Wines of the week: Scala Dei Prior 2007; Bertrand Stehelin Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet 2007; Lastone Le Preare Veronese Rosso 2009

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Christmas lunch

Scala Dei Prior 2007

The first of three traditional, robust Old World reds for the roast meats of the festive season, Spain's Scala Dei winery lies high in the hills of Priorat, where small isolated plots of old Garnacha vines produce wines of terrific, controlled power, full of dark red and black fruits and seasonal spices. Decant and reserve for beef, goose or blue cheeses. £18.49, Wine Rack (£16.64 if bought as part of six mixed bottles); £18.95, winestore.co.uk

Boxing day meal

Bertrand Stehelin Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet 2007

From one of the most up-and-coming wine-makers in the southern Rhône, made in one of the best recent years, this is mellow and savoury, with some violet and herby notes, lots of depth and a long, really peppery finish. An ideal Boxing Day lunch bottle for cooked or cold meats or a pie made from leftover turkey and ham. £9.95, jascots.co.uk

Seasonal spread

Lastone Le Preare Veronese Rosso 2009

A fantastic bargain offer on a wine ideal as an all-purpose bottle for seasonal gatherings or buffet spreads but which would be a fine match for any kind of roast. Made with the underrated Corvina grape in the Veneto region, this has warming flavours of dried fruits, cherries, plums, touches of vanilla and sweet tannins. £6, tesco.com (normally £12; minimum purchase six bottles)