Spanish reds (From York Press)

Spanish reds

10:30am Saturday 6th March 2010 in

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This trio of reds has more than one thing in common. Firstly, all three are Spanish, secondly, each offers good value for money and thirdly, the same grape varietal forms the backbone for each wine.

Interestingly, the grape in question goes under many names. In Portugal it is sometimes called Tinta Roriz and plays a part in most Port blends. Fans of Middle-earth will be happy to know it is called Aragonêz too. And in Catalan it is known as Ull de Llebre, which translates as eye of the hare. Presumably someone noticed a similarity?

However, most of us know it as tempranillo, a name derived from the fact that it is an early ripener (from temprano, the Spanish for early). It’s a thick-skinned grape which can be found in red wine-producing regions throughout the world but is best known as the Rioja grape. Hence another of its synonyms, Tinto de Rioja.

Fittingly the first of this week’s wines is a Rioja, Cune Crianza 2006. Apart from being a jolly decent drop, it claims to be the first Rioja Crianza to be sealed by screwcap. This is an approachable, crowd pleasing, fruit driven, modern wine; with flavours of red cherry, cranberry and some vanilla-oak notes. It will go well with the turkey and trimmings at Easter but would make a great picnic red too.

Tempranillo is known to age well; I’ve tasted top-notch Riojas from the 1970s that are still drinking brilliantly today. Fortunately, not all mature wines are so expensive. Señorio Don Pedro de la Vega Gran Reserva 2001, from the Valencia wine region, is soft in the mouth with cherries, strawberry, leathery notes, some vanilla and a little ginger spice. If you are having roast lamb, then look no further.

The Wine Society has a quirky wine from the little known Méntrida wine zone, south west of Madrid. Bajondillo 2008 is actually a blend of tempranillo with syrah, merlot and cabernet, which has made a vibrant and easy going wine. Expect lots of up-front cherries and raspberry fruit, with hot spices and pronounced mineral notes. It’s one of those reds that you could drink on its own or equally, pair it with spicy meat dishes. And for what it’s worth, the artistic label looks fantastic.

• Cune Crianza 2006, Rioja, from £7.99 at Majestic and Booths 17/20

• Señorio Don Pedro de la Vega Gran Reserva 2001, Valencia, £5.49 each (when you buy two) at Majestic 17/20

• Bajondillo 2008, Méntrida, £7.25 from the Wine Society (thewinesociety.com) 17/20