Wines of the week: 3 Amigos Red, McHenry Hohnen, Margaret River; Graffigna Centenario Malbec; Calvet Alsace Pinot Blanc Reserve

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Terry Kirby
Saturday 10 January 2015 20:00 EST
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Sunday lunch

3 Amigos Red, McHenry Hohnen, Margaret River 2010

Wonderfully balanced between Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre, this is a full-blooded Aussie take on a typical southern Rhône-style blend – rustic, succulent, with a great combination of red fruit, some pepper and a long, satisfying finish. Just the thing to ward off the chill with a casserole or roast. £19.95, bbr.com; £13.30, tanners-wines.co.uk (2009)

Midweek meal

Graffigna Centenario Malbec 2012

A typically soft, smooth and velvety Malbec, with slightly less quantity of forward blackberry fruits than most expressions of the grape, but also lots of characteristic chocolate and coffee notes, all of which linger happily on the palate. A great excuse for a midweek steak. £10, Tesco, Sainsbury's

Bargain basement

Calvet Alsace Pinot Blanc Reserve 2012

This grape is a cousin to the oft-criticised Pinot Grigio, but here has a completely different character: slightly smoky and spicy, with some lovely white-stone fruits and citrus flavours. Surprisingly complex; good with oily fish such as mackerel or tuna. £6 (until 22 January; normally £9), Asda

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