January means counting the cost of the festive period, so maybe now is the time to seek some good value wines. Here is a tantalizing selection of three reds and three whites that balance reasonable quality with affordable prices ranging from CHF 7.95 to under CHF 14.95. Each is available from Coop, Denner and Mövenpick. 
Red wines
SPAIN. Federico Paternina – Banda Azul Rioja Crianza 2008:CHF 7.95 at Denner.
Since 1896 the Paternina estate has upheld the traditions of Rioja, Spain’s best known wine region, and made Ernest Hemingway’s favourite wine. The Banda Azul, a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, delivers juicy red berry flavours like cherries, strawberries and cranberries along with notes of vanilla and exotic spices. Drink by 2016.
FRANCE. M. Chapoutier – Côtes-du-Rhone Belleruche 2012: CHF 9.90 at Coop.
The Chapoutier family is one of the Rhône Valley’s leading producers. Its fine wines like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie in the north are great but pricey, while those in the south such as this Belleruche offer remarkable value. Made mainly from Grenache and Syrah it is medium-bodied and packed full of blackberry and cherry fruits with hints of liquorice. Drink by 2015.
AUSTRALIA. Wolf Blass – Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2011:CHF 13.80 at Coop.
Wolf Blass has grown to become one of the most recognizable Australian brands of wine around the world. This pure Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic with its signature aromas and flavours of blackcurrants and plums with hints of mint and baking spices, subtle oak notes and pleasantly long finish. Drink by 2016.
White wines
NEW ZEALAND. Tahuna – Sauvignon Blanc 2013:CHF 9.95 at Denner.
New Zealand has become synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, the same variety that goes into Sancerre. From the South Island’s Marlborough region the Tahuna displays pronounced aromas of tropical fruits, refreshing acidity and vibrant flavours of gooseberries and stone fruits. Drink by 2015.
ARGENTINA. Alamos – Chardonnay 2011:CHF 13.50 at Mövenpick.
Belonging to the Catena family, one of the champions of Argentinian wines, the Bodegas Alamos provides consistent value for money and this Chardonnay is no exception. Intense aromas of orange and lemon peel as well as grapefruit are followed by flavours of zesty citrus fruits while hints of lime and baked apple emerge on the refreshing finish. Drink by 2015.
ITALY. Vesevo – Greco di Tufo 2012:CHF 14.95 at Mövenpick.
Given the great choice of red wines in Italy it is easy to overlook its whites made from indigenous grape varieties such as Greco Bianco. Produced in southern Italy’s Campania region, the Vesevo exhibits aromas of mandarin and lime with a hint of melon. Concentrated flavours of citrus and pineapple merge with mineral notes and lively acidity in this medium-bodied wine. Drink before end of 2014.
For more details: Coop – www.coopathome.ch; Denner – www.denner-wineshop.ch; Mövenpick – www.moevenpick-wein.com/fr
Simon Hardy is the founder of Fitting Wines, which provides personalised wine services in Switzerland. Contact: simon.hardy@fittingwines.com
