Four characterful reds and a silky, sensual white mark a change in the seasons.
2011 Torres, Sangre de Toro, Penedès, Spain (£8.15, reduced to £5.99 until 9 October, Waitrose). The new vintage of this inexpensive, iconic wine is lush, briary and spicy. Made from four hearty red grapes, garnacha, syrah, cinsault and cariñena, there is charm, reward and autumnal character in every sip.
2010 Barossa Valley Petit Verdot, South Australia (£9.99, reduced to £8.99 until 28 October, Marks & Spencer). There is a multibuy deal on top of this reduced price, too, so keep your eyes peeled! This swarthy PV is made by Château Tanunda and it is sprightly and aromatic, parading plum and damson fruit and a punchy finish. Drink it with sturdy main courses.
2010 Château Le Barrail, Médoc, Bordeaux, France (£7.99, Tesco). Made from the classic Bordeaux recipe of cabernet and merlot, this tidy claret punches way above its price point with dusty tannins, real heart and lovely fresh cassis fruit. Decant it for maximum flavour expression.
2010 Ronan by Clinet, Bordeaux (£10.00, Wrightson & Co. tel. 01748 832666). This magnificent 100% merlot comes from the famous Château Clinet, in Pomerol, and it is named Ronan after its winemaker. Awesome value and just starting out on a joyous eight year life this is a must-buy wine, on account of its staggering value, for serious fans of red Bordeaux.
2011 Kebrilla, Grillo, Bruno Fina, Sicily, Italy (£9.60, www.tanners-wines.co.uk). This is a silky, sensual, honeyed grillo with delicious, mildly exotic fruit and it is the finest expression of this rare grape that I have ever tasted. If you love esoteric, fascinating Italian whites this will blow you away.
