ROMANIA is not the most obvious of countries to turn to in search of that perfect wine . . . particularly when you are looking for something special to go with Christmas dinner.

However, Prahova Valley, Romania's first premium wine brand, aims to make you stop and think. Its elegant 2000 Pinot Noir is a perfect suggestion for the big day. A deliciously pure raspberry fruit taste is not too overpowering, but the perfect accompaniment for turkey and all the trimmings. And at £3.49 it is terrific value for money.

Likewise the Prahova Valley Reserve Pinot Noir 2000 is well worth trying at just £3.99. It is a little more full-bodied with an overall fruity flavour of strawberries and redcurrants, with a sense of black cherry. The Pinot Noir is available from Safeway, while the Reserve Pinot Noir is on sale at Sainsbury's.

SAINSBURY'S once again hooked up to seasonal trends in drinking with the Wychwood Pumpking beer. The delicate ruby coloured beer, with the rich heady aroma of Northdown hops was perfect for Halloween. This was the latest in Wychwood brewery's exciting range which also includes Black Wych, Old Father Time and Santa Claus.

ALDI is further increasing its expanding wine list with the new Winemakers' Selection.

The range is a new concept in affordable hand-crafted wines which brings Aldi together in partnership with France's leading wine exporter, Les Grands Chais de France.

The aim has been to develop wines with respected regional growers that truly reflect their regions.

Initially there are four wines in the range, which are exclusively available to Aldi. The wines, in slim bottles, bearing distinctive labels, will all be competitively priced at £3.99. The four include two whites and two reds.

A PERFECT stocking filler or token thank you gift comes in the form of a baby version of Mateus Rose. A 25 cl stylish bottle of the medium dry rose is now on sale at £1.49. There is enough to fill a large glass, and is a mini version of its 75cl counterpart, which retails at £3.99. This is the latest introduction to the Mateus Rose range, which unveiled an updated bottle design earlier this year.