Wines of the Week: Vin Alta Gran Reserva  Malbec 2010; Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012; Cune Rioja Reserva 2007

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Terry Kirby
Sunday 03 February 2013 01:01 GMT
Comments
Cune Rioja Reserva 2007; Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012; Vin Alta Gran Reserva Malbec 2010
Cune Rioja Reserva 2007; Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012; Vin Alta Gran Reserva Malbec 2010

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sunday Lunch

Vin Alta Gran Reserva Malbec 2010

Exceptionally bold, rich and spicy, this is a high-altitude Malbec from the Vistalba area of Mendoza. A satisfying combination of fresh vibrancy on the palate, big, intense, smoky flavours of dark fruits, tar and treacle, and a long finish produces a really lip-smacking wine of considerable power – hence the 14.5 per cent alcohol. Good with all roast meats, but particularly duck and beef sirloin. £14.99, Marks & Spencer

Midweek Meal

Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Last year was an exceptional vintage for Marlborough, home of the finest Sauvignon Blanc, and the Wine Society is celebrating with a mixed-case offer of some top names, including the classy Greywacke, the Society’s terrific own-label version, and the mouthwatering Wither Hills: an irresistible explosion of tropical fruits and gooseberry-flavoured freshness. Brilliant with seafood or lightly spiced Asian dishes. £7.75 (or £136 for the mixed case of 12; until 10 February), thewinesociety.com

Bargain Basement

Cune Rioja Reserva 2007

Rioja with a bit of age seems to attract a lot of supermarket discounting, which is a bonus for lovers of the traditional approach to a wine which benefits from bottle time. This is one of the benchmark wines from a reliable producer at a great discount. Soft, velvety, medium-bodied and a good balance between oak and fruit, it is a natural partner for braised rabbit or arroz con pollo. £9.49 (normally £12.79; until 12 February), Waitrose

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in