Rioja is perfect for this time of the year. The smokiness of the wine perfectly matches dishes seasoned with herbs and the medium-bodied fruit style is perfectly suited to lamb and well-seasoned poultry. The region’s regulations demand that the wines are aged before being released and so one is sure to find mature wines from this part of the world that are perfectly ready to drink and be enjoyed.

The best of Rioja mixed case costs £113 and includes three bottles each of the following four wines.

Vina Amate Rioja 2008: There’s nothing like Rioja to go with grilled food — the slight smokey flavours in the wine go beautifully with all meats cooked in this way, especially lamb with a touch of rosemary.

Navajas Crianza 2005: Antonio Navajas makes very pure Rioja using an unusually high percentage of the tempranillo grape which produces delightfully scented and vanilla-flavoured wines of great character.

Beronia Reserva 2003: This Reserva is silky smooth with subtle hints of crisp, smoky fruit, raspberry and strawberry flavours and a long smooth finish. Perfect with poultry and any dishes seasoned with herbs.

Vina Alberdi Reserva 2002: La Rioja Alta is one of the classic traditional producers and one of the very best in Rioja. This Reserva is typical of their style: elegant and mature with soft strawberry and vanilla fruit. Perfect with lamb or seasoned pork.

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The Oxford Times Wine Club is run in association with The Oxford Wine Company. Free delivery of your wine is available within 30 miles of Oxford. Please allow up to ten working days for delivery of your wine. If you have any questions about your order, contact The Oxford Wine Company on 01865 301144 quoting The Oxford Times Wine Club or email: info@oxfordwine.co.uk

If you would like to buy unmixed or mixed cases of wines that you have particularly liked from The Oxford Times Wine Club at the same special discounted prices, please contact Theo Sloot at The Oxford Wine Company on 01865 301144 or email theo@oxfordwine.co.uk