ON THE GRAPEVINE

Whether it’s a sweep of summertime fruits, a beam of blackberry or ripple of raspberry, sometimes nothing beats a radiant red. Sun-kissed, beautifully ripe and round, we’ve selected some of the softest, food-friendly reds for summer.

Faustino Vii Rioja 2019, Spain, £8, Tesco

You have to tip your hat to this iconic label. Rembrandt’s 1641 portrait still characterises the brand and their entrylevel tempranillo shows plenty of verve. Immediately likeable, wild strawberry aromas draw you in, with a smooth, fruity palate of ripe red fruits, soft spice and gentle hint of oak. Perfect with charcuterie and tapas.

TTD Zweigelt 2018, Austria, £8, Sainsbury’s

Zweigelt – Austria’s most widely planted red – may not roll off the tongue, but it’s worth exploring this vibrant, juicy variety, which can be enjoyed lightly chilled. Fun and fruit-driven, it weaves together morello cherry and plummy black fruits with a touch of spice. Try with crispy skinned pork belly and summer slaw.

Chateau MonconseilGazin 2018, Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux, France, £9.75, The Wine Society

The modern face of Bordeaux, your friends will feel completely at ease when they’re handed a glass of this fruit forward, velvety smooth claret.

Merlot dominant, there’s cabernet sauvignon and malbec in the mix to plump up the fleshy palate. A top drop with ovenroasted tomato tart and mixed salad.

M&S Found Xinomavro Mandilaria 2019, Greece, £9.50, Marks & Spencer stores

Xinomavro is one of

Greece’s most popular red grapes (from the mountainous north), and this unoaked style has been deftly blended with mandilaira, a bold red variety from the Aegean islands in the south. Beguiling from the word go, there’s a lovely floral lift as the wine draws you in with fragrant black fruits, bramble and fresh herbs. Herbaceous, complex and utterly divine, it’s a natural partner with summer vegetable moussaka.