Most popular red of 2017

Serve this full-bodied, full-flavoured red at room temperature – the full 18°C.  With its fine balance and super-smooth tannins it doesn’t absolutely require food, but it will go better with a meal, or at least some nibbles like olives, nuts, or cheese and biscuits.

 

The combination of big flavours and fine balance mean it will suit most dishes that call for a red, especially those with plenty of herbs to match those found in the wine.  That herb-crusted lamb would be a great pairing.  There’s a hearty and warming quality to the wine that makes it particularly appropriate for winter-time comfort foods like stews, casseroles and pies, especially ones featuring mushrooms, beans, or chestnuts along with the slow-cooked meat.