Last updated 05:13, Friday, 24 October 2008

Hare four wines to beat the credit crunch. They all cost less than £5 and are decent quality. No, it’s-dull-but-at-this-price-what-do-you-expect offerings.

Montana Sauvignon Blanc is a Kiwi humdinger. Montana pioneered Marlborough sauvignon and this one is as good as ever, brimming with gooseberry fruit.

Normally £7.99, Majestic has it for £4.99 when you buy two. Offer ends Monday.

Netto’s Bellaveroni Pinot Grigio is just £2.99. I’ve tasted more complex PGs but you don’t always need complexity.

This is clean and dry, with crisp, lemony acidity. Fine on its own and great with fish.

I mentioned two sub-£5 wines from Booths last week.

Here’s another, Errazuriz Unoaked Chardonnay is reduced by £2 to £4.99 until November 8.

It’s surprisingly rich and full-flavoured, despite the absence of oak.

Lastly a red. Tesco has a silky, concentrated, Rioja Reserva from Bodegas Berberana at £4.99 until November 18. It’s normally twice as much.

Corkscrew Wines is hosting a tutored tasting on Wednesday featuring South African wines including organic and Fairtrade offerings. Tickets are £7.50 from the shop in Viaduct Estate, Carlisle. The talk starts at 7.30pm.