WARM UP WITHRED

TAKE COMFORTWITHAGLASS OF THE RED STUFF,SAYS SAM

WYLIE-HARRIS

When the spring is slow to arrive there’s nothing better than acomforting glass of red.

Thoughts are still withcomfort food, feel-good recipes and great tasting wines. Even more so if you’ve abstained through the winter months…

Asda ExtraSpecial Merlot 2021, Colchagua Valley, Chile, £7, Asda Abeautifully smooth merlot which strikes the perfect balance between ripe, juicy red berry fruit and caressing tannins. Loaded with layers of dark plummy fruit, cherry, touch of dark chocolate and vanilla, think sausage and tomato bake or hearty pasta. It’s great value too

M&S Classics Pinotage 2021, £8, South Africa, Marks &Spencer, in-store

South Africa’s signature red grape variety displays big, bold fruit and this bighearted red more than delivers with its smooth, gutsy flavours of blackcurrants and cherries. Lightly-oaked and fruit driven, it’s one for lamb kebabs, burgers, steak pie and rich gravy. Yummy

Cairenne Cru des Côtes du Rhône ReserveHospitaliers 2020, Rhône, France, £9, Waitrose Downright delicious from word go, this Southern Rhône sweet-fruited red sings from the glass with dark, fruity grenache bolstered by asplash of syrah.Rich and harmoniouswith concentration and balance, florals,cassis, pepper,sweet spice and brambly fruits draw you in, finishing warming, ripe and moreish. Perfect with beef bourguignon.

Finca Constancia Seleccion 2019, Toledo, Spain, £12, Ocado Adeftly blended Spanish beauty, tempranillo, cabernetsauvignon,syrah and cabernet francleadthe charge and mingle magnificently in this smooth, plump red. The wine spends eight months in oak and features acore of complex plum, cherry and strawberry flavourswith touches of spice and tobacco leaf on the lasting finish. Pair with slowcooked pork casserole or bangers and mash with onion gravy.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2021, Coonawarra,Australia, £15, or £12 to mix six, Majestic

Ared to rave about, this famous label offers outstanding value –and proveshow Australian shiraz is at thetop of its game. Arhapsody of blackberry fruits, rich yet polished, floral, peppery,silky fruits show plenty of freshness with soft acidity and gentle tannins. Impressive to thelast drop with asmooth, lingering finish, pair with roast meats, pizza or ribs.

Saracosa Governo Rosso 2021, Toscana IGT,Italy, £20, Laithwaites

Aspecial treat, especially if you’ve been looking forward to the firstdrop of red wine this year –may as well make it a wine to remember.Awarded 98 points by aleading Italian wine critic,this tip top Tuscan offers rich, well-defined flavours of black cherry,violets and sweet spice, with lingering echoesof mocha and vanilla. Areal foodies red, think pappardelle pasta with slow-cooked beef and mushrooms, or anything in ared wine sauce.