The supple, ripe Barón de Barbón has remained our bestselling Rioja since the early 2000s. That’s decades of popularity and loyal customers coming back for more. The Daily Express even claimed on its release that it’s “what true Rioja is all about.” The talent behind this contemporary, fruit driven red is the infectiously keen Javier Murúa. His father Julián owns Bodegas Muriel (a winery Julián's father established in 1926) in Rioja’s superior Alavesa. We’ve known the family well for years now, so much so that Javier calls us up after the vintage so we can get the top pick on their finest vats.

With its easy going, ripe red berry flavours and fragrant vanilla character, this supple Rioja is great on its own or with grilled meats or tapas.

It’s from Primicia, a bodega adored by customers and also by fine wine guru Robert Parker. He is full of praise for their fruity, modern Riojas.

He’s been making this gloriously mature treasure exclusively for us for nearly 20 years, and only ever ships La Cantera when it’s been aged to smooth, mellow perfection. Javier works under the radar in Cariñena, where wine has been made for 2,000 years. But the region is overlooked in favour of world famous neighbour Rioja, so you enjoy superb value for money here (and, in the case of La Cantera, Rioja style quality). This is made from old vine Garnacha and Tempranillo and has rich, deep red berry flavours softened by years in barrel and bottle.

This is a deliciously fresh rosado from Rioja. It has all the ripe berry fruit you'd expect of Tempranillo, plus a zip of incisive citrusy freshness. It’s from the Chavarri family, whose cellar has been up and running since 1882. Ruth Chavarri Muro is today in charge, the fifth generation of her family to take the helm, with winemaker Miguel Lopez Nunez head of the cellar.

They can boast some of the highest vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, at 400 to 600 metres, all on excellent, limestone rich soils. Both these factors help to produce lovely intense flavours and delicious freshness in this pink. Just the colour invites you to pour a glass! Irresistible on its own and very food friendly. Chicken, seafood, salads and lighter vegetarian options.