Red Wine for Beginners - CVNE Rioja Reserva 2010

A Rioja from CVNE, available at Waitrose and Majestic

Which red wine would you serve to someone who normally only drinks whites? A good mature Rioja is, I reckon, a safe bet - lots of ripe fruit and soft tannins; there's nothing not to like.

This one was well-received by a friend who, by her own admission, drinks little more than Pinot Grigio.

Cune Reserva Rioja 2010 (£15.35, Waitrose, Majestic, Wine Rack and independents)

Dark berry fruit and decadent aged aromas; ripe black cherries and elderberry, pepperiness, liquorice and spice, supple texture.

Very harmonious. Muscular yet deft. Good.

Match with slow cooked pork and chorizo stew, or with barbecue foods (weather permitting!).

Other related articles
Four CVNE Wines
Two Aged Riojas From CVNE
The CWB Rioja-Off