MAY the fifth be with you!

This column has endured more than its fair share of tenuous links with which to introduce certain wines. And here's another today: Star Wars. (Jeez, it's not even May the fourth.)

So did you know that Anakin and Padmé's wedding scene in Episode II - Attack of the Clones was shot in Villa del Balbianello, overlooking Lake Como, at the top of Italy.

Well, not only is it a beautiful part of the world but it also splits almost perfectly, in a triangular way, two of our favourite wines from the north of Italy - versions of which are currently on discount offer at Waitrose.

From the north west comes Gavi, in Piedmont, and over towards the north east comes the Valpolicella region in the province of Verona which produces, among other top reds, Valpolicella Ripasso.

Gavi di Gavi, also known as Cortese di Gavi, is a famous white wine DOCG zone surrounding the city of Gavi itself.

The wines are made from the Cortese grape, Piedmont’s finest white grape, which is distinguished by its crisp, floral, aromatic qualities.

On Waitrose's shelves is La Monetta Gavi del Comune di Gavi, which is presently down from £12.79 to £9.99 until May 15.

Lively and refreshing, this one has a touch of pear flavour, mouthwatering citrus notes and delicate almond nuttiness on the finish.

It's a drink more suited to the beautiful Padme and her bridesmaids than the troubled, angry Anakin. You're certainly unlikely to find it in the Mos Eisley cantina, too.

Conversely, a drink more on the Dark Side is the Waitrose Ripasso di Valpolicella Classico Superiore, which is down from £12.99 to a bargain £9.49 until May 15.

Valpolicella is the famed region where the red wines are made from Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara grapes.

Basic Valpolicella wines are lovely light, fragrant, young table wines. Then you have Valpolicella Classico, made from grapes grown in the original, quality-controlled production zone. And then you get Valpolicella Superiore, which is a wine that’s aged at least one year and has an alcohol content of at least 12 per cent.

And then you get the prince of Valpolicella – Ripasso, whereby Superiore wine is twice passed (or re-passed) through partially dried grape skins and lees.

This special production technique results in darker coloured, richer textured and more complex and flavoursome wines – and if you find one for less than a tenner it's often worth giving it a go.

This Waitrose example, made with Corvina and Rondinella grapes from the Classico zone, is a fine example of a strong and ripe yet charming and easy-to-drink version.

It is produced in partnership with Fratelli Recchia, a family firm founded in 1906, which owns some of the best vineyards in the area.

There are lovely dried cherry and cranberry flavours and a velvety bramble fresh fruit character, with the tiniest complementary hint of chocolate undertones from oak maturation.

The ripasso element also boosts the alcohol level, with this one standing at 14.5 per cent. The Force Awakens for sure. May the fifth be with you.