Wines of the week

Blackcurrant pastille

De Martino, Limited Release Parcela No37 Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo, Chile 2019. £10, Marks & Spencer, Ocado, alc 13.5%

One of the best buys from the Marks & Spencer autumn/ winter range, produced by one of Chile’s leading winemakers, Marcelo Retamal. From 25-yearold vines, the blackberry fruit is pure and vibrant, joined by a blackcurrant pastille lift throughout and dusty tannins from 12 months in used barrels.

A real treat

Fonseca, Terra Prima Organic Reserve, Douro, Portugal. £18.39, Waitrose, alc 20% Made in a ruby reserve style, this is one of very few organic Ports. The house of Fonseca has been among the pioneers of organic viticulture in the Douro valley. This is a treat—big, bold and upfront with dark plummy and blueberry flavours, chocolate and cocoa, with firm, ripe, peppery tannins and a lengthy finish.

Zippy acidity

Laurent Brotte, Grand Vallon Grande Réserve Blanc, Châteauneuf-du-pape, Rhône, France 2020. £19.99, Aldi, alc 13.5%

White Châteauneuf is seldom seen at this price and this vintage is a step up from 2019, with zippy acidity enlivening the concentrated pear, peach and blossom notes, plus fine structure and nutty, oaty oak tones.

Earth and black pepper

Donnafugata, Floramundi, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily, Italy 2018. £24.99, 9 Vines, Liberty Wines, North & South, Q Wines, alc 13%

A fragrant perfume of red and black fruits, earth and black pepper. Fresh red fruits and blackberries are framed by mint, chocolate and herbs, with a finish of ripe cherry and chocolate.