ON THE GRAPEVINE

BY SAM WYLIE HARRIS

Unquestionably the dullest time of the year, is it any wonder the gloomy grey January skies make us want to sink into the sofa and reach for a restful, fireside red?

Here’s what’s on our winter wine rack...

Beefsteak Club Malbec 2019, Mendoza, Argentina £6, Sainsbury’s

Easy-going and a snip at the price, this mellow malbec effortlessly balances sweet blueberry and cherry with ripe plums, savoury herbs and a smooth, silky palate. Just the ticket with rich beef stews and casseroles.

Specially Selected French GSM 2019, Pays d’Oc, France £6.99, Aldi

A blend of grenache, syrah (shiraz) and mouvedre, this is a solid red to snuggle up with. Blackberry, truffle and aromas of sweet spice draw you in then complex brambly fruits take over, with a hint of cacao coming into play on the long, lingering finish. Perfect with French onion soup.

Yali Wild Swan Merlot 2020, Central Valley, Chile

£7.50, Co-op stores Said to be an ‘everyday, easy-drinking’ wine, the winemaker recommends pairing this fruity model of a merlot with his favourite Chilean dish, pastel de choclo (beef and corn casserole) – and you’ll be happy to find its basket of black cherry fruits with cinnamon and mocha notes satisfies with every sip.

Graham Norton He-Devil Rich Crafted Red 2020, Mendoza, Argentina

£9.50, Morrisons If you’re hankering after a celebrity wine for a prime spot on your rack, Graham Norton’s new He-Devil has ‘Friday night in’ written all over it, with the chat show host back on our screens. A riot of plummy sweet spice with seductive dark fruit aromas and a toasty finish, this is a soft, juicy crowd-pleaser.