Bags of personality here in this southern Italian bombshell. Intensely flavoured and deeply coloured; black cherries and blueberry muffin come first, followed by underlying light tarry notes that bring an appealing umami richness. Tannic structure gives backbone to the weight of the fruit and its chocolatey richness. Pair this inky, blanket of a wine with spit-roast lamb, or lentils and bacon with roasted beetroot.

Looking for a fantastic everyday red? Look no more. Made in Verona from a blend of 40% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, (as found in Valpolicella) 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (as found in Bordeaux), this cracker of a red delivers the best of both worlds. Packed with black and red cherry, dried plum and silky blackberry flavours. Unoaked, maintaining purity of flavour, with some dried grapes added to the mix (like Ripasso) bringing richness. Trastullo is an archaic Italian word that means something which gives you enjoyment. By name, by nature. Enjoy!

A summery blend of Gamay and Pinot noir fromt the Nantais region of the Loire Valley. Comparable to a great Beaujolais, but without the ‘bubblegum’ notes those wines sometimes impart.  Juicy and refreshing, with light tannins, medium body, and a moreish finish. Also lovely lightly chilled.

A very smart Syrah from one of our favourite South African producers, this is plush, polished and seriously appealing. Fresh and lifted berry fruit aromas make for a very inviting nose; full yet elegant, with bramble, cassis and black cherry. These flavours follow on the palate with a typical Syrah note of black pepper spice. Fine, ripe tannins with a long rich, finish. Astonshing value.

Ideal with spicy dishes, red meats and rich Mediterranean dishes.

Sustainable viticulture, wild ferment, and no nasties. Proper wine, sensibly priced.

A great value red from Portugal, based on the Baga grape, which is native to the Bairrada region. Tightly knit and focused, with a firm structure allowing for ageing where desired. Careful oak use brings hints of toast and spice amongst black cherry and berry fruit. Benefits from decanting, whereupon the palate and flavours round out, unfurling its full complement of fragrance and wild berry tang. Exceptional value. Serve with roast pork and crackling or braised beef.  International Wine Challenge 2015 Best Value Red.

 

13% abv

Elegant and refreshing cool-climate Pinot. Pale ruby red in colour with a lifted nose of raspberry,blackcurrant fruit and a gentle cranberry grip with gentle spice notes from barrel aging. The palate shows delicious ripe summer fruit character and is perfectly balanced by soft tannins and refreshing acidity. It has a long and elegant finish. 70% of the wine is aged for 6 months in French oak barrels, lending spice and cocoa notes.

The Casablanca Valley is influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its coastal breezes that moderate temperatures. The area ranges from soft rolling hills to higher hills toward the Coastal Mountain range in the east. The poor, sandy loam soils are alluvial in origin, relativelyshallow and very permeable, resulting in yields which are generally low in comparison with other Chilean valleys.

Distinctive black cherry notes, with herbal and subtle tobacco aromas. Vibrant in acidity but well balanced. Light and juicy in texture with supple tannins and a sour cherry twist on the finish.

A red with layers of spicy fruit and damson, that massively over delivers.

Ripe, appealing aromas of plums, blackberries, and cherry and a hint of milk chocolate. Rich and spicy on the palate with dark fruit, balancing acidity and soft tannins.

Bodegas Juan Gil own over 500 hectares of vineyards, between 700 and 850 metres altitude, in the northwest of Jumilla: old bush vine Monastrell planted in chalky soils, and Shiraz grown in sandy soils on younger, trellised vines. Vinification is carried out at the winery in the heart of the Juan Gil vineyard area. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, temperature controlled, and the juice maintains contact with the skins during this 10-day process.

Will match up with rich pasta dishes with salami or ham, or a premium, meat-rich, lasagna with layers of meatballs and slices of pepperami in the mix! Sunny weather? - perfect for barbecues too.

Black cherry red with intense blackcurrant and typical green capsicum notes, that give way to hints of black pepper, tobacco leaf and chocolate. The palate presents medium body and very smooth, lush tannins. This wine is very easy to drink and stands out for its great balance and fresh finish.The wine was aged for 12 months, 40% in French oak barrels, 30% in American, and 30% in stainless steel tanks.

The Colchagua Valley stands in Chilé out for its Mediterranean climate with four well-defined seasons. The summers are hot and dry, which encourages proper ripening without interruptions. The valley ends at the Pacific Ocean, which has a positive effect on the vineyards because it cools the valley during the hot season.

Ideal with grilled or roasted meats, such as roast pork with wine and spice reduction, and pepper-crusted steak. Best served at 16º–17ºC in a Bordeaux-style glass.

 

Go to the filing cabinet marked ‘Value’ and file this under ‘Ridiculous’. Not because it's a show-stopping 100-pointer, but because it simply made us want to drink it. Lots of it. And isn't that the point? And did we mention that it’s fantastic value?
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, aged for a year in American oak and tastes like two much-loved wine styles rolled into one. The Cabernet Sauvignon shines through on the nose with rich leafy blackcurrant and dusty cherries, reminiscent of a good Medoc. On the palate, we find the most deliciously juicy and succulent cassis flavours married to classic Spanish Crianza notes of coconut and vanilla. What we love about it is its freshness and moreishness and its quiet insistence that the next sip is going to be even better than the last, which, for us, is the definition of a great wine. 13.5% alc. Drink now-2040 (yes you read that right).

 

An easy drinking Italian red made from Corvina and Merlot from the shores of Lake Garda. Perfect party wine.

 La Foule Pinot Noir comes from selected vineyards in the Languedoc region of southern France. It is a wonderful wine with lovely aromas of violet and red fruits and a velvety palate with a long and supple vanilla finish due to a proportion of the blend being matured with French oak.

Textured and luxurious this is a sophisticated Cabernet Franc from Gard. There is a wild 'after the rain' woodland perfume, with menthol and truffley hints. The palate is incredibly long and layered with bramble fruit, earthy peppery layers and a touch of sweet prune on the finish.

Juicy lamb shanks, rich tomato based dishes laced with roasted garlic and pepper, marinated steak with mashed potato and green beans or savour it at the end of the meal over a good cheeseboard.

Intense ruby red in colour with purple hues. On the nose, aromas of morello and marasca cherries pervade, with notes of small red berries and sweet spices. The palate is mineral and balanced with a long, mouthwatering finish. Recommended for fans of Pinot noir or good Valpolicella. This delivers both lightness of touch with depth of flavour. Serve chilled. Great even with fish dishes, but especially good with seared Tuna!

When it comes to matching a wine with steak (or other red meat), look no further than this fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon. We have been searching for an easy drinking Cabernet Sauvignon to spearhead our Quaff range for a while now. I am thrilled to have discovered a fantastic red and white from the Pays d'Oc that really deliver exceptional value and seriously good quality. This is our go to weekday red. Give it a go - it's a belter!

Complex and elegant aromas, with black fruits and a subtle hint of oak. Supple tannins and a bright fruit packed finish.

Great with steak, roast lamb, game or rich stews.

The grape of Rioja, Tempranillo is always the perfect party choice; soft and juicy and always a crowd-pleaser.

A refreshing and fragrant Cabernet with fresh and bright flavours of blackcurrant. Silky textured, lifted on the mid-palate and with a smooth ripe finish.

Perfect with roast lamb with rosemary and garlic. Finish with a mature cheese such as parmesan.