We had this one on Saturday Kitchen last weekend, it’s such good value for money. From vineyards around the Medieval village of Scansano in Tuscany, Morellino is the local name for the Sangiovese grape (the same one behind the wines of Chianti). It’s Tuscan to the core with bright cherry fruit flavours and a distinct …
I’m sorry, I can’t find a picture of the current label but no matter because the wine inside is so good! Snapped up by the buyer (nice one, Josh), this parcel is mostly Merlot with some Cabernet Sauvignon in there too. Smooth and juicy and so damn (enjoyably) drinkable.
From Nemea in the North Eastern Peleponnese, this gorgeous Greek red is from a winery started by two friends back in the 1980s. Made from one of the country’s star red grapes, Agiorgitiko (pronounced Aye-your-yit-ico), think juicy red berry fruits and a sprinkle of spice. Lighter than some I’ve tasted but all the better for …
Most of the Pinot Noir planted in the UK is used to make sparkling wine but when the conditions are right (meaning warm enough!) we’re starting to make pretty good red wines too. The winery that makes this is in Devon but the grapes are grown in Essex, a bit of a hot spot for …
Made from the Monastrell grape (known as Mourvedre elsewhere) in Jumilla, down in southeast Spain, this is a gloriously juicy red with smooth black fruit flavours and a touch of spice. Incredible value given that it’s organic to boot. Perfect Sunday roast red.
This is a juicy, joyous gem of a red wine made from the Grenache grape grown on old bush vines. It manages to be both medium-bodied but stuffed full of raspberry and black cherry flavours, the kind of wine that definitely makes you think of brighter days ahead. Talking of which, it’s great with anything …
I picked this wine to go with a spicy seafood dish on Saturday Kitchen recently and it’s got all the right things going on. Lots of fruit, freshness and just completely delicious drinkability. What makes it even better is that for every bottle sold 10 plastic bottles are removed from the sea (the brand works …
Bordeaux might be one of the most famous wine regions in the world but it’s not all leathery old clarets and decanters. This one, made from the Merlot grape with some Cabernet Sauvignon (a classic Bordeaux blend) is packed with plum fruits and a touch of spice. Simply delicious.
The Beaujolais region’s granite soils and warm climate suit the Gamay grape perfectly, producing medium-bodied wines with juicy black cherry and blueberry fruit flavours just like this one. Happy enough on its own or with a plate of charcuterie. Sausages & mash a good shout, too.
From one of just a handful of wine estates in Spain to have Vinos de Pago status, this is a very smart blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo grapes. It’s aged for a year in small oak barrels then for a bit longer in the bottle before being released. Big, bold and very, very …
Made from really old vines grown in one of the highest spots in the region, this 100% Garnacha is rich and plump with plenty of bramble fruits and a generous sprinkle of spice. Definitely calls for a fire, a bowl of stew and something binge-worthy on TV.
Get past the massive piano keys on the label and inside is a really well made wine, a blend of organic Tempranillo and Syrah grapes grown in the Castilla region in Spain. It’s not been anywhere near an oak barrel so this is all about the fruit: juicy raspberry and black cherry flavours with super …
Packed with autumnal fruit flavours – think ripe plums, berries and a touch of spice – this is just the kind of cosy red I’m wanting right now. Made from Shiraz grapes grown in the Breedekloof region it’s got real warmth but without being heavy. Brilliantly done by Bruce, it’s made from Fairtrade certified grapes …
This juicy Primitivo is new to the Tesco range, made by one of the top cooperative producers in Abruzzo, halfway down the back of Italy’s boot. It’s warm here which suits the grape perfectly, bringing out warm black fruit flavours – black cherry, blackberry and a touch of sweet fig. Cracking value and one to …
If ever there was a red wine style made for the summer months it’s Fleurie, a glorious summer berry fruit-loaded red from one of the Beaujolais region’s 10 Cru villages. Made from the juicy Gamay grape this one’s particularly lovely, light on its feet but with plenty of flavour and just the right amount of …
Okay, so here’s what you really need to know about this wine. It’s made from the Montepulciano grape and comes from Abruzzo, the calf of Italy. It’s typically smooth and juicy and stuffed with black fruit flavours with a kick of spice to boot. The kind of wine you want an enormous glass of if …
This is one of those reds that practically orders you to sit down, eat, chat and generally chill your boots. Made from organic grapes grown mostly in vineyards in Mendocino County, just north of Sonoma County in northern California, it’s full of smooth blackberry and plum fruit flavours wrapped in spice and a warming dollop …
Talk about message in a bottle. This one comes in a Frugalpac, otherwise known as a cardboard ‘bottle’ made with 94% recycled paperboard. It’s way more sustainable than glass (lighter to transport, completely recyclable) and what’s inside is a lovely, juicy, slightly-earthy-in-a-good-way Italian blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot grapes. Win win, in other words.
Meaning ‘cherry’ in Spanish, the Cereza grape mostly found in the Mendoza region in Argentina produces wines that look more like dark rosés or light reds. And this one really does, as Dawn says, taste of cherry cola and thyme. A gorgeous summer red, stick it in the ice bucket on a hot day and glug …
Although it’s impossible to ignore those beautiful puppy dog eyes on the label, we all know it’s what’s inside that counts. In this case, a brilliant juicy red made from a classic Southern French blend of grapes. Full of bright berry fruits with a touch of spice, this is quite happy on its own but …
Brilliantly earthy red made from Tannat, the star grape of the Madiran region in South West France. There’s both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in there too, so lots going on – black cherry, a touch of coffee and a kick of spice. Absolutely made to go with slow roast lamb.
One of Plaimont’s many strong points is rescuing little-known grape varieties from obscurity and this particular blend includes the Manseng Noir grape. It brings lots of juicy plum and raspberry fruit to the Merlot-based party. Refreshingly different.
This Fairtrade red comes from one of the best spots in South Africa for so-called Bordeaux Blends. It’s mostly Cabernet and Merlot but there’s a bit of Cabernet Franc and a dash of Malbec in there too. The result is big and earthy with buckets of black fruits and plenty of texture and spice from …
South Africa’s Swartland region is stuffed with lovely wines but this one almost didn’t happen. The old bush vines were due to be pulled up (Cinsault isn’t the most fashionable of grapes right now) but happily they weren’t and we get to drink this raspberry fruit-filled, lightly spicy red for a relative song. Lovely with …
This went down a storm recently on Saturday Kitchen (served with the most delicious duck ragu I’ve ever eaten). Made from a blend of northern Italian grapes, the wine is fermented on the leftover skins of grapes used to make Amarone. This adds considerable weight and flavour to the mix and it’s gorgeous – bright, …
I’m having a bit of a moment with Italian reds (my new book is set partly in Italy) and at the moment I’m hankering after the cherry pop of Chianti. This one’s slicker than your average Chianti Classico at under a tenner, perfect when there’s a plate of pasta in front of you. Properly great …
One of the highlights of my day job is being a wine judge for the International Wine Competition and we’ve just finished eight days of solid tasting to find the latest crop of medal winners. This wine was already a favourite so I’m thrilled that it won, when tasted blind by a whole panel of …
I used to visit this particular producer many years ago when I was a supermarket buyer and always loved the wines from this beautiful spot in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. The reds have an almost chocolate-y character to them, smooth and rich and so, so more-ish. This one’s gorgeous, all black plum fruit and gentle spice. …
Big but not scary, this is a fire-lit-slippers-on kind of red, warm and welcoming with loads of bramble fruit flavours and a touch of spice. Made from the marvellous Malbec grape, this is from its first home in France (Argentina is more of a second home, even if it does really love it there). Fantastic …
The Catena family have been making wine in Argentina since 1902 and they’re really good at it. They make wines with altitude, pioneering the development of vineyards in higher altitude spots across the country. And this wine, made by fourth generation vintner Laura Catena and chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil, really shows off Cabernet Franc’s best …
Pinotage is the love-child of the Pinot Noir and Cinsaut grapes and is one of South Africa’s most distinctive reds. I say distinctive, but for some it’s more marmite in a love-it-or-hate-it kind of way. But this one’s pretty impossible not to love with its earthy black fruits, generous sprinkle of spice and alcohol that …
Currently on offer (it’s normally £7.79) this is an outrageously good value Pinot Noir from Romania. It’s really juicy and fresh with lots of brilliant berry fruit flavours, the kind of wine that makes you smack your lips after drinking it. Worked a treat with mushroom lasagne, especially the one made by Yotam (as I …
Made from the perky Barbera grape at the top of Italy’s boot, this gorgeous supple red from an old established producer is all cherries and gentle spice. It’s the kind of wine that makes you want to eat food, especially anything with a tomato sauce. Pasta, meatballs, margarita pizza…you get the idea.
This is a southern French cocktail of grapes including Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre and the resulting blend is gently spicy, a touch earthy (in a good way – think rosemary and smoke) and has got buckets of black fruit flavours. Just add hot dogs.
If you’re looking for a juicy, raspberry fruit-filled not-too-tannic red, this is it. From one of the ten top quality Beaujolais Crus (named villages that produce some of the best wines in the region), this is at the lighter end of the Beaujolais scale. Soft, silky, you get the picture. Made from the Gamay grape …
This gorgeous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from two different regions brings together the frankly outrageous fruit from the Clare Valley with the mint & velvet luxury of grapes from the Coonawarra. It’s the kind of red that makes you want to sit on the sofa and stay there. Beautifully mellow with buckets of blackcurrant fruit …
Made from a grape called Lledoner Pelut in the Languedoc, nicknamed by Domaine Jones’ winemaker Katie Jones as Hairy Grenache owing to the hairy leaves on the vine. It’s a bit like Grenache – juicy, smooth – but lighter in style. Still packs a whack of alcohol at 14% but it’s more a loveable little …
This brilliant organic red from Italy’s heel, Puglia, comes in what is best described as a giant paint tin. Basically it’s a bag in box except in a tube so it’s fully recyclable. A juicy, fruit mash up of local grape Negroamaro along with some Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon too, think black cherries and spice …
I swear it’s not just the cats in spacesuits that make me love this wine so much. OK, maybe a little. But the wine inside is fantastic, one of the most bright, juicy, joyous (not to mention more-ish) reds to have around at the moment. From the Languedoc, it’s made mostly from the Grenache grape …
This fruity little number played a starring role on last week’s Saturday Kitchen matched with gammon, egg and chips (star guest Anton du Beke’s idea of food heaven, apparently). And it absolutely did not disappoint, all juicy raspberry and blackberry fruit flavours with lovely soft tannins (you don’t want anything too tannic with gammon, ideally). …
This is a bonkers but brilliant blend of grape varieties, ones that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find hanging out on vines in the Riverland region in Australia. It’s big, bold and juicy with bags of blackcurrant fruit flavour and lots of warmth. Tannins like a cashmere blanket. The grapes in this blend include Tempranillo, …
Ridiculously perky red from Italy’s Piedmont region, this is the brilliant Barbera grape in all its black cherry-bomb glory. Normally a pound more expensive, it’s worth trying if you like your reds with lots of flavour and a bit of bite. Gorgeous with (really) slow roast pork.
Malbec might have become Argentina’s calling card but the grape’s roots are firmly in France. Specifically this region – Cahors – in South West France where it produces wines with masses of black fruit flavours and a little (lovely) earthiness. This is a wine to drink with food, the heartier the better. Cue great excuse …
Think of Marlborough and chances are Sauvignon Blanc comes to mind. But the region is making some great Pinot Noir too, generally lighter in style than those from further south but with bright, juicy red berry fruit flavours and – like this one – just the right amount of grip. Made by the Ibbotson family, …
This is just the kind of red you need on the side in the kitchen at this time of year. Soft, juicy, warm and ripe with lovely earthy black fruit flavours, it’s from the Corbieres region in southern France and looks and (more importantly) tastes more expensive than it is. A blend of red grapes …
From Chile’s Maipo Valley, the Cabernet grape loves it here. Especially in the hands of this particular producer, one of the oldest in Chile. Packed with blackcurrant fruit flavours and gentle spice from oak ageing along with juicy velvet-soft tannins, it’s seriously good. Buy it as part of a mixed case of six and it’s even …
Gorgeous red from a great vintage, this is a classic blend – mostly Merlot, some Cabernet – from a family-owned chateau in the Entre-Deux-Mers region in Bordeaux. This region can sometimes come across as a bit too old school for some but wines like this one are a real breath of fresh air. It’s juicy …
Like Chianti, only more relaxed. It’s from Maremma in southern Tuscany, where the Sangiovese grape is known as Morellino. Here it produces a slightly riper, rounder style of wine compared with the Sangiovese-based wines further inland. Currently on offer until Bonfire Night so get in there if you like the sound of it.
Blimey. As you know, we usually need to approach cheap(ish) Pinot with caution but this one is really smart. Sleek with earthy red fruits and a bit of spice, it comes from one of the cool spots in Chile (both in temperature and on-trendness). There’s added oomph from some oak ageing in French oak barrels …
Colder weather calls for warmer reds and this one’s a gem. Made from the Shiraz grape, the cooler region of Darling in South Africa’s Western Cape brings out its spicy side. A little rough around the edges but it works in a kind of earthy way. You have to be a member of the Wine …
A bit toppy price-wise but this wine has got serious pedigree. Christian Moueix used to make wine for some of the most famous names in Bordeaux including Chateau Petrus and he’s made this one exclusively for M&S. It’s a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, full of all the kind of flavours you want from …
A charming red made (mostly) from the Grenache grape from southern France, this is warm and juicy and just what you want when the weather means we need to spend more time on the sofa for the foreseeable. With bramble fruit flavours and a kick of spice, I’m not complaining. Just add stew/good telly.
Have you met Ms Jones? Katie bought a tiny vineyard in the Languedoc full of old vines about ten years ago and now makes some fabulous wines, including this one. Rich and dense, this tastes like squashed blackberries doused in allspice. Also: lashings of alcohol. Just what we need now there’s a bite in the …
This is from the Yecla region, tucked away in a corner of southeastern Spain. And the grape behind this wine is Monastrell, otherwise known as Mourvedre in France, capable of producing really earthy reds with buckets of black fruit flavours. This one’s a joy, full and firm with a touch of spice and smoke. Brilliant …
This is a red for hot days. Or balmy evenings, at least. Made from the Gamay grape, it’s best known as the grape behind Beaujolais but here it is feeling quite at home in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay. Light and juicy with lots of red fruit flavours – redcurrant, raspberries – and properly fresh too. …
This is Italy’s answer to Beaujolais, a juicy, fragrant red that’s not too heavy on the tannins, long on fruit and freshness and very, very drinkable. Or smashable as someone much younger than me might say. Made from a blend of three grapes from the Veneto in northern Italy, it’s one of the reds that …
Gorgeous looking red from Spain, this is made with no added sulphur. Meaning that the winemaker hasn’t topped it up with a dose of sulphur to keep it fresh (most wines are topped up with a little sulphur at least). Made from the Garnacha grape, it’s really bright and juicy with black fruits and lots …
Syrah, Shiraz…same grape, just different names. This one’s from France, from down south with plenty of sun to help bring out warm bramble fruits in the wine. There’s a bit of spice too. Not the most complicated wine in the world. But it’s delicious, not to mention great value for money. Double thumbs.
Every now and again a wine comes along that’s such amazing value, the temptation is not to tell anyone about it in case the shelves are cleared before you’ve had a chance to stock up. But I’m hopeless at keeping secrets so here it is, the juiciest blueberry and blackcurrant-filled Italian red around at this …
Love this bright, juicy Malbec from Chile made from organically grown grapes grown on 15 year-old vines. Think blackcurrant, black cherries and spice, the latter from a little bit of oak ageing. As well as being organic, it’s also suitable for vegans. Very more-ish, just so you know.
This is a bit of a BFG; a big, warm, friendly wine from Puglia in southern Italy. Made from grapes that are left to dry on the vine, this particular vinification method – called apassimento – adds oomph and alcohol (just to warn you this is 14.5%). Rich and concentrated, it’s full of plum and …
Currently on offer (it’s usually £10), this gorgeous red is made by one of the big guns of the Rhone Valley, Perrin. It’s a classic southern Rhone blend of grapes including the spicy Syrah and the juicy Grenache. All black fruits, pepper and spice in a bottle that looks twice the price, this is a …
It’s the second week of Fairtrade Fortnight and if you want to drink to that, head to the Co-op. They’re real champions of Fairtrade wines and sales of this particular range of wines has, so far, funded a clean water facility and a secondary school in the town where the wine’s made in Argentina. It’s …
Talk about off the beaten track: this one’s from Bolivia. Well, M&S. But they got it from Bolivia. Compared with Chile and Argentina, Bolivia is tiny in winemaking terms but if this is a taste of what’s to come, I’m in. Normally £11 but currently on offer, it’s made from a blend of juicy Merlot …
Currently in offer (it’s normally £9), this is a brilliant juicy red made from a little known grape found in Sicily. The bright label makes it easy to spot on the shelves (always a bonus with my eyesight) and there’s lots going on in the bottle. Spice, a bit of mocha and lots of black …
Currently on offer (it’s normally £8.99), this Argentinian red is simple, juicy and bright. Made from the Malbec grape, it’s medium bodied with plum and blackcurrant fruit flavours and a ‘lil kick of allspice at the end. Basically, just the kind of thing to perk up a lazy midweek supper.
OK, so this isn’t exactly cheap but it is so joyful. The cabernet sauvignon grape loves California, especially the region where this one comes from, the Alexander Valley in Sonoma. The climate (warm days, cool nights) and soils (gravelly) suit it perfectly. The result? As rich and smooth as Clooney. Told you it was joyful.
It’s organic and vegan so practically a health drink but most importantly, it’s delicious. Soft, juicy and full of blueberry and raspberry flavours, it’s made from the little black Nero d’Avola grape grown in Sicily. Not too serious but still lots going on, try this with roasted vegetables for the win.
Gorgeous soft, juicy french red from the Rhone, this comes in a Christmas-friendly magnum-sized bottle. It looks amazing, is great value and best of all, is the kind of wine that can handle all kinds of flavours on the plate from pigs in blankets to brussels sprouts. And if there’s any left, it’ll do cheese …
A gorgeous, juicy blend of two classic southern French grapes, this is as sleek on the inside as it is on the outside. There’s a touch of the herbals to the black fruits and spice and the alcohol isn’t too crazy at 13.5%. Great value at under a tenner. One to stuff in the rack …
This isn’t the exact label (this one’s for the Nero d’Avola, a different grape variety) but the labels looks very similar. So, now you know what you’re looking for, here’s what to expect from the little-known Nero di Troia grape. A mouthful of squashed black fruits, a bit of spice and plenty of change from …
Chilly weather calls for wine like this, with its gorgeous mellow mix of black fruits, spice and vanilla. This one is made by one of the smarter wine producers in the region and the word Reserva on the label tells you it’s higher up on the Rioja quality ladder than Crianza (meaning it’s aged for …
Essential for a negroni, and great with tonic. Just two reasons to make sure you’ve got a bottle of this brilliant bittersweet fortified drink full of herby, fruity flavours in your drinks stash. Unlike your bog-standard, this one’s made from foraged berries from the hedgerows surrounding English vineyard Bolney Estate. And a little goes a …
These three grapes – Grenache, Shiraz & Mourvedre – make such a happy threesome, they’ve even got their own acronym. This particular GSM from South Australia is a joy with juicy, mellow bramble fruit flavours and a gentle kick of spice. Best imbibed on a sofa, blanket over knees, fire lit.
This one always reminds me of Frazzles crisps, in a good way. Smoky with a bit of crunch from its lovely red fruits, it’s from New Zealand’s Marlborough region, specifically the Southern Valleys. It’s been aged in French oak barrels (that’s where the smoky bit comes from) for nine months and is soft as cashmere …
The is one of the reds in the HN Wine Concierge September Edit case and it really is the most perfect September red. There’s something of the bramble fruit about it but with a whiff of summer pudding too. Nebbiolo is the same grape behind the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco and this is a …
Love this super smooth Portuguese red made from some of the grapes usually used to make that other great wine from the Douro, Port. It’s full of juicy bramble fruit flavours, a bit like Malbec with the volume turned up. Another one currently on offer so get in there quick if you want to get …
This is two bottles of enormously loveable Malbec in a pouch (I know, I’m sorry it’s called that too). But pouch aside, it’s easy to carry, stays fresh for 6 weeks once opened (not that we’ve ever opened a wine and not finished within the week in this house) and has an impressively reduced carbon …
God, apologies for the photo but there isn’t one online yet so this is my recently-polished-off-and-slightly-squished can (had to retrieve it from the recycling bin for the shot). Anyway, this is a brilliant, juicy southern french red. And it’s organic. AND IT’S IN A CAN. That’s this year’s camping/picnic wine sorted.
Normally finding the words ‘suitable for vegans’ on a wine label requires a magnifying glass, the text is so small. But in this case it’s splashed across the front label so you really can’t miss it. What makes a wine vegan-friendly is that no animal-based products are used during the winemaking process (they’re sometimes used …
There’s something reassuringly chunky about Portuguese reds and this one’s got buckets of warm black fruits, smooth spice from ageing in oak barrels and a bit of lovely earthiness to it. Made from a blend of grapes including Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca, the same ones used to make Port in this particular …
Katie Jones is quite a woman. After years of working on the marketing side of the wine industry, ten years ago she moved to France and bought a small vineyard that no-one else wanted. Her patience (and hours of back-breaking work) has paid off and she now produces a range of brilliant wines that really …
The wine range at Spar has had a recent refresh with the help of Master of Wine and fellow ex-supermarket buyer Philippa Carr. And she’s found some real gems, including this southern Rhone red from the Costières de Nimes region. It’s a bit like Chateauneuf du Pape-Lite with its earthy bramble fruit flavours and kick …
If you need a good, inexpensive summery-type go-with-anything red, here’s one from Portugal that fits the bill perfectly. Juicy, jammy and at the moment, an absolute bargain (it’s normally £7.99). Made from a cocktail of local grapes, it honestly tastes sunny. Try it with anything that you’ve cooked on the barbecue.
Brilliant value Rioja from Co-op’s Irresistible range (terrible name, I know. But go with it). The wine is made for the Co-op by a great family-owned producer, Muriel. And it’s just what you want from a Rioja with a bit of age (the name Crianza on the front means the wine has been aged in …
This hit the table at Book Club earlier this week and went down a storm. It’s full of classic Malbec flavours – juicy black fruits – but with a real creaminess to it. Super smooth, in fact. I tasted a lot of Malbec at the big wine competition last week and they come in all …
The Exhibition range from The Wine Society is full of reasonably priced gems like this one. This is made from the Carmenere grape grown in a cool spot in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. It’s made by the Undurraga family (a big name in Chilean winemaking) but under their new project, Koyle. Big, bold and juicy with …
Ridiculously good value red from France, this is a beast in a bottle. Think Gruffalo, but without the poisonous warts. Rather it’s big and a bit hairy and rough around the edges. But its properly hearty and tastes like something twice the price. Made in part from the Tannat grape, it definitely needs food to …
Most of my friends like wine. But unlike me, most of them don’t want to talk about it all the time. But when this bottle hit the table recently, it was a conversation stopper for all the right reasons. Fragrant, full of just-squashed blueberry fruits, silky-soft and ridiculously moreish, there was a fight for top …
Currently with £3 off the normal price*, this is a beautifully made, oak aged red wine that tastes far smarter than its £8 price tag. Made from the grippy Carmenere grape grown in Chile’s Colchagua region, its rough edges have been smoothed out after spending eight months ageing in barrels. Think Bordeaux, but warmer. (*Get …
New from the brilliant Argentinian co-operative winery La Riojana, this is an organic Malbec. And it’s just right: full of dark bramble fruits, lots of spice and a fair bit of grip. It’s Fairtrade too – basically, most of the village is connected with the winery and its wines in some way and Fairtrade projects …
Rich, round, juicy red from California’s Monterey County, there’s absolutely nothing odd about this. Apart from the price, because it tastes more expensive than it is. Always good. It’s a beefy blend of two red grapes with enough alcohol to floor a small army so make sure you sip this one slowly. And sitting down, …
This is organic, biodynamic (fighting the urge to add ‘hydromatic’ in a Danny Zuko voice). Even the winery is made out of hemp bricks, so committed to sustainable winemaking is the producer. The result is a bit of a beast, with fully loaded black fruits, lots of alcohol and grab-your-teeth tannins. But the flavour is …
Currently on offer (it’s normally £9.50), this is just the kind of red required to make these cold, dark winter nights feel not quite so long. Or dark. From southern France, it’s from a small area within Minervois, known for its sweet, juicy reds with soft tannins (the teeth-coating stuff you get in a stewed …
Available from the 1st February as part of Aldi’s next Wine Festival, this is a limited edition punky-looking wine made by one of Australia’s best known winemaking families, De Bortoli. The fruit is from South East Australia but their inspiration is Spain, blending the Tempranillo grape (the one behind the wines of Rioja) with Australia’s …
Not as famous as nearby Corbieres and Fitou, the wines of Pezenas in the Languedoc are slowly making a name for the region. Think big: the reds are typically fairly robust with lots of dense, dark fruit flavours. This one’s a blend of three local grapes and is aged in oak barrels, giving it a …
This is not a subtle wine, but then I don’t always want subtle. Sometimes I want lots of flavour wrapped in alcohol with a cherry on top. In this case, black cherry with a sprinkling of spice to boot. From one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, the Barossa Valley, this is a bit of a beast. …
When it comes to finding a red wine to match with all the flavours of Christmas Lunch/Dinner, it’s not just about the turkey. It’s all the trimmings too – pigs in blankets, stuffing, cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts, roast potatoes and whatever else is on your plate. This wine takes them all in its stride, an …
This one’s a bit of a mouthful, in a good way. It’s from the Baden region in Germany and made from the Pinot Noir grape (Spätburgunder is the German name for Pinot Noir). It’s on the lighter side but still with plenty to get stuck into – bright and juicy with just-squashed raspberry fruit flavours. …
Beaujolais Nouveau, the first French wine from the new vintage to hit our shelves, used to be a bit of an event back in the 70s & 80s. Then it got naff; quality and sales dwindled to almost nothing. But it’s definitely back – and with a whole new attitude. This one’s really well made, …
Talking of presents, this is a great one for teachers. Widely available (Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose and lots more), it’s usually around £8 a bottle but is on offer in Asda at the moment. And it’s such a winter-friendly, warm red with juicy bramble fruits and cushion-soft tannins. Amazing value for money, this one’s a …
A proper warming, rich red, this one. Made from the Shiraz grape, it’s from the lesser-known Frankland region in Western Australia. Smooth, rich and warming, so just right for this time of year. Some if it has been aged in French oak barrels adding a bit of weight, spice and all round deliciousness to the …
Love this rich, raisiny red from South Australia’s Padthaway region. It’s big (and at 14%, it needs food – or at least, a sofa) but not too burly. Rather, it’s got gorgeous chocolate-y flavours and soft, juicy tannins (the teeth-coating stuff that you get in red wine). Merlot sometimes gets a bit overlooked, especially as …
The southern Italian region of Puglia is stuffed with brilliantly named grapes you don’t hear much about. This generous, juicy red is made from the Nero di Troia grape, one that’s usually blended in with other grapes. But here, it’s flying solo. Brilliantly so. All berry and spice, it manages to be fresh and firm …
This is a big wine, as Syrah should be, but not so big that it floors you. Rich and oaky, it’s full of juicy black fruits, spice and a touch of liquorice (in sweet form, I can’t stand liquorice. But in wine, when done well, I can cope). Made by one of Chile’s biggest producers …
New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc grape might hog the spotlight but waiting in the wings is Syrah. This one’s from the Hawkes Bay region in the North Island, where the soils and coastal climate produce Syrah in this sort of smoky, spicy style rather than big black fruit bombs from hotter regions. Love this wine; especially …
Rioja comes in all shapes and sizes, from old skool leathery ones to juicy, bright fruity ones. It all depends on the who, how and where. This one is definitely a modern take with polished, juicy black cherry fruit flavours and a generous dash of vanilla thanks to time spent lolling about in oak barrels. …
This is normally £7.99 but it’s on offer at the moment, making it a steal at the price. Juicy, bramble-fruit loaded red with a whiff of bonfire about it from the under-the-radar Yecla region tucked down in the southeast corner of Spain. It’s a blend of Syrah (aka Shiraz) and the Monastrell grape, bringing a …
A New World wine with the Old World as inspiration (so often the case). The island of Waiheke, just off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island is a gem of a wine region thanks to cooling sea breezes, great soils and a host of other factors in its favour when it comes to ripening …
Gorgeous example of how well Pinot Noir can travel given the right conditions. Its spiritual homeland might be Burgundy but this one’s from the other side of the world. The cool climate of the Yarra Valley in South Australia suits it down to the ground, bringing out all the lovely raspberry and cherry fruit Pinot Noir’s capable of …
This one’s got a nice chunky offer on it at the moment (it’s normally £9.99) so worth stocking up on a few bottles if you love your reds with a side order of grrrr. From the Rhone region, Cairanne is one of just twenty villages in the Cotes du Rhone allowed to use their village …
As is often the case with Portuguese reds, this is a cocktail of grapes usually found in port. But here, the grapes are left to do their thing as a red wine rather than being fortified with grape spirit as port is. Made by a brilliant producer, Quinta do Crasto, it’s intense (in a good way) …
Lighter styles of red like this one completely come into their own once the weather gets warmer. Made from the juicy-fruited Gamay grape, this is soft, supple and fresh with raspberry and blackberry fruit flavours. And the tannins (the stuff that clings to your teeth in red wine) are there but not so much that …
This will be going up in price to £9.49 before long but for now, because it’s new to the range, it’s on offer at an introductory price. Making it really, really good value: tons of bright, juicy berry fruits with spice and oomph (technical term, that). Fantastic stuff from the Rhone – and it’s organic, …
Such a clever idea, this: get a tip top winemaker to snap up small-ish parcels of wine for you and sell them under an exclusive label. Made from the Barbera grape usually found in Italian vineyards but here, it’s put down roots in Australia’s Victoria region. Loves it, too: with gorgeous black cherry fruits, spice and …
Normally over £20 a bottle but it’s on offer at the moment so definitely worth a try if you like your reds on the rich side. Made from a blend of five different grapes, it’s got so much going on – bramble fruits, violets, spice – but still manages to be as soft and luxurious …
Ridiculously good value Italian red, this is what’s called for when you’re stuck to the sofa and about to face plant a pizza. It’s made from the Sangiovese grape (the one behind the wines of Chianti) and is so simply done, full of juicy, soft cherry and raspberry fruit flavours. Wine duty has just gone up …
Honestly, Spain is putting out some of the best value wines on the planet right now. I mean, Rioja! For less than a fiver! OK, it’s a simple take on the style but there’s plenty of fresh red fruits and no rough edges. A glass of this after tea/bath/bed and there’ll be no rough edges …
Gorgeous Merlot made from parcels of grapes grown across four different vineyard areas in the Languedoc, this has got everything you want in a good Southern French red. Masses of blackcurrant fruit? Check. Plenty of spice, a herbal edge and lovely smooth tannins (the chewy sensation)? Check, check, check. Soft enough to sip without food but …
Merlot can sometimes be a bit meh. You know, nice enough but often lacking the oomph of Cabernet or the elegance of Pinot Noir. But what it does do, easily, is provide plenty of juicy plummy fruit, sometimes with a bit of spice (like this one). From the Western Cape in South Africa, specifically from the brilliantly named …
Love this organic Carmenere from Chile, with its juicy bramble fruit flavours and smoky, spicy kick. From organic wine specialist Vintage Roots, a great online wine retailer stuffed with gems. The thing about buying organic is you know that nothing synthetic (weedkiller, that kind of thing) has been used in the vineyards on the grapes. …
To get a wine this well made, and aged for so long, for a tenner? Honestly, it’s a steal. Made from the Tempranillo grape by respected producer Baron de Ley, it’s smoky, oaky and smooth with mellow dark cherry fruit flavours. Put a leg of lamb in the oven, covered in foil, and slow cook …
Made by the Catena family, one of the best producers in Argentina, this is everything you could wish for in an Argentinian Malbec. Big, bold and rich with warm plum and spice, it has to be eaten with a juicy steak by law. OK, made that last bit up but seriously, it’s the best match.
Usually £12.49 but it’s currently on offer. From Argentina’s most southerly wine region, it’s a slight surprise you can grow grapes here at all. The landscape is desert-like but thanks to plenty of water from the nearby Andes, stuff can grow. Long hot days and cool nights mean the grapes have long ripening times which …
Made in China. Yes, really! Sent to me by Sainsbury’s to try ahead of Chinese New Year, it’s quite an eye-opener. For starters, it’s surprisingly drinkable (believe me, I’ve tried a few Chinese wines over the years that were anything but). Not only that, it’s really rather good. I mean, if you don’t like your …
A gorgeous organic red made by a producer in Beaujolais, this is juicy, jolly and fresh as a daisy. Made from the Gamay grape, it’s from the hugely successful 2015 vintage. It does have a pleasingly rustic feel to it, kind of earthy and honest. But without being too farmyard, if you know what I …
OK, so this is a beast of a wine. I mean full on faceplanting-a-bramble-bush fruity but it’s got layers of other flavours too. Smoky oak, sweet spice and mocha among them. Made by a top notch producer in the McLaren Vale, winemaker Chester Osborn saves the best Shiraz from his vineyards for this blend. The wine …
Gorgeous, warm red made from the Shiraz grape (mostly) grown across different regions in South Australia including Langhorne Creek and the Barossa Valley. This can only be described as a cuddle in a glass; at 14%, it does require hearty food and/or a sofa but it’s super soft and luxurious. Tastes like just-squashed blackcurrants with a dusting …
Cold weather has me reaching for the Malbec more than usual and this one’s a gem. From one of my favourite producers, the Zuccardi family, this is made from grapes grown in the southern Uco Valley region south of Argentina’s wine capital, Mendoza. Vineyards lie in the foothills of the Andes so altitude is a …
Piedmont in northern Italy is famous for its food and wine, specifically Barolo and truffles. Compared with the enormous flavours of Barolo, the other famous red wine from the region – Barbera – can look slight in comparison. But I love them for their sheer juiciness and drinkability. This one’s full of spice and cherry flavours; gently …
A little bit rustic with lots of bramble flavours, this is a great option if you want a cheap-ish, cheerful food-friendly red. It’s made from the Montepulciano grape and grown in the hilly Abruzzo region in central Italy on the east coast. As if by magic, it goes brilliantly with anything tomato-y, especially pizza or …
A deliciously spicy mix of two grapes that share a first name, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, made by a whizz of a producer in the Languedoc region in southern France. It’s rich, thick with bramble fruit flavours and soft tannins (that teeth-coating quality that red wines have). Worked a treat with a bowl of …
Another Pinot from New Zealand but this time Noir rather than Gris. Made by one of the country’s best known producers, this is one to reach for when you’re in the mood for a medium-bodied rather than full on black fruit loaded beast. Ripe with juicy cherry and raspberry fruits, it goes brilliantly with fish pie. Oh, …
I love this idea. First, the wine is aged in traditional wine barrels. So far, so normal. But then, the wine is put into used Scotch whisky barrels for a bit longer. Hence double barrel. Clever, eh? In this case, it’s good quality Shiraz sourced from vineyards across Australia. It’s a big bear hug of …
If you can’t wait ’til Thursday to get your claret on (c’mon, I’m trying to make Bordeaux sound cool. I realise it might not be working) then try this one made by a very dependable producer, Yvon Mau. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, as most of the reds from this region …
This comes from the relatively cool (compared with most other Australian wine producing areas, anyway) region of Frankland River in Western Australia. So you get all the typically blackcurrant-like fruit you want from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape but in a nicely understated way. There’s a small kick of spice too. Lovely wine for the price. And …
Malbec has become Argentina’s most famous vinous export even though its original roots are in France. But turns out it travels rather well, here showing what it can do in South African soil. Rather more gutsy than some of the juicier Argentinian ones, this is all black cherry fruits, spice, grip and grrr. It’s a …
The Andalucian region in southern Spain is more famous for its sherry than its wine. Actually, it’s more famous for its holidaymakers but after that, definitely sherry. But this particular wine producer is determined to put the region on the map for wine lovers. It’s hot down here but the vineyards are tucked into the foothills …
Love this wine on so many counts. It’s made from one of my favourite grape varieties, Pinot Noir, for a start. It comes from an off-the-beaten-track region, the Auvergne in central France which counts (just) as part of the Greater Loire region. And it’s such a great take on this grape, with light-ish red berry fruits …
Bargain price for a typically rustic red from the southern Puglia region, down in the heel of Italy’s boot. It’s made from the Primitivo grape and there’s a boot-full of flavour in there, with black cherry, plums and spice. Brilliant with anything meaty, especially if it’s been done on the barbecue.
A very gorgeous Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s cooler-than-your-average Awatere Valley in the Marlborough region, this went down a storm at the Camp Bestival Secret Mummies Wine Club. It’s light but serious, fruity but savoury. Definitely one for those who don’t like their reds on the heavy side, but it’s got enough weight to it …
This is a great take on Grenache, or Garnacha as it’s called in Spain. Bright, juicy and bold with big bramble fruit flavours, it’s from the Moncayo region in Aragon, in northern Spain. The vines have got a bit of age on them and thanks to a bit of height too – the vineyards are over …
This is a very jolly mash up of red grapes from vineyards not far from Lisbon. There are big hitters in there, including indigenous Portuguese grapes Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz (another name for Tempranillo), along with Castelao and the better known Syrah grape. Juicy and bright, this is a great summer red: not too heavy …
Sometimes, the simplest wines are right under our nose, IYKWIM. Australian Shiraz is consistently good but in the hands of a really good producer like De Bortoli, the relatively inexpensive stuff can really shine. This is stuffed full of smooth, juicy black plum fruits with a touch of mint. A fair whack of alcohol too, …
From a little-known tucked away corner in the Southern French Languedoc region called Cabrieres, this is a typical blend of southern French red grapes. It’s got an honest, earthy character to it, with warm black fruit flavours and a kick of pepper. It really is a treasure trove down here in the south, with lots of …
Garnacha is one of Spain’s main grapes but what makes it really special in this case is that it comes from really old vines. Some of them are almost 100 years old and the vineyards, in the Aragon region of Calatayud, are high at over 1000 metres (I’m giving you figures, just in case your dad asks you). …
I tasted my way through almost 100 wines at a recent M&S press tasting. So. Many. Highlights. This one’s made from old vine Carinena (also known as Carignan) grown in a region of the same name in Aragon, northeast Spain. Now, Carignan can be a tough old wine sometimes but this one’s gorgeously plump and …
As a partner to the white, Australian winemaker Andrew Nielsen has sourced this juicy, raspberry and black cherry flavoured red and put it in a wine bag. Or a bagnum, as he calls them (it holds 1.5l, the same as two normal bottles of wine). Made from the Gamay grape, it’s from vineyards in the …
Ridiculously good value red from southern France, this is a clever blend of Merlot (for juicy fruit), Cabernet Sauvignon (for more black fruits and backbone) and Syrah (yet more fruits and a kick of spice). The result is a juicy, bright, black cherry and plum-flavoured gem that looks like it should come from Bordeaux but …
It sounds French but it’s from South Africa, named after the French settlers who turned up in the Western Cape in the 17th century. Made from a blend of three grapes, including the lesser spotted Tannat grape (the one behind the enormous red wines of Madiran in France), along with Grenache and Mourvedre. This one’s …
I picked this up last week whilst racing round Waitrose and it was definitely the label that made me do so. Happily, what’s inside is dreamy at the price (it’s normally £9.79). Namely, juicy, bright Pinot Noir from Australia’s Yarra Valley. It’s medium bodied, with softish tannins (the grippy coat-the-teeth stuff) and plenty of flavour. …
Super smart Rioja that’s been left to age a while in oak barrels and then for a bit longer in the bottle. Smooth and mellow, with gorgeous black cherry fruits, this has got a couple of quid off the normal price at the moment. Great value at its normal price of £8 but really great value …
This is simply Darling. Literally – the region it comes from in South Africa is called Darling. Love that. But what’s even better is what’s inside; a ripe, juicy Shiraz not short on black fruit flavours along with a touch of something herbal-like. Put it with something meaty, like Shepherd’s Pie.
I love that Portuguese wines are usually made from grapes with names I can barely pronounce. They are so original, with an amazing sense of place. The reds are often big. bold and heady, thanks to a ton of sun ripening these indigenous grapes to the max. This one, normally a couple of quid more but currently on …
Wine this good doesn’t often come in at £9. Aged for five years in oak barrels and then in bottle, there’s a ton of typical black cherry flavours, along with vanilla and spice. All the things you want from a good Rioja, really. There’s even gold netting. Love a bit of gold netting. And if …
If you like Rioja, specifically the smoky oaky black fruits of the good ones, this is a great value alternative. Made from the dark cherry-bomb grape that is Bobal, one of the most widely planted grapes in Spain. For years, it wasn’t taken seriously, destined for cheap and not-always-that-cheerful wines. But turns out, given the …
It’s Fairtrade Fortnight until the 13th March and the Co-op (always a champion of Fairtrade products and by far the best Fairtrade wine range on the high street) is offering 15% off their entire Fairtrade range to encourage us to try them. Normally £6.99, this is from a very good producer in Argentina, La Riojana. Merlot …
Amazing value red (it’s normally £8.99 when not on offer) made from one of the main grapes behind Rioja, Tempranillo. The Gran Reserva bit tells us the wine’s been aged for at least five years, spending some of that time in oak barrels. But rather than coming from Rioja, it comes from another region called Valdepenas, in central …
This is what’s known as a stealth wine – so good, you drink a little bit more than you mean to. A super smooth Shiraz from the Co-op’s Truly Irresistible range, when you stick your nose in the glass you can tell it comes from somewhere warm. The smell is so ripe, so vibrant, so damn lovely. …
The maker of this wine is a tall, extremely handsome ex-international rugby player. Not that this means anything when it comes to the wine. It’s just nice to know. Anyway, this is his take on Minervois, a wine made in the south of France in the Languedoc Roussillon wine region. Made from a typical Minervois cocktail …
Elegantly understated, this one. Made from the Pinot Noir grape, made famous by Burgundy and its often astronomical prices. But this is from a relatively small region in New Zealand’s South Island, called Nelson. It’s relatively sunny here, giving the wine a kind of warm, friendly character. Juicy, fresh and with lots of chirpy cherry fruits, …
Subtle this is not. But loaded with juicy, rich, incredible blackcurrant fruit flavours and a liberal sprinkling of spice thanks to time spent ageing in oak barrels, it is. Made by a very tall man called Tim, this is such a classic Aussie red. Not so much a hug in a glass as a full …
Made from organically grown grapes, so it’s practically a health drink. One of the best value Australian reds (especially when it’s on offer), this is ripe and smooth with gorgeous, fleshy plum fruits. There are relatively few female winemakers around, (in Australia, less than 10%), but the winemaker behind this wine is Heather Fraser. If you want a …
A perky Northern Italian red made from a blend of grapes, some of which were partially dried before they were fermented. This adds a bit more oomph and depth to the juicy baked plum flavours. It’s a stealth red: despite its friendly warmth, there’s 14% of alcohol in there. By the second glass you’ll have your feet …
Chunky style red from one of the best value regions in France, the Rhone Valley. This is all about the ripe juicy fruit (it’s not been anywhere near an oak barrel), namely blackcurrants sprinkled with pepper. Oh, and at 14%, it’s not shy. Definitely needs food, preferably a big plate of sausages and mash.
Thanks to the success of the German discounters like Aldi and Lidl, Tesco recently changed its pricing policy so that most of the wines in the range are now held at a constant price. Before, wines would yo-yo between their normal and promoted price, leaving it up to us to spot the offer and fill boots accordingly. Anyway, …
Just the best kind of party red: fresh, fruity and juicy as good gossip. Also, because Beaujolais is still technically unfashionable, value for money is amazing. Just don’t tell everyone.
From South Africa’s Stellenbosch region, this is, basically, a hug in a glass. Warm and friendly with bramble fruits and a little smokiness, it looks fabulous too. Great present material.
A really good South African red, based on a classic Rhone recipe where the Shiraz grape (or Syrah as it’s known in France) is blended with another red grape, Grenache. Made in the Swartland region, it’s loaded with pleasingly plushy bramble fruits and spice thanks to a bit of oak. Good with lasagne, happily.
If you’ve got a Lidl near you, get down there quick because they’ve got a whole load of new limited availability wines in from France (around 40). And some of them are really good. If you like teeth-tingling whites, try the white from the Savoie region. There’s a lovely red Minervois and if you like sweet wines, …
This is a new range from Majestic, two years in development apparently, which hopes to showcase definitive styles from different regions. There’s six wines already in store, including Provence Rose, Pinot Grigio, Sancerre, Chablis, Prosecco and this one, with more to come. They’re nicely packaged (if a bit self-conscious inasmuch as a wine label can …
We’re running something of a blackberry jam factory here at the moment: the bramble bushes lining the lane to our house are heaving with fruit. And honestly, stick your nose in a glass of this gorgeous Rhone red made from Syrah and Grenache grapes and you get pretty much the same thing – a massive …
From Puglia, this is made from the local Malvasia Nero grape. It’s a big red with some real earthiness to it – and I don’t mean it tastes like mud. Rather, it’s got grip and texture. Something to get your teeth into. Talking of which, serve it with anything meaty or tomato-y – preferably both.
So, this is a gem. If you’re in the mood for a smooth, oaky (but not too much) kind of red with black fruits and spice, this is great value with £3 off the normal price at the mo. It’s got the whole gold wire thing going on, and a crest and lots of gold …
If you’re in the mood for a big red, this is one such. Made by Chilean giants Concha Y Toro from Syrah grapes grown on a single estate in the Maipo Valley. It’s got a ton of bramble fruits, loads of spice and smooth vanilla flavours. Really, really smart wine for the money but as …
Made from a blend of Argentina’s calling card – Malbec – along with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes. The amazing thing about this wine is that it comes from a region called Salta, in northwest Argentina, which boasts some of the highest vineyards in the world. With altitude comes cooler weather and, if done …
From Western Australia, which is generally much cooler than most of the other wine-producing regions in this vast place and makes some of Australia’s smartest wines. You get lots of Shiraz here (known as Syrah in France) but not so much Tempranillo, the grape that’s the driving force in Spain’s Rioja region. By adding a …
Well, this is a turn up. Pinot Noir thrives in Burgundy. It does brilliantly in New Zealand. And it’s a hot grape in Chile. But Sicily? Not an obvious place for it (the grape prefers a relatively cool climate) but it really does work. Kind of juicy, but with that not-too-heavy raspberry fruit that makes …
Just the best red to have on the side at the moment. The Bonarda grape is usually found in northern Italy but here’s what happens when you plant it in Argentina and an M&S winemaker teams up with a great Argentinian winemaker. It’s bright, fruity, loaded with lovely black cherry fruit and with just the …
I know I’ve mentioned this one on the blog before but now that it’s just £6.50 (ongoing, not even just as an offer) it really is one of the best value reds on their shelves at the moment. Made by a really smart South African producer, it’s a blend of four grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, …
As with so many wines, the inspiration comes from France. In this case, it’s the Rhone Valley, where it’s common practice to throw a little Viognier (a white grape) in with a vat of Syrah (a red grape). This is South Africa’s take on a Rhone classic and it works beautifully. Rich and ripe with …
If you like the medium-bodied cherry fruits of a good Chianti, this is similar but with a bit more grip and oomph. Made from the Sangiovese grape (as is Chianti) in the Montalcino region just south of Florence, in Tuscany, it’s got a more rustic feel to it. But time has softened everything too, so …
What makes this more interesting that your average Aussie Shiraz at this price is that it’s made from grapes grown in Western Australia, a cooler region than most elsewhere in Australia. What that does is concentrate the flavours in the wine. So there’s lots of quaffable black fruits and spice, but there’s also a kind …
From South Africa’s Swartland region, just north of Cape Town, this wine’s got one of SA’s top winemakers behind it. It’s perfect for now, too, with plum and spice flavours. Shiraz is the grape (also called Syrah in France, mostly) and sticking with the silk purse, sow’s ear thing, it’s a great example of how …
It’s a New Zealand South Island double whammy this week. This second one’s from Marlborough but this time, it’s red. Made from the Pinot Noir grape, which seems to love this region’s warm days and cool nights. Most of Marlborough is covered with Sauvignon Blanc vines, but plantings of Pinot Noir are on the rise. …
Properly velvet soft and juicy, this is a really great Australian Merlot. It’s got all the usual flavour suspects in there – plums, cherries, raspberries – with a deft touch of spice from oak too. From the Murray Darling region, darling. Sip whilst wearing a jazzy jacket and you’re all set.
As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Lidl has stuffed its shelves with some new wines from France. This one’s from the Minervois region in southern France and is just the right side of rustic, with lots of bramble fruits, spice and grrrrip. It’s a blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes, weighty in flavour but …
Years ago, I remember ordering a bottle of Yellow Label in a restaurant and loving the gorgeous bramble flavours of what was inside. It was delicious, affordable and crucially, because of the bright yellow label, I was able to remember it the next time I went into a shop. Always good.
Such a good late summery red, full of squashed red fruit flavours. Juicy, jammy and a really good (inexpensive) way to enjoy the delights of the Pinot Noir grape. Made in Australia’s Victoria region, it’s silky smooth. Unlike my legs, now that September’s almost here.
Ridiculously smooth red from Argentina, this had people making the best noises when tasting it on Saturday. Along the lines of oooooohhh, mostly. Made from grapes grown in four separate vineyard sites across Mendoza, all at relatively high altitude. Cooler temperatures help the grapes ripen slowly, concentrating the blackcurrant-y flavours. Which, along with the oak …
A simple but lovely Pinot from Australia, like raspberries with a bit of black pepper on the top. If you’re in the mood for chilling your red for twenty minutes and serving it with something easy – antipasti, bowl of spicy crisps – this’ll do nicely. Otherwise, sip at room temperature whilst ignoring the washing basket.
The idea behind this range is to select the best parcels of Shiraz from regions across Australia and blend them, in this case from the McLaren Vale in South Australia. This is an enormous wine, but not brutish at all. Rather, it’s a powerful combination of spice, blackcurrant fruits and smooth oaky flavours. Rich and …
The brilliant thing about Beaujolais is that it’s one of the sprightliest, most summery grapes around. Being made from the thin-skinned Gamay grape, it makes red wines that are typically lightish in colour and juicy in flavour. This one, made from vineyards classified as slightly smarter-than-your-average, are not far from the cru-rated village of Brouilly …
Most of the things written about Bordeaux wines covers the expensive stuff. Which is a shame because there is some really good value to be found – you’ve just got to know where to look. And Berry’s know exactly where to go for their Good Ordinary Claret: this tastes far more expensive than it is. …
A soft, juicy Italian red made from Lambrusco grapes grown in the Emilia-Romagna region (think Bologna). It smells of cherries, tastes of cranberries and best of all, it’s cheap as chips and brilliantly drinkable. Just the right sort of red to have on the go when there’s the promise of warmer weather ahead. I feel almost …
Langhe lies in Piedmont, a region in northern Italy famous for truffles (the fungus kind rather than the chocolate kind). Wine-wise, Barolo is Piedmont’s big hitter, an enormous red made from the Nebbiolo grape. This Italian red blends a bit of Nebbiolo with the other great grape of the region, Barbera. Think of it as …
Made by a rather smart producer in Rioja, Elguia, this is unbelievable value. With a year spent in oak barrels and a year in bottle, it’s smooth and juicy with black cherry fruit and lovely toasty flavours. Tempranillo is the main grape in Rioja and is – as in this case – characteristically savoury. Definitely …
If Asda had a blind spot, it was for small parcels of wine that were a little off the beaten track. They’ve fixed that with the launch of their new Wine Atlas range, a collection of wines made from (some weird and) mostly wonderful grape varieties from all over the place. This is one of …
Sounds like coffee, but happily it’s wine. Made in Sicily from the Frappato grape, this is fairly light in colour and tastes of baked cherries. It’s fresh, medium-bodied and the locals drink this chilled as a pre-prandial or with anything from antipasti to fish. It feels like a summery wine and it too has a …
The wines in Aldi’s smart own label range are usually pretty good value for money but this one’s outrageously good. Made in the south of the North Island, in a region called Wairarapa. And the fairly fussy Pinot Noir grape (it won’t ripen properly unless the climate’s just right: not too hot, not too cold, not …
Read more “Exquisite Collection New Zealand Pinot Noir 2013”
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