LET’S kick-off with some unscientific research. In 2005 a bottle of Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon, a widely available red wine from Chile, would set you back £5.50. If you purchased the equivalent bottle today, you would need to shell out nearer £8.
In other words, if your average spend on a bottle of wine is still, “about a fiver”, then you won’t be getting as good a wine for your money. Here are three good reds, for around £8, in case you are considering upping your spend from the now outdated “about a fiver” benchmark.
Viñalba 50 50 Reservado 2012 is a full-bodied, rich and structured red, made with fruit from the Valle de Uco in Mendoza region of Argentina. It is a half and half blend, made with malbec and cabernet sauvignon.
Fruit forward, without being jammy, it suggests flavours of cassis, bramble and plum, with vanilla, liquorice and some floral notes and subtle hints of smoky oak. It almost goes without saying that it would marry well with a steak.
On offer at the Co-operative, until May 13, is Château Capitoul 2012, a cracking, budget red from La Clape, an appellation in the Languedoc region of southern France.
Typically for the area, it is made with syrah, grenache and carignan. Bold and peppery, with some supple tannins, it has flavours of blackberry, cherry and anise. It would make a good partner for casseroles, particularly game, and well seasoned sausages.
Or if spring lamb is on the menu, consider an affordable Rioja crianza, listed by The Wine Society. Glorioso Rioja Crianza 2010 is a velvety textured tempranillo, packed with sweet edged, dark fruit flavours, vanilla, cinnamon and a pronounced oak influence.
Viñalba 50 50 Reservado 2012, Mendoza, £7.99 (when you buy 2) at Majestic 18/20
Château Capitoul 2012, Languedoc – La Clape, £6.99 down from £7.99 (until May 13) at The Co-operative 17/20
Glorioso Rioja Crianza 2010, £7.95 from the Wine Society 17/20
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