Wines of the Week: Cordillera Carignan 2008; Bodegas Gallegas Solano Tinto 2011; Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Terry Kirby
Saturday 17 November 2012 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sunday Lunch

Cordillera Carignan 2008

From Carignan vines planted in the 1940s high in Chile's Maule Valley, mixed with a little Merlot and Shiraz, this is an earthy, velvety and perfumed wine, packed with concentrated damson flavours and a little light spicing. Yet despite this complexity, it retains a fine acidity that makes it very accessible. Highly recommended for all types of game and for the upcoming festive season. £13.28, vintagemarque.com (minimum order of six bottles)

Midweek meal

Bodegas Gallegas Solano Tinto 2011

Galicia, in Spain's north-west, is mostly known for its fabulous whites to match local seafood, but wonderful reds are made there as well, deriving their appealing freshness from a combination of vines watered by snow-melt and the influence of the Atlantic climate. The Solano, a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, is smooth, medium-bodied, fruity and, at this price, excellent value. Drink with a mussel, chorizo and potato stew. £6.30, jascots.co.uk

Bargain basement

Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Just because it is seemingly on offer almost everywhere should not negate the qualities of this fine Kiwi wine – characteristically intense gooseberry and lime flavours, great fresh acidity and an easy drinkability. Another one to stockpile for those Christmas parties. £6.49 (until 20 November; normally £9.99), The Co-operative; £4.71 (minimum purchase 6 bottles; normally £9.29), tesco.com; £7.59 (each for two if bought as part of minimum six-bottle purchase; normally £9.49), majestic.co.uk

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in