Mouchao Dom Rafael Alentejo 2005, Portugal, 15%, €14.50 This is the second wine of one of the top estates in the Alentejo, the heartland of Portugal, and producer of many high-octane reds.
No Grenache here, but a lovely big soft earthy wine with brooding ripe fruits. A bit of a beast, but it will handle any substantial dish. Test it out with a traditional Sunday roast. Stockists Wicklow Wine Co; Redmonds, Ranelagh, Dublin; Red Island Wine, Skerries,
Co Dublin; McHughs, Killbarrack Road, Dublin; Morton's at the Vaults, Dublin; Enowine, IFSC, Dublin; Partridges, Gorey, Co Wexford; Corkscrew, Chatham Street, Dublin;
On the Grapevine, Dalkey, Co Dublin.
Les Enfants du Roc(k) 2007, Corbières,14%, €15.95 (€11.95 if you buy six) A blend of local varieties Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, this offers dense, firm dark fruits with herbs of the garrigue. Finishes dry. Not too high-impact, but a wine that improves with each glass. Try it with a lamb casserole, flavoured with plenty of rosemary or thyme and savoury black olives. Stockists Terroirs, Donnybrook, Dublin.
Domaine de Fondrèche Cuvée Nadal, Côtes de Ventoux 2006,14.5%, €19.95 From the very south of the Rhône Valley, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that compares very favourably with better-known names farther north. A powerful, compact wine with excellent purity of fruit, super balance and great length. Decant this an hour before dinner; it would go nicely with any red meat or game. Try with venison steaks. Stockists Redmonds of Ranelagh, Dublin; 64 Wine, Glasthule, Co Dublin; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock, Co Dublin; McHughs, Dublin; Vanilla Grape, Kenmare, Co Kerry; Donnybrook Fair, Dublin; www.thestoreroom.ie.
No1 Negociants Nero d'Avola Vasca 25 2006, Sicily 13.5% €14.50-15.50 Nero d'Avola is Sicily's greatest grape variety, scented but rich, with a good structure. The No1 version has plenty of violet aromas, and lush rich dark fruits, a tarry note and some subtle spiciness. Full on but never overpowering. Try it with most red or white meats. Stockists Sheridans Cheesemongers, Dublin; Sheridans Wine Shop & Bar, Galway; the Corkscrew, Chatham Street, Dublin; the Hole in the Wall, Dublin; John R's, Listowel, Co Kerry.
La Flor de Pulenta Malbec 2007 Mendoza, Argentina, 13.5%, €11.95 Malbec from Argentina should make you think of beef and barbecues. In the winter this may take the form of a juicy rib-eye cooked on the griddle. Flor de Pulenta is not too big but has more than enough ripe loganberry fruits to provide the prefect foil to a steak. Stockist Berry Bros & Rudd, Dublin.