Mencia is an up and coming grape variety due to it's versatility and approachability. This smooth and balanced expression displays notes of intense cherries, rasperries and flowers with fine tannins that makes it so approachable and well-rounded.

This new release from renowned Rioja producer Marques de Riscal marks a stylistic evolution in the estates signature style. An atypical crianza from the heart of the Rioja Alavesa region, this Tempranillo expresses all its fruitiness and youthfulness, with a moderate presence of wood that provides good balance and persistence. A fresh, fruity wine with a flavour profile reminiscent of red fruits subtly accompanied by aromas of wood, coconut and vanilla. Full on the palate, persistent and with character, a true reflection of the personality of the grapes from this terroir.

Spain continues to inspire Australia with wines of character, tradition and freshness. These characters plus a little bit of passion and beauty can be tasted in this ripping Vino Tinto from Bodegas Borsao. Made from Tempranillo sourced from vineyards in northern Spain that have been producing quality Tempranillo for generations, this flavoursome red shows delicious cherry and plum flavours and it ideally matched with red meats and hard cheeses.

Very intense cherry red colour. On the nose is opulent and very expressive, with a base of great quality ripe black fruit, with balsamic notes in the background. On the mouth it has a good acidity, its broad and tasty. Long aftertaste.

No wonder Spain's El Bombero is a regular Top 10 favourite. For over 20 years, fans have sought it out for its winning combination of 15% power and velvety richness more usually associated with pricier reds such as the Rhône's Châteauneuf du Pape. It comes from Cariñena, a hot, arid region of Spain where sun-loving grapes like Garnacha (same as Châteauneuf's Grenache) achieve amazing ripeness. Ancient vines and a lack of rain means fewer grapes, which in turn means far more flavour intensity. Decanter magazine says it's home to some of the best value reds in the world, and we have to agree! From award winning winemaker Javier Domeque, El Bombero is packed with spicy black fruit and smooth, sumptuous tannins. Delicious on its own and a tasty choice for casseroles, full flavoured pasta dishes, herby roast sausages and mash, and, of course, barbecues.

As famed Spanish wine expert John Radford wrote in Decanter, the tiny enclave of Campo de Borja is “the source of some of the best value wines from Spain, if not the world”. It’s true. Where else could you find such a mellow, complex, oak aged red at this price? It’s made by our old friend Pamela Geddes (who also makes our bestselling Monasterio de Santa Cruz) at the 500 year old Bodegas Ruberte. 60% of the wine is Garnacha from vines planted in 1958. They’re not as prolific these days but the intensity of flavour in the grapes is impressive. The balance is Cabernet Sauvignon, which adds classic cassis character and structure to the spicy raspberry Garnacha. A rich and fragrant Spanish red best enjoyed with rustic lamb dishes.

Its colour is a bright ruby red. On the nose, it is clean and precise, with hints or morello cherries, wild berries and a moderate spiciness. The palate reveals a full and firm flavour, expressing all its intensity and elegance.

Pinot Noir is loved for its red fruit, flower, and spice aromas that are accentuated by a long, smooth finish. The Tina Fuerza Pinot Noir delivers on this promise and the wine is fresh and deliciously moorish. It sees no oak ageing making it a light and refreshing wine. A very versatile food pairing wine given it’s natural acidity and lower tannin pairing particularly well with duck and mushroom dishes.

Not only has this family estate won 60 Golds in a decade, but also 'Best Wine in the World'. That was for their 2005 Shiraz in 2008! The secret to this weighty, spice packed red is the sandy soils, which hold little rain for the vines, plus the unrelenting hot sun. The result is a modest yield of small berries crammed with juicy flavour. With this style of wine, award winning winemaker Jaime Quendera is now forging a reputation for Setúbal's rich, bold reds. Mostly Shiraz along with a splash of local variety Alicante, Jaime finished the wine in expensive oak barrels to add a gorgeous spicy vanilla lift to the blueberry, blackberry and peppery fruit. A fine treat to serve with spicy chorizo sausages, a hearty stew or the Sunday roast.