Wines of the Week: Cordillera Carignan 2008; Bodegas Gallegas Solano Tinto 2011; Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Sunday Lunch

Cordillera Carignan 2008

From Carignan vines planted in the 1940s high in Chile's Maule Valley, mixed with a little Merlot and Shiraz, this is an earthy, velvety and perfumed wine, packed with concentrated damson flavours and a little light spicing. Yet despite this complexity, it retains a fine acidity that makes it very accessible. Highly recommended for all types of game and for the upcoming festive season. £13.28, vintagemarque.com (minimum order of six bottles)

Midweek meal

Bodegas Gallegas Solano Tinto 2011

Galicia, in Spain's north-west, is mostly known for its fabulous whites to match local seafood, but wonderful reds are made there as well, deriving their appealing freshness from a combination of vines watered by snow-melt and the influence of the Atlantic climate. The Solano, a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, is smooth, medium-bodied, fruity and, at this price, excellent value. Drink with a mussel, chorizo and potato stew. £6.30, jascots.co.uk

Bargain basement

Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Just because it is seemingly on offer almost everywhere should not negate the qualities of this fine Kiwi wine – characteristically intense gooseberry and lime flavours, great fresh acidity and an easy drinkability. Another one to stockpile for those Christmas parties. £6.49 (until 20 November; normally £9.99), The Co-operative; £4.71 (minimum purchase 6 bottles; normally £9.29), tesco.com; £7.59 (each for two if bought as part of minimum six-bottle purchase; normally £9.49), majestic.co.uk