£6.99–£9.95, Dylans Wines, Roberts & Speight, Dennhöfer Wines, Fareham Wine Cellar, Noel Young Wines
A supple, juicy Pinot Noir-like red with soft, sweet cherry and strawberry fruit spiked with ginger and orange zest. It’s made from the red País grape, which only a few years ago no self-respecting wine producer would have mentioned. Even the name (País: country) is, let’s say, understated. País isn’t exactly sought after today, but in Chile, where it’s still one of the most widespread varieties (grown for low-grade rosé), it’s being re-evaluated and nurtured by a handful of producers, not least the redoubtable Miguel Torres. And it deserves it – not least because of the current trend for lighter, fresher, more digestible reds. You can drink it on its own, especially served cool, but it’s good with food, including bresaola, roast, spiced root vegetables and Mediterranean veg, duck, pork, salmon and tuna. Not quite a rags to riches story yet, but certainly a rehabilitation one.
Miguel Torres Reserva de Pueblo Cepa País 2014, Secano Interior, Chile
£6.99–£9.95, Dylans Wines, Roberts & Speight, Dennhöfer Wines, Fareham Wine Cellar, Noel Young Wines