads, such as a Mediterranean fig and mozzarella.

£17.99 from Waitrose

Château Les Martins 2014, Côtes de Bordeaux, Blaye

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec

This excellent value red is ripe, rich and juicy, bursting with flavours of red plums, blackberries and sweet damson fruit, with just a touch of spice. A relaxed and balanced wine, ideal for an Easter Sunday roast – no matter what protein you pair it with.

£9.49 from Waitrose

Moueix Saint Emilion 2015, Saint-Émilion

Merlot, Cabernet Franc

With notes of fresh blackberry and herbs, this soft-textured and elegant claret is a delightful option to share with friends and family alike. Savoury with good grip, it would make a great partner for dishes such as herb-crusted rack of lamb or stuffed mushrooms.

£15.00 from Marks and Spencer

Château Poitevin 2012, Médoc Cru Bourgeois

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Classic Médoc but perhaps a little softer and more enveloping than many, thanks to the level of care put into its hand-harvesting and careful maturation in barrel. Full of intense, ripe, chewy tannins with good concentration and balance, giving shape without ever becoming harsh. Rounded and smooth on the finish, this would be a great partner for any sort of hearty, meaty dish.

£17.95 from Lea & Sandeman

Discover the entire range of Everyday Bordeaux Selection wines, from dry and aromatic white wines, fruity rosés, sparkling Crémants and soft, fruit-forward reds, all between £6 and £20, available from UK retailers: www.bordeaux.com and follow @BordeauxWinesUK on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.