The Friday 5 #145

10 of the best wines under £10 at M & S, a dish I've never encountered before and a great place for a kebab

When I was writing for the Guardian (which I left at the beginning of July last year, you may remember, for reasons you can read about here), July 4th was always a time to write about American wines and barbecue

It struck me as strange not least because there were never many US wines to write home about. They were - still are - either eyewateringly expensive or dirt cheap and depressingly bad. Plus our idea of barbecue has expanded hugely beyond burgers, ribs and wings. People who like barbecuing BBQ all summer long

However there is one drink I would urge you to try at this time of year: peach julep. Peaches in the UK being as ripe as they’re ever going to be

This week, however, my focus has been far from the US on Iran and the Lebanon thanks to a cracking meal in London and a fascinating dish at friends in Bristol which involved a dish I’d never had before.

I’ve also shared some bright ideas from a trip to a Spanish restaurant in Cardiff and a tip for the perfect beach read.

Speaking of Bristol - I know, I know, I often do - you might enjoy this round-up of wine bars I wrote for Bristol Sauce - and for those of you who are paid subscribers - my longer round up of the restaurants I go back to most often.

Anyway, enough wittering. On to wine.

10 of the best wines at £10 or under at M & S

I never used to feel M & S wines were as interesting as their food but with the advent of the ‘Found’ range, which highlights unusual grape varieties and wine producing regions, wine is definitely catching up.

Here’s my pick of what is - or should be - in store right now. (There’s a further 10% off if you buy 4 bottles).