Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle 1990, 14%, France (£350-500+, see Wine Searcher) ‘As a winemaker, you have to be humble in front of a wine like this,’ muses Caroline Frey, whose family took over historic Rhône producer Paul Jaboulet Aîné in 2006, of the estate’s iconic Hermitage...
Taste the Difference Rioja Reserva 2010 Cepa Alegro, Spain, 13.5% (£7, Sainsbury's) We're big fans of Ben Tish in this household and his Saturday Kitchen dish this weekend made his stock rise even further. I mean, who couldn't love roasted partridge with caramelised chicory, orange, honey and...
Most wine lovers have a soft spot for Pinot Noir. It's a masochistic tendency. Not only does good Pinot Noir tend to be expensive, it can also be very hit and miss. For a slightly elusive wine that inhabits a tantalising middle ground between white and red,...
Taste the Difference Barbera d'Asti 2014, Italy, 13.5% (£7, Sainsbury's) This own-label Barbera from Sainsbury's is really good value - and very autumnal in feel, with a heart-warming touch of spice to an otherwise silky dark-fruited style. It made a fantastic Saturday Kitchen match for a very autumnal dish...
Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Rouge La Taupe 2014, 12.5% (£30 for a magnum (150 cl), Marks & Spencer or via Wine Searcher in different formats) Looking ahead to autumn and the festive period can be dismaying. Planning the wine menu, on the other hand, proves remarkably uplifting. Take this wine....
Villa Borghetti Valpolicella Ripasso 2013, 13.5% (£10.99 when you buy 6, Majestic or via Wine Searcher) So what to choose with a classic bolognese ragu with focaccia by the delightful Italian maestro Gennaro Contaldo? There are plenty of options, from Bardolino (in a lighter style) to Chianti (in a...
Domaine André Perret Merlot, Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes 2014, 13% (£9.95, The Wine Society) It’s fair to say both the label and style of this southern French red are a bit funky – edgy even. Not for everyone, maybe. But part of the reason it’s so...
Domaine de la Grange des Pères Rouge 2013 IGP Hérault, France (£45 Yapp Brothers or use Wine Searcher) An extraordinarily delicious blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Counoise that will blow you away this autumn. Domaine de la Grange des Pères has achieved iconic status. This red...
Sesti Monteleccio 2014, Italy (£15.99 per bottle for case of 12, Armit Wines - or use Wine Searcher) This Monteleccio is a fabulous value wine from one of Montalcino’s most celebrated wine estates, Sesti. We visited not too long ago and were captivated by the stunning scenery...
La Grange des Combes 2013, France, 14% (£9.99 when you buy 6, Majestic) If you like your reds a bit funky, this is a bargain. Strictly speaking, this Grange des Combes is AOC St-Chinian-Roquebrun, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. It’s peppery, meaty and full of...