Wines of the week: Tenuta Le Calcinaie Gabriele 2006; Vistamar Sepia Pinot Noir Reserva 2011; Espelt Costa Brava 2009

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Sunday Lunch

Tenuta Le Calcinaie Gabriele 2006

The first of three reds designed to warm up chilly autumn evenings. From Tuscany but not a Chianti or a super-Tuscan blend, this is a 100 per cent Merlot that is the work of a producer known for top-notch whites: richly, earthily warming it is, too, with flavours of chocolate, coffee and blueberries and a long, spicy finish. Savour with a venison steak or game casserole. £14.17 (minimum order 12 bottles), goedhuis.com

Midweek meal

Vistamar Sepia Pinot Noir Reserva 2011

Lighter autumnal meals seem to call for the juicy, berry flavours of Pinot Noir, but forget the overinflated Burgundy prices and opt instead for a stunning Chilean wine: fresh and medium-bodied on the palate, but with big, full fruit flavours and a slight smokiness to round it all off. Superb to accompany a rare loin of tuna with balsamic jus or anything with mushrooms. £8.35, smithfieldwine.com

Bargain basement

Espelt Costa Brava 2009

If you are planning a party or gathering around now, perhaps for Halloween or Bonfire Night, then hustle around to your local Co-op and stock up on this fabulous bargain Spanish red. It's an oak-aged blend of smooth red fruits and spicy undertones deriving from old Garnacha and Carignan vines grown near to the now defunct El Bulli restaurant. Suitable for any roasted or grilled meat, particularly lamb or a tapas selection. £4.99 (normally £9.99; until 30 October), The Co-operative stores