Crianza in Rioja means the wine has been matured in oak barrels for a minimum of one year

and then matured in bottle for a minimum of 12 months before release.You need to get the fruit and oak balance just right because some wines from Rioja can taste like they have overdone the grant from the Spanish equivalent of The Forestry Commission.
For an example of accomplished and consistent winemaking try Campo Viejo Crianza 2006, Rioja, Spain, £6.99, available in all major retailers.This is the right combo of red fruit flavours and subtle oaky tones that tells you this wine is from Rioja.
You can happily enjoy this without food, turn off I’m a Celebrity and listen to I’m Going to Spain by The Fall.

Castas are a good Portuguese specialist,

who have an excellent and diverse range of wines. I have recommended a high quality white from the Ribatejo region and a top class Dao red made by Quinta da Bica which are both really worth trying.Follow The Wine Tipster on Castas and you will find the wines.

It took ten years before Elbow released their first album and I think for many people the Pinotage grape from South Africa has gone through a similarly long period of rising interest.However,like Elbow,it has now found popularity and if you want to tune into Pinotage at an accessible level then the Diemersfontein Pinotage 2008, Wellington, South Africa, £7.99, Waitrose. is the way to do it. This Pinotage is famous for smelling of coffee and tasting of dark chocolate! It does and is a very well made medium bodied red which has the quality of a wine a couple of pounds more. Try it and listen to Elbow’s Great Expectations

Celia and Hennie Bosman, who own the Sandihurst winery, are making excellent wines across the board and their Sandihurst Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand, £11.99 delivers some of that typical gooseberry character but not in the overpowering extrovert at a party style. Here you also find cut grass, exotic fruit flavours and a lovely dry finish with crisp acidity. This is a quality Sauvignon Blanc for those of you who want sit back and appreciate.Sancerre fans you will like this too.
Available from kandlwines . Listen to The Durutti Column.

Here are a few suggestions for that panic moment when apart from the cheese you realise you need some wine and the local Coop can help you out.
Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot NV, Australia, £8.99.
This dry sparkler has always been a favourite of mine and is a good crowd pleaser. Remember if you are short of chilling time put the bottle in a bucket of ice and water rather than just ice.
Anakena, Chardonnay Viognier 2008, Chile, £5.69
Carrying on the combo theme I have chosen a couple of good value wines from the ultra consistent Anakena winery. This trendy blend is dry, delicious and refreshing, with tropical fruits, apricots and a zingy acidity. A perfect Friday evening wine to override the TV schedule.
Anakena, Shiraz 2006, Chile, £5.69.
Welcome to the non headbutting, sophisticated style of Shiraz with balanced fruit and spice and which as an additional bonus will direct you into a mood of relaxed reflection.