Wines of the Week: Vin Alta Gran Reserva Malbec 2010; Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012; Cune Rioja Reserva 2007
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
Sunday 03 February 2013
Sunday Lunch
Vin Alta Gran Reserva Malbec 2010
Exceptionally bold, rich and spicy, this is a high-altitude Malbec from the Vistalba area of Mendoza. A satisfying combination of fresh vibrancy on the palate, big, intense, smoky flavours of dark fruits, tar and treacle, and a long finish produces a really lip-smacking wine of considerable power – hence the 14.5 per cent alcohol. Good with all roast meats, but particularly duck and beef sirloin. £14.99, Marks & Spencer
Midweek Meal
Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Last year was an exceptional vintage for Marlborough, home of the finest Sauvignon Blanc, and the Wine Society is celebrating with a mixed-case offer of some top names, including the classy Greywacke, the Society’s terrific own-label version, and the mouthwatering Wither Hills: an irresistible explosion of tropical fruits and gooseberry-flavoured freshness. Brilliant with seafood or lightly spiced Asian dishes. £7.75 (or £136 for the mixed case of 12; until 10 February), thewinesociety.com
Bargain Basement
Cune Rioja Reserva 2007
Rioja with a bit of age seems to attract a lot of supermarket discounting, which is a bonus for lovers of the traditional approach to a wine which benefits from bottle time. This is one of the benchmark wines from a reliable producer at a great discount. Soft, velvety, medium-bodied and a good balance between oak and fruit, it is a natural partner for braised rabbit or arroz con pollo. £9.49 (normally £12.79; until 12 February), Waitrose
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