Superquinn recently revamped its range of Spanish wines, including some very attractive offerings. At just under €11, they have three wines under the Spanish Steps Label. These include a very decent white Rueda, but given the dark nights and cold weather, I list the two red wines this week.
Spanish Steps Bierzo 2007 13% €10.99 Bierzo has been a very fashionable area for almost a decade. It is on the border with Galicia in northwest Spain, where cooler temperatures make for some beautifully elegant wines. Sadly, most are fairly expensive. The Spanish Steps is not only reasonably-priced, but offers some very attractive light liquorice and dark cherry fruits. Smooth and rounded, a good all-purpose red to beat those winter blues. Stockist: Superquinn.
Spanish Steps Toro 2007 13.5% €10.99 In the right hands, Toro can produce some very impressive red wines using the Tempranillo grape. This is a perfect example — a crowd-pleasing juicy rounded ripe red. Serve with roast or grilled lamb; a shoulder of lamb with flageolet beans would be prefect. Stockist: Superquinn.