Affordable reds that hit the spot with grilled fare

Tips for bargain wines are always in demand, especially bottles that truly deliver on the priceversus-quality axis. It’s important to note that bargain bottles come at a variety of prices, not just the sub-$15 range.

With barbecue season in full swing, there’s serious selection of rich and flavourful red wines fit for all manner of grilled fare. The reds featured this week are available through Vintages outlets or online ordering, and come from three distinctly different winemaking regions. These are bottles you can take anywhere and please all sorts of red wine lovers.

Lungarotti’s Rubesco is a label that’s growing in stature. Produced largely from the sangiovese grape in Umbria, it’s a welcome reminder of how well the grape performs across a wide swath of Italian vineyards.

Sangiovese isn’t just celebrated in Tuscany, where it is the backbone of popular Chianti, Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino red wines. Its star power carries far beyond those borders.

Argentina Malbec continues to be a focal point for fans of bold and flavourful reds. The Tapiz label consistently represents one of the most elegant and fragrant expressions on offer. The $20 price point means you get a lot of class and character for the price.

Finally, Margaret River in Western Australia has cemented its standing as one of the world’s best regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The demand and scarcity of the region’s top wines mean they’re retailing for $50 per bottle or more.

That brings a lot of attention to the new listing from Margaret River pioneer Vasse Felix. The 2015 Filius Cabernet Sauvignon offers a great taste of serious and complex Margaret River Cabernet for less than $30.