Rioja has always been a classic match for Easter lamb, but Rupert Pritchett from Taurus Wines has got three alternative tempranillos up his sleeve for us – all from Spain’s lesser-known, but equally as exceptional Ribera del Duero region. These wines, which come from just north of Madrid, are all big, juicy and full-bodied – perfect for Sunday lunches.
Rippa Dorii 2022
£15.99
The name of this easy-drinking wine is the Latin translation for Ribera del Duero, but there’s nothing old and stuffy about this full-bodied mix of bramble fruit, vanilla, nutmeg and sweet spice. The palate is rich and complex with blueberry and blackberry fruit, ripe tannins and good length. Great with lamb chops, dishes with chorizo, and hearty vegetable casseroles.
www.tauruswines.co.uk/products/0001-5184
Arzuaga Tinto Crianza 2022
£29.99
This is the flagship wine of Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro, and is powerful on the nose with diverse aromas of coconut, raisins, caramel, cinnamon and vanilla. There is a dominance of ripe red and black fruits with spicy touches and balsamic notes. It’s full-bodied, aromatic but elegant and complex and an ideal companion for red meats, big game and feather, roasted or in sauce. But don’t discount it for blue fish and soft cheeses either. Big wines like this should be decanted for at least 30 minutes before serving to help them really open up.
www.tauruswines.co.uk/products/0001-5211
Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2021
£27.99
Alejandro Fernandez and his wife, Esperanza Rivera are responsible for putting Ribera del Duero back on the map as a premium wine producing region having bought their 16th-century winery fifty years ago. Hailed as “the Spanish Petrus” by Robert Parker, the wines remain the standard by which all other Ribera del Duero are measured. It’s elegant and fresh, while staying deliciously ‘big’ with hints of balsamic and sweet spice. A real Easter lunch show-stopper.
www.tauruswines.co.uk/products/0001-6691
Taurus Wines are located at Whipley Manor Farm, Bramley, Surrey, GU5 0LL.
Tel: 01483 548484
