Wines of the week: Three of the best value reds

Terry Kirby shares his pick of three affordable red wines to drink in the summer

Some of the best value reds around for summer drinking come from Portugal, so seek out these robust, user friendly wines for parties, picnics and barbecues….

From Douro…

Tons de Duorum, 2014

As everyone should now appreciate, the traditional Port grapes mix of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and others grown in the Douro make lovely, punchy red wines such as this: smooth, juicy, slightly spicy and extremely drinkable with barbecued meats or tapas dishes.

£8.90 tanners-wines.co.uk

From Bairrada…

Aliança Bairrada Reserva Tinto 2011

From one of Portugals biggest producers, with the Baga grape added to the Touriga/Tinta blend and all grown in the coastal Bairrada region of central Portugual. Full bodied, packed with black fruit and chocolate flavours, with a good structure, this would be a great choice for pasta or pizza or chorizo-based casseroles

£7.50 winetrust100.co.uk

From Alentejano….

Ramos Reserve 2014

Rich but fresh fruit flavours of cherries and blackberries characterise this blend of Trincadeira, Aragones and Syrah – which adds a little spice - from the Alentejano region of southern Portugal. Like the others, this is a great all-purpose wine, for parties or summer suppers in the garden.

£7.99 (or £6.99 each as part of mixed six bottle purchase) Majestic.