It’s good to drink wine that challenges us and makes us think. But sometimes you just want something simple, easy going, and relaxing. Simplicity shouldn’t mean forgoing quality which makes these wines harder to find than you’d expect.
We have put together a list of red wines that offer the level of quality we appreciate whilst remaining simple, approachable and good value.
2019 Tenuta San Guido Le Difese Toscana IGT £18 per bottle
Sassicaia’s third wine, of sorts. Unlike Sassicaia and the second wine, Guidalberto, Le Difese is made from Sangiovese as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and is far more approachable when young. This is a well-made, quality wine but is designed to be simpler and drunk younger.
2015 Chateau Senejac Haut Medoc Cru Bourgeois £20 per bottle
Senejac regularly falls into the middle ground of good value Bordeaux that occasionally offers something more than the average. 2015 is a good year and definitely one that offers good value, everyday quaffing capabilities. Well balanced with lots of red and black fruit and a touch of acidity on the finish.
2018 Bruno Giacosa Dolcetto d’Alba £28 per bottle
Silky, smooth with lashings of fruit. This is a quintessential Dolcetto with a lovely sweet berry flavour that you can happily guzzle with most food.
2019 Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Barbera d’Alba £29 per bottle
Francesco Rinaldi is very good at the underrated art of creating simple yet high quality wines. The Barbera is classic and simple but perfectly formed.
2015 Chateau de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone £31 per bottle
Chateau de Beaucastel are one of the top Chateauneuf producers. The Coudoulet is a southern Rhone blend that ticks all the right boxes: fruit, spice and acidity whilst remaining soft and easy. It is usually sensible to allow a few years in bottle before approaching though as the tannins can be a little tough. 2015 is just hitting its stride.