Two unusual finds from Marks and Spencer this week to tantalise your taste buds, both from Europe.

I will start with a white wine from the Pfalz region of Germany – the Palataia 2011 Pinot Grigio, a fine example from a country renowned for its white wines.

This pinot grigio is unoaked and has been blended with a small amount of Pinot Bianco which has added a more complex taste. It pours to light, golden colour followed with a nose of honeysuckle, on the palate, a mouth-watering freshness and zing with flavours of apple, pear and melon which linger long after the first sip.

This is a wine for enjoying on its own or with simple fish dishes. Available from Marks and Spencer at £8.49 a bottle. The beer is a classic cherry fruit beer from the Huyghe Brewery in Melle, Belgium, famous for its pink elephant labels.

This example is branded under the Marks and Spencer label and is a cherry wheat beer which, when poured, has rich, red colour followed by a nose of cherries, clove and spice. Try on its own or with sweet puddings, available at £2.29 a bottle.

  • Graeme Hedley is sommelier and expert on food and wine at Kendal College’s Lakes Hotel School