Everyone loves good Rioja. Now take a step up to Reserva level. This is from the 2012 vintage, officially classified as ‘very good’. It was aged for at least a year in barrel and two in bottle to produce a Rioja of perfect balance and depth. Pagos de Tahola comes from the Chavarri family – Francisco and daughter Ruth form a winning partnership with winemaker Miguel Lopez Nuñez. Their exemplary wines are based on exuberant fruit harvested from mature vines in some of Rioja’s highest vineyards then infused with the signature fragrance of quality French and US oak. Rich aromas of dried berries and vanilla, hallmark red berry and sweet spice flavours and silky texture – impressively smooth. Serve with Spanish style rice dishes or grilled meats.

Occupying some of the more elevated land in the Canberra District, Quarry Hill's climate is well-suited to produce one of the great red grapes of the world, tempranillo. Taking a cue from Spanish joven styles of young & fresh tempranillo, Quarry Hill's expression is fresh and bright-fruited, but guided in by the chewy skin tannin characteristic of the grape variety. The versatility of the wine means its not just for tapas or other Spanish foods, it also goes great with any grilled dishes or roast pork.

A very enticing nose of sweet berries, a hint of leather and freshly ground coffee. This is 100% Tempranillo and great value for genuine, honest Rioja. There's spades of earthiness and fresh herbs alongside cedary notes from toasty barrels. Medium bodied, this shows a modern take with vibrant fruit and less oak than the Riojas of the past.

Tired of drinking Shiraz and Cabernet? Then try Spain's noble variety Tempranillo with an Aussie twist, made by Ben Riggs. Blackberry fruit flavours with aromas of violets and bramble. Mr Riggs has more savour than the usual Australian red.

Bright and clean, cherry-red coloured with middle robe. Creamy notes of black fruit are combined with spicy aromas and slight toasting. All this wrapped by high-quality ripe tannins that display their elegant structure.

Mount Majura, established in 1989 continues to make outstanding wines for some approachable prices. This Tempranillo Shiraz Graciano blend is a brilliant example of an alternarive varietal blend with luscious red and black fruits aboudning with soft and supple tannins to compliment.

It has outstanding liveliness that promises a long life. Its extreme complexity together with its solid, powerful structure provide the elegance and potential required to continue growing in the bottle. It is a very limited production from a privileged vineyard.