Wines of the week: Fully Loaded McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz 2008; Garnacha Castillo de Monséran 2010; Don Cristobal Premium Vintage Brut Cava 2008
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
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Fully Loaded McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz 2008
A little ageing in American oak barrels takes some of the edge from this otherwise boisterous blend, named after a shipwreck on the South Australian coast. There are plenty of characteristic full-on aromas of violets and raspberries on the nose and the palate delivers big flavours of dark fruits and tobacco, with enough structure to keep it all in check. Good with any straightforward roast red meats such as beef or lamb. £10, Oddbins
Midweek meal
Garnacha Castillo de Monséran 2010
More Grenache here, in its original European form grown at high altitude in the Cariñena area of northern Spain. The Continental climate and altitude brings a bright, crunchy freshness to the wine, which is packed with berry-fruit flavours and has a deceptively firm structure, which makes it a great everyday wine, versatile enough for quaffing at parties, but also good to accompany all types of Mediterranean foods. £6.99, Wine Rack
Bargain basement
Don Cristobal Premium Vintage Brut Cava 2008
Still in northern Spain, but from the coastal region of Penedès comes this premium sparkler made for M&S by Freixenet and currently at a bargain price. The cava grapes of Parellada, Macabeo and Xarel-lo deliver big flavours of peaches and melons and enough body from bottle ageing to pair it surprisingly well with tapas, particularly the local speciality of Serrano ham on tomato bread. £7.49 (normally £14.99; additional 25 per cent discount on six bottles from tomorrow until 5 June), M&S
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