In Tipping's Tipples, MIKE TIPPING raids the shelves at Safeway for special offers.

You have only a few days left to make the most of the wine promotions at Safeway. I stuck a pin in the offers list and came up with two reds and a white to put to the Tipping's Tipples test.

Dorio Primitivo Aglianico 2001 is a really tasty, spicy Italian red. And you've guessed it, it's great for washing down pizza with. OK, it's not as bold or as classy as a decent chianti but nor is it the price of a decent chianti.

I detected a distinct brandyish whiff to it's nose. This blend, 85 per cent primitivo and 15 per cent aglianico, is smooth to the taste and full of liquorice and brambles.

French country wines can be a bit hit and miss. I was pleased to discover I had scored a hit with La Cuvee Mythique 2000 from southern France. You get £2 off in the promotion making it a very reasonable £4.99.

It's good inky, chewable stuff with plenty of dark fruit and spice. Put it away for a year or two and it will get even better, I'm told.

At the other end of the wine spectrum is Malambo Chenin Blanc Chardonnay 2002 from Argentina. It is light, really light, and ideal to drink on it's own.

This refreshing blend is full of lime and peach flavours. It is at a good price as well. You get three bottles for £10 during the promotion. With those hot summer nights ever nearing (always the optimist), it may be worth stocking up.

Safeway tells me the average spend on a bottle of wine in its stores is £3.95.

Tipping's Tipples readers, are of course, astute enough to realise you would have to spend a pound or so more, than the Safeway average, for the reds in this bunch. That extra layout would be worth it.

Dorio Primitivo Aglianico 2001, £4.99 from £5.99

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liquid liquorice

La Cuvee Mythique 2000, £4.99 from £6.99

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good wine at a good price

Malambo Chenin Blanc Chardonnay 2002, 3 bottles for £10

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summer time booze

Updated: 14:15 Tuesday, April 20, 2004