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Wines of the week: Three Tempranillos for January
Terry Kirby shares three high-end red wines that will get you through the rest of the hardest month of the year
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Your support makes all the difference.Making no apologies for continuing the January theme of warming red wines to soothe our souls during bleak midwinter, here are three top quality Riojas for all occasions; a welcome reminder of sunny Spain and a demonstration of the versatility of the signature Tempranillo grape….
Midweek meals…
Ramon Balbao Rioja 2014
As modern as the smart bottle design, this is a really juicy, full of flavour, youthful Rioja. An appealing blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo, with smooth red and black fruits, but with enough concentration and weight to match substantial tapas or pasta dishes.
£9.49 (£7.99 if part of mixed six-bottle purchase) Majestic.co.uk
Weekend treats…
Beronia Reserva 2011
This is much more the classic, oaky style of Rioja, and benefits from a lot more bottle age. The Tempranillo here is lifted by the aromatic, slightly spicy black fruits of Graciano and the result is an intense, full bodied, velvety wine with a lovely balance and structure. Ideal with roast meats.
£12.00 Waitrosecellar.com; £12.00 tesco.com (minimum six bottle purchase); £14.99 (or £9.99 if part of mixed six bottle purchase) Majestic.co.uk
Special occasions…
CVNE Imperial Reserva 2010
A mature, complex, slightly austere Reserva from the historic Compagna Vinicola del Norte de Espana bodega, with, again, a little leavening Graciano added. Gorgeous aromas and wonderfully poised between restrained red fruits and smoky, tarry, chocolate and vanilla notes; carefully integrated oak. Will continue to develop.
£21.99 thewinereserve.co.uk; £22.95 winedirect.co.uk
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