Wines of the week: Carchelo Jumilla, 2009; Champteloup Chardonnay Vin de Pays du Val de Loire, 2009; Rockbare Tinder Box McLaren Vale Shiraz, 2008
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Your support makes all the difference.Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy...
Sunday lunch
Carchelo Jumilla, 2009
The fashionable styling of the label here reinforces the fact that Spanish wines have come a long way recently. Made in the arid south-east, with a blend of Monastrell, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this is a full-bodied, well-structured, modern red, with masses of big, dark fruit flavours held together by a spicy finish. Recommended for roast meats or game, but also a banker for arroz con pollo or other boisterous Mediterranean foods. £10.99 (or six for £8.79 each), oddbins.com
Weekday supper
Champteloup Chardonnay Vin de Pays du Val de Loire, 2009
By this point of the year, when winter seems to be going on for ever, a constant diet of robust reds and comfort foods may begin to drag, and one needs to vary things with lighter wines and fishier dishes – so what better than a smoked-fish pie with this creamily full-flavoured and lightly oaked Chardonnay, made specially for Waitrose. But act quickly, the offer ends Tuesday. £5.59 or £63.72 for 12 (reduced from £6.99 until 25 January), waitrosewine.com
Bargain basement
Rockbare Tinder Box McLaren Vale Shiraz, 2008
Even if you are on a January detox, this week's choices demonstrate that it is a great time to stock up on bargains as retailers clear their shelves. And in the cold weather, there is nothing better than this big, powerful but restrained Aussie Shiraz: velvety and raisiny, with touches of spice and chocolate to tantalise the palate. Just be careful of the 15 per cent alcohol. £7.99 (reduced from £11.49 until 30 January), marksandspencer.com
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