6 lip-smacking reds for cosy nights in

A chill in the air and long, dark, wintry nights cause thoughts to turn to a fireside red, to banish those January blues.

Something with a bit of oomph, tiers of flavoursome fruit and a food-friendly style which puts you in a sunny mood from the very first sip.

Perfectly placed to pep up those spag bol suppers, cheer on a casserole or top the splendidness of a steak, these juicy reds have ‘drink me now’ written all over them…

1. Tasteheads Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Chile, £7.99, SPAR

One of the highlights in SPAR’s Tasteheads range (selection of reds, whites and a rosé), this fun label makes choosing your favourite style as easy as ABC. Plush and palate-coating, it’s bursting with a forest floor of inky blackcurrant fruit and brambly notes. Ideal with hearty dishes such as sausage and mash pie.

2. Tesco Finest Nero D’Avola Sicilia 2024, £8.50

A go-to with pizza, lasagne and anything in a tomato-based sauce, this super Sicilian packs a lot of plummy fruit, black cherry notes, and savoury spice alongside hints of dried herbs. Generous with a gentle grip, it more than delivers for the price.

3. Waitrose Loved & Found Braucol 2024, Southwest France, £9.50

The braucol grape may not roll off the tongue, but this lesser-known variety more than delivers with its fragrant aromas of red berries, raspberry and hint of violets; blackcurrant and blackberry flavours unfold, an intriguing hedgerow note, delicate spicy undertones and freshness on the finish – think beef casserole or goulash.

4. Evans & Tate Wild Cape Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Margaret River, Australia, £12, Waitrose Cellar

In a word: Gorgeous. For a drop of sunshine in a glass, you can’t beat a rich, ripe red from Down Under. On the nose, it’s brimming with blackberry and cassis entwined with eucalyptus notes; concentrated and structured, similar flavours glide along beautifully with more cassis in the mix, hints of mulberry, cedar and mint, leading to a long, lingering, finish. Food pairings are endless, but a ribeye steak comes to mind.

5. Esporão Monte Velho Tinto 2024, Alentejano, Portugal, £12.25, Ocado

This delicious Portuguese blend proves how approachable reds are from the country’s largest wine region – and greets you with open arms. Aromatic with sun-kissed black fruits and wild berries galore, subtle spicy notes let themselves known; velvety smooth with good structure, it’s the perfect partner with roasted red meats, fried potatoes with garlic and thyme.

6. M&S Collection Ebenezer & Seppeltsfield Shiraz 2024, Barossa Valley, Australia, £15, Marks & Spencer

Barossa Valley is a powerhouse for finely structured shiraz, and this supermarket own-label is a shining example. Resplendent with delectable depth, it’s super smooth; blackberry, blueberry and mocha notes laced with a touch of spice draw you in, a lick of vanilla from oak ageing, and succulent berries linger on the finish. A gourmet burger would be the perfect match with this weekend wine. Cheers!