• Winery and wine: Alba de Luces, Crianza

• Appellation: Rioja (DOC)

• Region: Spain, Rioja

• Grape varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache)

An intense ruby-red colour with garnet highlights.

A brilliant colour with lovely depth

On the nose, the wine reveals a lovely aromatic intensity. Notes of ripe red fruit mingle with aromas of dried herbs and sweet spices. A subtle touch of oak and a hint of vanilla add complexity.

On the palate, the opening is supple and generous. The wine reveals a fine structure and a well-judged balance.

• Body: Full-bodied (4/6)
• Tannins: Smooth (4/6)
• Sweetness: Dry (1/6)
• Acidity: Soft (4/6)
• Alcohol: Warming – 13% (4/6)
• Finish: Medium (4/6)

The finish is persistent, with toasted and lightly spiced nuances.

A distinctive, elegant wine that combines aromatic power with great finesse. On opening, notes of ripe red fruit intertwine with aromas of dried herbs and sweet spices. Barrel ageing brings subtle complexity, with hints of vanilla and cocoa, without ever overpowering the fruit. On the palate, it has a balanced structure, silky tannins and a beautifully persistent finish. A versatile wine that will appeal equally to lovers of fruit-forward reds and those seeking depth and character. An ideal companion for grilled meats and Mediterranean dishes.

Try it with a herb-roasted rack of lamb and creamy polenta.

• Winery and wine: Nero Marone, Primitivo

• Appellation: Puglia (IGT)

• Region: Puglia, Italy

• Grape variety: Primitivo

An intense ruby-red colour with garnet highlights, beautiful depth and brilliance.

On the nose, the wine is generous and intense. Aromas of ripe black fruit (black cherry, plum and blackberry) are accompanied by spicy notes of pepper and liquorice. A touch of cocoa and vanilla enriches the bouquet, reflecting skilful barrel ageing.

The opening is broad and velvety, with a generous character and a balance of power and roundness.

• Body: Opulent (5/6)
• Tannins: Rounded (3/6)
• Sweetness: Medium-sweet (3/6)
• Acidity: Moderate (3/6)
• Alcohol: Warming – 15% (5/6)
• Finish: Persistent – 10 sec (5/6)

The finish is long and silky, with notes of jammy fruit, sweet spices and a hint of chocolate.

A wonderfully generous Primitivo, typical of Puglia, where rich fruit meets lovely aromatic complexity. The nose bursts with ripe black fruit, lifted by spices and elegant oak notes. On the palate, its opulence comes through in a velvety texture and appealing natural sweetness. Well-integrated alcohol brings warmth without excess, while the long, smooth finish leaves a delicious impression. A charming wine, perfect for lovers of bold, sun-drenched reds.

Try it with a mildly spiced chilli con carne and homemade tortillas.

• Winery and wine: Zantho Eiswein

• Appellation: Burgenland Eiswein

• Region: Austria, Weinland, Burgenland

• Grape variety: Grüner Veltliner

• Vintage: 2019

• Colour: A brilliant gold-and-white wine with green highlights.

• Colour intensity: A lovely golden brilliance.

The nose is marked by powerful aromas of peach and fresh pineapple, punctuated by subtle notes of honey.

• Body: Full-bodied (4/6)

• Tannins: None (0/6)

• Sweetness: Lusciously sweet (6/6)

• Acidity: Sharp (5/6)

• Alcohol: Generous – 12% (3/6)

• Finish: Long – 9–10 sec (5/6)

On the palate, fruit flavours mingle with a hint of spice, supported by a structure of fine acidity. It is very fresh, with green apple aromas and lovely minerality on the finish.

This is an ice wine: its overripe grapes are harvested after frost, pressed while still frozen, then left to ferment. The highly concentrated sugar becomes even more concentrated as the grapes thaw, while acidity rises. The result is a wine with incredible honey-like sweetness, surprising vibrancy and enticing minerality.

Try it with dry-aged rib of beef and rosemary potatoes.