Knackered mother's wine club: A column for every busy woman who's bored of the same old thing...

Knackered mother's wine club: A column for every busy woman who's bored of the same old thing...

By Helen Mcginn

PUBLISHED: 03:43 EST, 14 March 2013 | UPDATED: 18:22 EST, 14 March 2013

On the bottle: Helen McGinn talks booze

Bargain of the week: Piccini Supertuscan 2009, Tesco, £5.99 (normally £8.99)

A not so classic, but very smooth, Italian red that’s super at the price. Made from a blend of Sangiovese with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Really lovely.

White wine: Asda Extra Special Falanghina 2011, £6.98

If you like aromatic, crisp (but not too tart) whites, it is worth wading through the sea of Pinot Grigio for this one. This is fresh, tastes of nectarine and is ready to go â€" even if you’re not. 

Food pairing: A few olives, a handful of peanuts â€" you get the idea.

Red wine: Waitrose Southern French Grenache 2011, £7.99

Big, bold and beautiful are three words to describe this honest red from the Languedoc region. Made from the Grenache Noir grape, this has an earthy, rustic feel, but without rough edges.

Food pairing: Bangers an d mash.

Sparkling Wine: Codorníu Selección Raventos, £7.99, Majestic

If you want bubbles but the budget isn’t for champagne, this cava stands out â€" in a good way. It is really good value for money. Made from a blend of grapes with a fair bit of Chardonnay, this is light, lemony and moreish. 

Food pairing: Smoked salmon blinis if you’ve got the energy, Ritz crackers if you simply haven’t.

The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club  is out now (£12.99, Pan Macmillan).