Toro Loco Bobal Merlot

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 right care and attention, it can make great wines with lots of fruit and velvet-soft tannins. This one’s got a fair dollop of Merlot in there too, along with some gently sweet oaky flavours. Perks up even the laziest tomato pasta supper.