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.

Sola Fred 2007

A young wine with creamy and fresh aromas of berries, especially raspberry, strawberry and blackberry. Very fresh at the palate with a superb taste that grows into a very long finish. Although modest in price, it certainly doesn't hide its quality and taste. In fact, this could easily be the everyday Spanish red that you've been looking for!

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.

Les Sorts Rose 2007

Nothing beats Grenache when it comes to making a great rose. This neat rose has a very pleasant aroma and a taste of red fruits, strawberry, raspberry and blackberry. It's full-bodied but quite fresh with good structure, aromas, superb taste and an even better aftertaste. This wine is so complete that it will go well with any type of food, making it jolly useful, as well as being a very enjoyable casual drink to unwind with.