Cave De Monterail Châteauneuf-Du-Pape

(75cl, £6.99 per 75cl)

A blend of 60% Grenache and 20% each Syrah and Mourvèdre, made from grapes harvested by hand from the appellation’s four main terroirs of sandstone, sand, limestone and the huge rolled drift stones that are so much a feature of the region’s landscape. The grapes were de-stemmed, crushed and pumped into stainless steel tanks for maceration and fermentation. The young wine was matured in medium-toast French oak barrels bottling in the exclusive papal keys embossed bottles..

At 15% abv this is a big full-bodied wine bursting with aromas of loganberries, mulberries and raspberries that are highlighted by hints of leather, mocha, liquorice and spices. Best to open the bottle a good hour before serving at room temperature. Robust and long, an ideal partner for a Sunday roast.

International Wine Challenge 2009 Bronze

Flavour indicator: D