Latest features Wine Olympics 2008 - The contenders

La Esperanza Estate Torrontes

Representing: Argentina
Strength: 13% vol
D.O.B: 2007
£5.99
Boasting a hint of lychee, this fruity contender from team Marks and Spencer claims to be a perfect match to Chinese food. Its easy drinkability has made it one of the favourites in this arena.

Felsner Grüner Veltliner Moosburgerin

Representing: Austria
Strength: 12.5% vol
D.O.B: 2007
£6.19
Coached by a team deemed the pioneers of Austrian dry wines, this white, with apple and pear flavours is relatively unknown in the UK. If you like your wines spicy not sweet, this could be one to watch.

Tingleup Riesling

Representing: Australia
Strength: 12% vol
D.O.B: 2007
£8.79
Coming from one of the youngest clubs in the field hasn't stopped this contender making its mark and its Carry On style name should win it some British fans. Citrus flavours and a spicy finish could make it a dream partner to an aromatic Chinese menu.

Casillero del Diablo Viognier

Representing: Chile
Strength: 14% vol
D.O.B: 2007
£6.99
Another wine that flaunts its ability to cut it as a Chinese food match. With hints of apple and a subtle, smoky finish, the Chilean contender cuts through heavy, oily dishes like a knife. This is a heavyweight wine that packs a punch.

Silk Road Chardonnay

Representing: China
Strength: 12% vol
D.O.B: 2005
£5.99
An unlikely competitor in the arena of quality wines, but the oriental underdog is on home turf when it comes to this food matching competition. Expect notes of apple and pear in this plucky chardonnay.

Taste the Difference Alsace Gewurztraminer

Representing: France
Strength: 13% vol
D.O.B: 2006
£6.99
This French entry from the Sainsbury's team comes from a proud club in the Alsace region. Boasting an off-dry, slightly spiced flavour, it prides itself as a complement to fragrant Chinese food but this is a strong wine that struggles to stay in the peloton and can overpower more subtle dishes.

Firebird Legend

Representing: Moldova
Strength: 13.5% vol
D.O.B: 2007
£5.29
The fiery Moldovan heavy-weight certainly looks the part and its grandiose title sets expectations high. The peachy Pinot Grigio is one of the most powerful of competitors taking part, weighing in at 13.5%, but it's soft, fruity character is hoping to last the distance.

Pinot Grigio Neszmély

Representing: Hungary
Strength: 12% vol
D.O.B: 2007
£4.79
One of the babies of the bunch, this 2007 Pinot Grigio, makes up in rich texture what it lacks in age. Brought to fitness on a much smaller budget than any of the other competitors its floral, mandarin punch makes way for a crisp, dry finish proving a flash tracksuit does not a wine make.

M'hudi

Representing: South Africa
Strength: 12.5% vol
D.O.B: 2007
£7.99
A youthful entry from the Western Cape, this year old Sauvignon Blanc is a fine example from a popular South African stable. Noted for its lively, elegant performance and crisp fruity finish, it's a sure fire way to get your dinner party out of the starting blocks.

Val do Sosego

Representing: Spain
Strength: 12.5% vol
D.O.B: 2007
£6.19
There's nothing undeveloped about this intense yearling. Hand-picked from noble vineyards on the banks of the river Miño, the floral contender is Albariño grapes, through and through. Coached amid the wind and the rain coming off the North Atlantic, the crispy contender packs a peachy, apricot punch.

Sainbury's dry white English wine

Representing: UK
Strength: 11% vol
D.O.B: 2007
£6.49
Coached in Kent, and currently running out of the Sainsbury's stable, this plucky underdog combines Schnönburger and Huxelrebe grapes to give a dry, fruity performance that's by no means out of place on the world stage. Come on old boy, do it for Blighty!

Cycles Gladiator Pinot Grigio

Representing: USA
Strength: 13.5% vol
D.O.B: 2007
£6.99
Coached in the heady heights of California, this plucky Pinot Grigio is a born warrior and boasts so in its track name. Incorporating a hint of added Riesling to its athletic make up, the stylish and perfumed contender combines good structure with a honeyed aroma for a satisfying performance.

Going for gold