Night in
2011 Spanish Steps Toro
The Spanish reds of Toro can be as muscular as their taurean name suggests but this pure tempranillo is full of ripe strawberry fruit and a juicy, robust freshness that makes it ideal for the barbecue, grilled lamb especially. £6.99, Sainsbury's
Dinner party
2010 Domaine Gérard Thomas St Aubin 'Le Champ Tirant'
A stylish addition to the Co-op's fine wine range, the spicy aromas of this rich, full-flavoured white Burgundy lead to a moreish mouthful of chardonnay with a creaminess of texture and nutty aftertaste. £13.99, The Co-operative
Splash out
2010 Penfold's Bin 138, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vividly spicy and fragrant, this is an Aussie answer to the southern Rhône, an opulent blend of grenache, shiraz and mourvèdre whose toasty oak veneer is etched with juicy acidity. £14.49, Tesco (114 stores)
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