THIS column has discussed before how wine, rather than being bad for you, can in fact be good for the world.

We don't mean merely medically either, with those scientific arguments about antioxidants, or that reds in moderation can be good for the heart, or that assisted relaxation is good for the mind.

No, we've also talked about the marked increase in recent years in the production and sale of Fairtrade wines - the aim of which, of course, is to guarantee farmers a fair price for their harvest, with an additional premium going directly back to the workers themselves and their communities, funding such things as schools and water treatment facilities.

Not even health zealots could knock that ideal.

There have been conflicting opinions about the actual quality of these wines, and it's fair to argue some weren't great initially, especially given most Fairtrade products are by nature price-driven, with quality a secondary issue.

But times have moved on since those early days and there are some real easy-drinking crackers out there at good unpretentious prices, fitting in well with down-to-earth Fairtrade principles - and a notable new one has landed on the Co-op's shelves recently.

Already the world's biggest Fairtrade retailer, the Co-op - whose own label Fairtrade wine sales grew by more than 20 per cent last year - has joined forces with the UK’s biggest South African wine brand, Kumala, to create it, and at the same time support vineyard workers on the ground who face economic, social and political challenges.

It's a very drinkable Kumala Fairtrade Pinotage Shiraz, costing only £6.99.

Kumala is one of those brands that rarely lets you down at its price. (This is beside the point, but it's actually been a favourite of ours since coming back from a three-week round-Europe camping trip and treating ourselves to a good old English banquet on a budget - a curry, of course - washed down with a few bottles of what I think was Shiraz).

This new blend is a bright ruby coloured red wine with red berry fruits and a touch of pepper on the nose. It has vibrant fruit flavours with a hint of mocha and a lingering taste. It'd be good with a barbecue if we are to enjoy an Indian summer, but all grilled meats and cheeses would pair well. It's a nice one to simply swill down too, smoother and tasting far less cheap than other overly tart Shiraz or Pinotages you can find at similar prices.

Brad Hill, the Co-op’s Fairtrade strategy manager, said: “We are proud of the role we have played in helping to establish the UK as the world’s largest consumer of Fairtrade products and here at the Co-op we have a continued commitment to show our customers, members and producers how important it is to us.

“We have been heavily involved with Fairtrade wine projects for many years through our own brand products such as building a secondary school, a water treatment facility and renovating a major community centre. The proceeds from this wine will tie in with those very neatly.

“We are honoured to be working with suppliers of branded wines, Kumala in this case, to help convert their products to Fairtrade and help with the expansion of Fairtrade wine in the UK.”