9 good reds to buy from Marks & Spencer

Following on from my pick of the white wines from M & S's current 25% off six bottles promotion here are eight reds I’d recommend from my most recent tasting in May 2014

Note that some wines are available in a limited number of branches and that the online offer, where applicable, is slightly different - you have to buy two unsplit cases of six of the wines that are on promotion - i.e. 12 bottles in all. Both deals run to September 1st.

Loretto Sangiovese Rubicone 2013, 12% £6.49 reduced to £4.87 N/A online

A cheap, cheerful but surprisingly drinkable Italian red - ideal for a takeaway pizza

Chateau Triniac, Latour de France 2012 14.5% £8.99 reduced to £6.74

No, not THAT Latour at this price obviously. This comes from the Roussillon village of Latour de France and is a robust, unoaked blend of old vine carignan, grenache and syrah to line up for the autumn and winter nights ahead. Think beefy stews

Tapa Roja old vines Monastrell 2013, 14.5% £8.99 reduced to £6.74 N/A online

Another big chunky red, this time from Monastrell (aka mourvedre) from Spain’s Yecla region. Lots of juicy but not over-jammy fruit. Ideal for steak.

Domaine de Rosette Chinon 2013 12.5% £9.49 reduced to £7.12

If you’re a fan of Loire reds (which I am) you’ll love this fresh-tasting Chinon with its bright berry and redcurrant flavours. Chill lightly and serve with tuna.

Macon Rouge 2013 12.5% £9.99 reduced to £7.49

If you tasted this blindfold you’d say it was Beaujolais - it’s made from the same gamay grape. A really attractive light red you could drink with charcuterie or fish like salmon or tuna

Underwood Pinot Noir, Oregon 2012 13% £12.99 reduced to £9.74 N/A online

Oregon state to the north of California is noted for its pinots but they don’t normally come at this attractive price. A very pretty wine with delicate sweet fruit that should please any burgundy-lover. Gorgeous with duck.

Frares Priorat 2012 14.5% £12.99 reduced to £9.74. Only in 157 stores

A very good price for a cracking Priorat, one of Spain’s darkest, densest most intense reds. Would be great with an ox cheek or oxtail stew or some braised venison (see these Priorat pairings)

McHenry Hohnen Margaret River Grenache 2013, Western Australia 14.5% £14.99 down to £11.24. 157 stores

A grape variety more usually associated with south Australia but a really gorgeous expression of grenache made with natural yeasts from biodynamically farmed fruit. Warm, generous and spicy - would be good with turkey, guineafowl or flavourful roast pork

Canoe Ridge Vineyard Cherry Tree Red 2011 £15.99 down to £11.99. Only in 171 stores

A glorious ripe red from Washington state made from a crazy cocktail of grapes - about 50% syrah with merlot, grenache, cabernet franc, pinot noir and malbec. Think roast beef or lamb or steak.

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