Muriel Reserva Rioja 2005 Spain (13%, £5.99 down from £9.99 when you buy two, Majestic)
An oak-driven Spanish red – this wine has spent two years in French and American wood and you can certainly taste it – that’s had time to mellow into a spicy, rich wine that tastes almost as if it’s been pre-mulled, it’s so full of cloves, mace and bay flavours. The oak falls into balance as soon as you put it with food – say, lamb covered in herbs or a sticky, slow-cooked oxtail casserole.
Paul Mas Marsanne 2009 Pays d’Oc, France (13%, £7.74, Asda)
Marsanne is a white grape from the northern Rhône that is edging back into fashion as a single varietal and a jolly good thing that is too. This example is succulent and tangy, as if tinged with orange and clementine zest and a touch of almond blossom. It’s also delicious with firm fish – think swordfish steaks marinated in citrus.
The best wine deals, 4 March 2011
via telegraph.co.uk
