Red wine is good for you again according to the experts so you can drink guilt free until the next expert report comes out. It is, of course, contingent on not over-doing it, but that fits very well with my mantra of drink less, spend more. Quality counts, folks, especially with wine.
With that in mind, I thought we could take a look at some of my favourite go-to styles.
Top of the list are the reds from Bordeaux, and more particularly Pauillac, St Julien and Margaux, but some of the Bordeaux blends from the New World are coming a very close second now. In particular the claret styles from South Africa where many of them could be mistaken for top end wines from Bordeaux itself.
Then we come to the Cabernets from Napa Valley with their soft seductive cassis fruits and almost creamy palates. Expensive, yes, but crikey are they good.
Catching up at the rear are the Chateaneuf Du Pape and the High Altitude Malbecs from Argentina, although the former are in danger of pricing themselves out of the market compared to their New World rivals.
Anyway, just remember, drink less but spend more folks, its far more fun and better for you in the long run.
St Michelle Cabernet, Columbia Valley, California
Not in the same league as its Napa brethren but very close in style and far better value for money. Ripe, smooth and extremely delicious.
Oddbins £14.99 mix six or £16.99 per bottle
M&S Collection Chateauneuf du Pape
Ive been so impressed with the M&S collection range over the last year and this cracker is no exception. Aromatic with masses of red fruits and a seductive earthy finish.
M&S £25
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