WINE OF THE WEEK: Paul Jaboulet Aîné Viognier 2024, Vin de France

£9.50–£11.50, Sainsbury’s, Majestic, Tesco

A Viognier with a spring in its step from renowned Rhône producer Paul Jaboulet Aîné. This is just the thing if you want a dry white wine to lift your spirits on a wintry day. And it’s great value too (especially if you have a Sainsbury’s Nectar card).

It has the classic floral and peach-cum-apricot flavours and hint of spice of the Viognier grape, but propelled along by zesty citrus fruit to produce a fresher, zippier, less heady style than many Viogniers.

The grapes are hand picked, pressed and vinified at low temperatures in stainless steel, then aged on lees for 6 months. There’s no oak involved, so that the pristine varietal aromas and freshness are preserved.

The winemaker is Caroline Frey, who cut her teeth in top Bordeaux châteaux and in Champagne and whose family bought Paul Jaboulet Aîné in 2006. They also own third growth Château La Lagune in the Haut-Médoc and have a 45 per cent stake in Billecart-Salmon Champagne.

The 2024 Viognier makes a very good aperitif but also pairs well with shellfish, white fish, Asian spices (but not chilli), saffron risotto, simple onion or cherry tomato tart, Caprese salad or lemony roast chicken. 13%. Empty bottle weight: 402g.

Paul Jaboulet Aîné Viognier 2024, Vin de France

£11.50 or £9.50 with Nectar, Sainsbury’s; £10.50 in any 6-bottle mix or £12.50 singly, Majestic; £11.50, Tesco

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