Medium-bodied with seductive flavours of blueberries, cherries and dark plums. The French oak maturation provides subtle savoury, spice characters with a pleasing soft and silky texture to the mid palate. A long, persistent finish makes this a great wine for Spanish or games dishes.

Cedar, touches of tobacco and glac cherry on the nose. The palate is gentle and medium bodied, very savoury, showing dark cherries, vanilla, black olives and nuttiness. A classy wine.

Marqués De Riscal Tempranillo displays dark cherry, with violet hues. Beautifully fresh nose of black forest fruit, liquorice and toasted nuances brought on by the oak casks. Good balance between fruit and ok on the palate, medium bodied with lovely soft tannins.

Spanish big guns, Remírez de Ganuza have produced a quite sublime old vine Tempranillo blend from the famed Rioja region that will defy all expectations. A luscious aroma of asian spicies and black fruits greet the nose before unfurling into flavours of dark berry fruit, cigar box, mushroom and blood plum. Brilliantly structured with life in front of it that will stretch with ease to 2025. If you're looking for a taste of Spanish royalty, start here.

There are minuscule volumes produced of the Cirsion by Bodegas Roda (the name of the thistle which is Roda's logo) which is made from grapes specially selected for the suppleness of the tannins they deliver. Parcels selected are from low-yielding older Tempranillo vines of 45 years and more, from four vineyards. Choosing the plants with the softest tannins, this makes the wine very attractive and supple early on, but it still has great ageing potential.

DOMINIO DEL AGUILA Penas Aladas Gran Reserva , Ribera del Duero

This Tempranillo from the renowned Rioja region offers a delicate touch of oak, savoury flavours and light tannins. Vibrant in style and softly structured, it is a fantastic food wine.

Chris Taylor and his Quattro Mano wines have certainly made their mark on the modern Australian wine scene. Using 'alternate' Mediterranean varieties like this Tempranillo, Taylor handcrafts flavoursome and yet medium to full-bodied wines of utmost character. This Novillo Temp is choc full of dark berries, liquorice and that traditional hint of cola. Simply delectable.