Tesco Finest Cahors Malbec, France, £8.50, Tesco
Ripe and round with impressive concentration. Quite a wine, with aromas of blueberries and plums, similar ripe fruit flavours unfold on the smooth palate, finishing long, berry forward. This powerful, smooth wine displays the classic black berries and savoury qualities of an authentic French Malbec. Match to hearty foods such as game and red meats. Especially elegant and refined, this is a Malbec to swoon over.
Beronia Rioja Reserva 2018, Spain, £15, Sainsbury’s
Spain’s calling card, a really good Rioja is the perfect choice with lamb, especially this Tempranillo blend. The forest-fruit aromas draw you in, with heaps of plush black fruits, hint of vanilla oak, twist of black pepper, touch of liquorice, smooth tannins and silky freshness to pair with more delicate pink cuts of meat. It’s not often I review wines that cost more than £10 but I have to make the exception with this one – if not for yourself then possibly as a gift...
WINE OF THE WEEK
Brancott Estate Flight Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, was £8.50, now £7, Asda
When it comes to concentrated fruit flavours, this vibrant Sauvignon Blanc has it in abundance. Showing a really nice balance between herbaceous fruit and notes of sweet pea and guava, with a mouthwatering intensity enriched by freshness and ripe citrus on the finish. Hard to beat at the price...
