Spanish wine was once cheap and cheerful, but a marked increase in quality in recent years "has meant that Spain is now one of the best sources of tasty, affordable reds", says the Daily Express.
Tempranillo is Spain's leading red grape variety and the Finca Carelio Tempranillo Barrica (£9.99, Majestic) from Castilla y Leon is a perfectly "smooth-textured example bursting with sweet, spicy, tarry black fruits and some vanilla notes", says the paper.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Better wine does not have to mean more expensive and Spain remains a rewarding destination for bargain hunters - its wine-makers still offer keener deals than their French or Italian rivals.
Tesco's Simply Garnacha, from Campo de Borja, for example, is a "fresh and fruity" summer wine for just £4.79, says The Guardian. And for a few pounds more, Al-Muvedre Old Bush Vine Monastrell (Waitrose), from "one of Spain's most talented winemakers", is a steal at £8.99.
At the other end of the spectrum, Artadi, Vina El Pison, Rioja (£250, Berry Bros and Rudd) is a "superdense, richly textured wine with massive concentration", says Decanter. It "beguiles your tastebuds with supple tannins, sweet oak and flavours of orange zest".
-
Why is the Trump administration talking about ‘Western civilization’?Talking Points Rubio says Europe, US bonded by religion and ancestry
-
Quentin Deranque: a student’s death energizes the French far rightIN THE SPOTLIGHT Reactions to the violent killing of an ultra-conservative activist offer a glimpse at the culture wars roiling France ahead of next year’s elections.
-
Secured vs. unsecured loans: how do they differ and which is better?the explainer They are distinguished by the level of risk and the inclusion of collateral
-
Where to begin with Portuguese winesThe Week Recommends Indulge in some delicious blends to celebrate the end of Dry January
-
Touring the vineyards of southern BoliviaThe Week Recommends Strongly reminiscent of Andalusia, these vineyards cut deep into the country’s southwest
-
The best sherries to try this autumnThe Week Recommends The warming tipple from sunny Spain is an underrated cold-weather staple
-
The rise of English sparkling wineThe Week Recommends As UK-based brands give champagne a run for its money, here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right bottle
-
Rosorange: the chic 'love child' of orange wine and roséThe Week Recommends Peachy to look at and crisp to drink, here's to the wine of the summer
-
Friendship: 'bromance' comedy starring Paul Rudd and Tim RobinsonThe Week Recommends 'Lampooning and embracing' middle-aged male loneliness, this film is 'enjoyable and funny'
-
The best rosé wines to try this summerThe Week Recommends Warm weather means it's pink wine's moment in the sun
-
The jalapeño wine trend taking TikTok by stormThe Week Recommends Scatter a few chilli slices into your sauvignon blanc for a subtle and refreshing kick
