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Wines of the month

Our monthly wine recommendations aim to give you some guidance as to what to drink while you're here and - with any luck - what to look out for when you get back home.

I say luck because some of these wines are from small producers who make very limited editions or who don't export at all. In such cases you should, in the words of a very old and dear friend in Wales, "Drink as much of it as you can while you're here."

Salut!

El Rocallis 2001
DO Penedes
Incroccio Manzoni
An unusual wine from an unusual bodega
They like to do things their own way at Can Rafols dels Caus, and this stunning white is no exception. Made from an Italian hybrid grape Incroccio manzoni, this complex, dry and big white should be drunk warmer than other whites, to show off all the depth of its aging and its varied aromas and flavours - from citrus to smoke, almonds to gooseberries. It may be hard to combine with food, but it seems a shame to do anything other than drink it on its own anyway.

Arzuago Navarro Crianza 2003
DO Ribero del Duero
Tinto Fino
Easy drinking, but full and rounded Ribero red
2003 was a good year for Ribero del Duero vines, producing big, juicy wines that are packed full of fruit. On a recent visit to the region, Saboroso were blown away by the deep blackberry and cherry fruit, and the hint of smoke achieved by this particular crianza. An easy drinking wine, full and rounded in the mouth, with sweet caramel notes, it's perfect for drinking right now and something to bear in mind for the Christmas turkey, as well as the more obvious steaks, lamb and autumn stews. The fruit isn't too overpowering so it goes well with most dishes, but it's equally good sipped around the table with friends or with a late-year barbecue.

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