An unlikely triumph for the summer

2011 Perricone, Caruso e Minini, Sicily, Italy (£7.99, Marks & Spencer).

The rare perricone grape is only found in Sicily and it is usually blended with the more famous nero d'avola variety. I have never knowingly drunk a 100% version, so it was a complete surprise to come across this wine at a recent M&S event. The nose, palate and finish are all spot on. The price is a steal. I sprinted through the 100 or so wines at this tasting and then felt compelled to go back to only this wine for another look. I couldn't get it out of my head, nor my taste-memory, which is the reason why we all crave certain special flavours. It had a hold on me and on second taste the black cherry, juicy, shiny liquorice and fresh blackberry notes were even more sensational.

There is a refreshing crunch of acidity on the finish and there is thankfully no oak getting in the way. It is a model red wine with a profile unlike any other. It is fruit-forward, so it will chill well, too. I think that I have found you the most unlikely (and rarest) great-value summer red of the year. You should nip out and grab a bottle. It will be sure to fascinate you and perhaps it will titillate your taste buds as it has done mine.

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