Valtravieso Crianza Ribera-del-Duero, Spain

1997

Simple, direct, chewy, mouth-filling Ribera, more of a nod to an Argie Malbec and or Château Musar, hence the recommendation to accompany a BBQ.

Full-bodied but soft and perfectly mature, this won’t challenge the mind but in the right setting will put the body at ease! Deeply coloured, dark red-garnet and browning at the edge. A touch of vanilla and clove, saddle leather and cigar box.

Vega Sicilia this is not but at this price you will struggle to get a better value match with your grilled sirloin and baked potato! You don’t have to decant but it’s not a bad idea to do so!