Wines of the week: Rioja Vega Tempranillo Blanco; Domaine La Jasse- Castel Pimpanela Montpeyroux; El Esteco Tannat

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Saturday 17 January 2015 20:00 EST

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Sunday lunch

Rioja Vega Tempranillo Blanco 2013

White Tempranillo – a relation of the Rioja red grape only approved in 2009 – has been used here, with a little oak ageing, to create a stunning, full-bodied, complex white: lovely tropical fruit flavours overlaid with citrus and apple notes. One for a big fish pie. £11.99, houseoftownend.com

Midweek meal

Domaine La Jasse- Castel Pimpanela Montpeyroux 2012

The bottled warmth of the Languedoc is perfect for a cold winter's evening and at 15 per cent ABV, this is powerful but retains a fresh, drinkable quality. Made from a typical blend of local grapes such as Cinsault, its blackberry, spice and herb flavours are best relished with meaty casseroles or sausages with root-vegetable mash. £10.95, thewinesociety.com

Bargain basement

El Esteco Tannat 2013

In south-west France, Tannat grapes make the almost-black, rich, Madiran wine that needs some bottle ageing. The Argentine version is lightened by being grown at high altitude in the Calchaqui Valley and is better for early drinking, but remains dark, fulsome and satisfying for any meat dishes. £8, Marks & Spencer, in store from tomorrow

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