BODEGAS Y VINEDOS ARTAZU Pasos de San Martin Grenache, Navarra

BODEGAS Y VINEDOS ARTAZU Santa Cruz de Artazu Tinto Grenache, Navarra

This Tempranillo from the renowned Rioja region offers a delicate touch of oak, savoury flavours and light tannins. Vibrant in style and softly structured, it is a fantastic food wine.

There are minuscule volumes produced of the Cirsion by Bodegas Roda (the name of the thistle which is Roda's logo) which is made from grapes specially selected for the suppleness of the tannins they deliver. Parcels selected are from low-yielding older Tempranillo vines of 45 years and more, from four vineyards. Choosing the plants with the softest tannins, this makes the wine very attractive and supple early on, but it still has great ageing potential.

Catena Malbec combines rich dark berried fruits together with hints of violet on the nose. Complex layers of blueberry and blackberries on the palate finishing with silky tannins and hints of dark chocolate, vanilla notes. Latin America has been known to produce some fiery temperaments, but theres something really cool coming out of Argentina - Malbec is what were getting into right now. Malbec is well suited to Australian tastes, it loves a steak, and offers big, bold vibrant notes. We think this is one Latin American youll get along with famously.

Loaded with aromas of blueberries, plums and raspberry pastilles, the wine has an alluring charm with licorice and savoury spice notes adding intrigue. The palate exhibits juicy dark plum and sweet red berry flavours with underlying hints of white pepper, and whilst the palate is well supported by seasoned French oak, the tannins are soft, round and fleshy.

Grenache was made famous for its role in the great blended wines of the Southern Rhone. And its no understatement to say its been used as something of a bit part actor playing second fiddle to the limelight-hogging big names like shiraz. But those who know wine know Grenache is capable of being a superstar in its own right. In Australia, where some of the oldest Grenache vines in the world are found, its enjoying a well-deserved resurgence. Winemakers are treating this somewhat overlooked wine with greater respect, producing spicier, prettier expressions or creating juicy blends that pay tribute to the classic wines of the Rhone Valley. Looking for charming wine? Look no further than this rising star Bonpas Cotes du Rhone Villages. The bouquet is complex and generous with notes of blackcurrant and spices. The palate is rich and dynamic with lovely flavors of black fruit and sweet spices with a very long finish.