Wines of the week: Terra Noble Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009; Jean Luc Colombo Côtes du Rhône Bonne Ruche 2009; Zalze Shiraz Mourvèdre Viognier 2010

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Terry Kirby
Saturday 04 February 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

Terra Noble Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009

The first of three reds to warm our souls in bleak February is part of a small range of New World bottles on the list of a small and discerning retailer which previously specialised entirely in European wines. From Chile's Maule Valley, this is juicy and fulsome, with a great combination of forward fruit and decent structure that makes for a drinkable, food-friendly wine to partner a roast chicken or joint of pork. £11.45, fromvineyardsdirect.com (minimum order 12 bottles)

Midweek meal

Jean Luc Colombo Côtes du Rhône Bonne Ruche 2009

This blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre is from a rapidly expanding producer based in the village of Cornas in the Rhône valley. Characteristically peppery and spicy, there are balancing brambly fruit flavours as well, together with some tannins to give it a bit of lean, medium-bodied firmness, which altogether works in harmony. Goes well with simple winter casseroles or Merguez sausages. £9.99, yourfavouritewines.com

Bargain basement

Zalze Shiraz Mourvèdre Viognier 2010

Fantastic value here on another Rhône blend, but this time from Stellenbosch in South Africa, where the Mourvèdre and Viognier grapes lift, structure and, very slightly, perfume the spicy, wilder Shiraz to give a surprisingly powerful, complex wine for the price. Lovely blackberry and dark-red fruits, together with a little touch of oak make this perfect for any grilled steak or lamb cutlets. £5.99 (until 21 February; normally £7.49), Waitrose

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