Sangiovese is a dry, medium-bodied red grape from Italy and the star behind some of Tuscany’s biggest names, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Expect cherry and red plum with herbs, spice and earthy flavours. Fresh, savoury and made for food, it’s brilliant with pizza, lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, tomato pasta, steak and roast meats.
Portugieser is a dry, light-bodied red grown mainly in Germany and Austria, with juicy red cherry, raspberry and strawberry flavours, soft tannins and gentle spice. Fresh, fruity and easy-drinking, it’s brilliant with roast chicken, pork, sausages, pizza, charcuterie and mushroom dishes, and lighter styles can be served slightly chilled.
Mencía is a dry, medium-bodied red from northwestern Spain, best known from Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra. Expect juicy red cherry, raspberry and blackberry with violet, herbs, pepper and a distinctive mineral edge. Fresh rather than heavy, it’s brilliant with roast pork, chicken, lamb, charcuterie, mushroom dishes and tomato-based pasta.