Life

Wine: This ruby-red Brouilly shows wonderful cranberry and red fruit aromas on the nose

Co-op Fairtrade Bonarda-Malbec 2019, Argentina £5.25 Co-op
Co-op Fairtrade Bonarda-Malbec 2019, Argentina £5.25 Co-op Co-op Fairtrade Bonarda-Malbec 2019, Argentina £5.25 Co-op

Brouilly AOP, France, £8.99, Lidl

Brouilly is the largest of the Beaujolais wine regions as well as also being one of the few not to be named after a local village. Its vineyards curl round the volcanic Mont Brouilly, producing fruity, round, textured wines which can be reasonably tannic and often show earthy notes. This ruby-red Brouilly shows wonderful cranberry and red fruit aromas on the nose, with wild berry and warming spice notes on the palate. Pairs well with roast chicken and soft cheeses.

Sancerre Rouge Les Champs Clos Pinot Noir, France, £11.50, Sainsbury’s

This Pinot Noir is made from grapes grown in vineyards of the upper reaches of the Loire Valley in northern France. Sancerre produce light, beguiling reds with notes of violet and strawberry. This one has a raspberry, strawberry and pomegranate fruit quality and oodles of gentle charm. Serve it cool, but not so heavily chilled that you silence it. It’s a good red to drink with fish.

WINE OF THE WEEK

Co-op Fairtrade Bonarda-Malbec 2019, Argentina £5.25 Co-op

Nicely blended, this is a coming together of Argentina’s top red grape varieties. Dark cherry, plums and figs are laced with spice, and the combination of violet scents, smooth tannins and rich flavour makes this a must for steak dinners while supporting some worthy Fairtrade projects too (Fairtrade Fortnight runs until March 8).