Food suggestions > Red meat

Navaldar 2007

Tempranillo means 'early ripener' in Spanish and you'd have to get up very early indeed to find one that's better value than this. It may be young, but it has the heart and soul of classic Rioja, with its ruby red colour, ripe berry flavours and good finish. Its sheer drinkability makes it perfect for an informal roast lamb Sunday lunch or for sharing with friends on a summer's evening outdoors.

Finca del Mar 2004

Light and soft. Very much a Merlot. Chill it, quite an experience!

Intense aromas and yet quite soft, like a good Merlot. This is one of the good wines of this house. Did you know that chilled Merlot goes very well with fish? Try it with pan fried sea bass, superb!

Marques de Grinon Tempranillo 2004

Another very good wine from this deservedly famous house, this Tempranillo is produced from the oldest vines on the Dominio de Valdepusa estate which lies on the Pusa river between Toledo and Madrid. This is a perfect example of a crianza Tempranillo. Spicy aromas laced with very ripe red fruits. Lightly smoked with a very pleasant aftertaste. Goes beautifully with uncomplicated meaty dishes. A definite buy, not least because of its outstanding value for money.

Artazuri 2005

This smashing wine has a lovely dark cherry finish and a bold, full-bodied taste. Bodegas Artazu is found in the northernmost part of the Navarra which, like Rioja, is exposed to both Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. Artazu benefits from the occasional cold winds coming off the Pyrenees which helps to make wines of extraordinary elegance.

With this clever blend of Tempranillo and Garnache they have achieved a good, fruity vintage with a very happy after taste. Not only that, it's really good value for money which makes it a hit at parties with friends or for summer BBQs.

Norte 2005

A typical Navarra wine, in that it benefits from both the warm Mediterranean and cooler Atlantic influences. This is an uncomplicated but interesting blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. After six months aging in French oak barrels, the softness of the Merlot grape prevails, but the mature, subtle black fruit aromas of the Cabernet Sauvignon remain. On the nose, look out for delicate aromas of blackberries and blueberries, with an interesting spicy and smoky edge. A good long finish, with round, not too ripe tannins makes this a perfect match for pork, lamb and turkey.

Coto de Hayas 2006

Young, soft and yet perfect to the palate, this wine is the result of a great match of Tempranillo and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in vineyards in the foothills of the Cordillero Iberico, south of Rioja.

Everything you could wish for from a young Tempranillo is here. The softness of the colour and aroma, the superb taste, and a luscious reminder of summer fruits with blackberries and raspberries. A slight touch of leather and oak give this superior wine the perfect finishing touch.