6 robust reds to serve with Sunday roasts

With cosy season coming into full swing, and thoughts turning to winter warming recipes that begin at the stove – think Sunday roasts and casseroles – a bold red is the best way to bolster those meaty flavours.

To help you seek and savour, we’ve plucked some rich reds that won’t break the bank, leaving you looking forward to a top-up…

1. San Pedro 35 South Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Chile, £7.50, Morrisons

A little cracker from Chile and powerhouse for cabernet sauvignon, this keenly priced red is packed with blackberry fruit, dark cherries, sweet spice and toasted oak, lifted by fragrant aromas. Think rotisserie chicken with seasoned potatoes.

2. Irresistible Douro 2023, Portugal, £8.50, Co-op, in-store

A plush Portuguese and beautifully aromatic, it’s full of ripe red berries with violet accents. Smooth and velvety on the palate, warm red cherries come into play with scented dark fruits lingering on the finish. Fresh and fruity, it’s one for pork tenderloin with herby garlic and thyme.

3. Santa Julia Private Reserve Malbec 2024, Argentina, £11.75, Sainsbury’s

Immediately appealing… if you ever needed an excuse to be reminded how much we love the mighty malbec, this Decanter World Wine Awards Silver (94 points) medal winner is a firm favourite with roast beef. Aromatic with black plum and violet aromas; brilliant balance of black and red fruit, soft spice, with hints of vanilla on the seamless finish. Great value too.

4. Corney & Barrow Claret Maison Sichel 2020, Bordeaux, France, £12.25, Corney & Barrow

A Bordeaux you can bank on, renowned Maison Sichel is behind this reassuringly good, own-label claret with alluring raspberry and blackcurrant aromas; delicious concentration and rich cassis fruit galore, hint of tomato leaf, and long, lifted, finish. A go-to with Sunday roast – and cited as a great vintage.

5. Taste The Difference Terrasses du Larzac 2023, Languedoc, France, £14, Sainsbury’s

A delicious discovery and real beauty, this offering from southern France opens up with brambly aromas, plus sun-kissed black and red fruits, baking spice and hint of smoke; plenty of intensity with a silky, lasting finish. A star match with roast chicken or lamb stew.

6. Viña Pomal ‘106 Barricas’ Rioja Reserva 2020, Spain, £15, Majestic

A Spanish gem and the Rioja to have on your radar… this velvety smooth, inky red offers a realm of dark fruit aromas with hints of red rose petals and dried flowers; rich and opulent with rich blackcurrant and blackberry flavours, sweet spice and touch of toasty oak on the sustained finish. A marriage made in heaven with roast leg of lamb, studded with rosemary and garlic.