Wines of the times: what to drink with rich foods

This little gem comes from Chilean winery Errazuriz, which is becoming a household name thanks to its well priced wines that don’t compromise on quality. This pinot noir is a complex drop, due to the use of wild yeasts (hence the name) and offers a delicate silky mouthful of morello cherries with a smoky top note and lingering finish.

Dourthe Montagne St Emilion 2009 (£9.99, Waitrose)

This beautiful claret is packed with brambly fruit that gives way to a subtle yet spicy aftertaste of fresh tobacco. Perfect with an Irish stew, but also pairs well with a cheeseboard.

Vidal Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2009 (£9.99, Oddbins)

This zippy New Zealand white is perfect with lamb and spring greens. The ripe, fleshy fruits and citrus notes are the perfect contrast to a rich stew, although the creamy, oaky aftertaste also makes it great on its own.

Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Shiraz 2008 (£8.16, Sainsbury’s)

The founding father of Californian wine never produces a duff bottle and this super shiraz is no exception. Juicy with blackberry aromas, cassis, herbs and good tannins on the velvety finish, you can’t go wrong with this scrummy crowd pleaser.