Spring deals reds

Cauquenes is a warm part of Chile but has a low coastal mountain range which allows enough rainfall to permit some growing of unirrigated vines. This is a blend of 80% carignan from bush vines planted in the 1950s, which contributes structure and freshness, while 20% younger grenache lends sweet fruit. Matured for 12 months in barrel. Concha y Toro are a leader in more sustainable working practices with strategies to reduce energy and water use, environmental projects including increasing biodiversity, and many local community initiatives.

A wine that lives up to its name, this brazen zinfandel is a full-bodied, rich and powerful red, with concentrated blackberry and damson fruit profile, mocha, sarsaparilla and sweet spice developing. A great red to pair with a steak, barbecue or burgers, although the soft tannins mean it is a comforting glass by itself.

Produced by Boekenhoutskloof, this is a popular, super-reliable, rich and spicy blend of Swartland syrah, with mourvèdre and a splash of viognier for aromatics. A versatile and comforting South African red.

From a stony plateau to the south of the Roman city of Nîmes in the south of France comes this exuberantly fruity grenache-syrah blend, offering lots of energy and crunchy fruit with spice and liquorice. A perfect anyday drinking red.

A spicy, elegant and full-bodied Rioja with just the right level of oak ageing which enhances the fruity, berry notes of this traditional blend of tempranillo and graciano. This comes from the young team at López de Haro, who have fine vineyards in San Vicente de Sonsierra.

Cabardes has to include both Rhône and Bordeaux varieties, and 2020 was an excellent vintage. The wine displays wonderful balance of fruit, tannin and oak, delivering ripe, dark fruit character with a hint of mint on the finish. The 2020 blend is 30% grenache, 25% syrah, 15% malbec, 15% cabernet franc, 10% cinsault and 5% merlot.