Wine Box

THE WEEK'S BEST BUYS

Summer drinking should not take itself too seriously, and you can't get much less serious than standard Beaujolais or any wine that's both still and pink. Beaujolais (apart from the Beaujolais crus) is the Spice Girl of wine: simple, up-front and undemanding. That's a good reason never to pay too much for it, and with that objective in mind you should make tracks to a Co-Operative Pioneer for their own-label Beaujolais 1996, reduced from pounds 3.79 to pounds 2.99 until the 19 July. The wine's reasonable, the price outstanding. For the war of the roses, in which I usually claim conscientious objector status, the versatile Miguel Torres has created a four-star general in Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 1996. This hails from the Crico district of Chile, and it has a plummy, berry-laden richness that's hard to resist. At pounds 4.99 it's more expensive than a lot of roses, but worth it. Available from independents and a few supermarkets including Booths.

And abstemiously ... Tea-lovers should slip on a Giles Hilton Tea Sock from Whittard of Chelsea. Named after the company's buyer, this ingenious contraption is a metal loop with a fabric bag attached which lines the pot. Put loose tea in pot, brew, then remove sock and enjoy superior cuppas without the stewed effect that ruins the last few pourings. The tea sock, which costs pounds 2.36, can also be used for a single cup. Ring 0171 924 1888 for shop details and mail order inquiries.