Izadi Rioja Reserva 2020

With a 16-month stint in oak barriques, Izadi's Reserva takes on a warm, toasty character, though it never eclipses its fresh, bright fruit. Expect a fragrant nose, ripe with blackberry and redcurrant, underpinned by subtle hints of tobacco, liquorice, and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, it's both pure and concentrated, delivering a long, fruit-forward finish that's thoroughly rounded and beautifully integrated. A wine of subtle depths, it strikes a lovely balance between richness and freshness.

From classic roast lamb with herbs to the likes of a paella with chorizo and roasted red peppers, these dishes let the fruity and spicy character of the wine come through beautifully.

Founded in 1987 by Gonzalo Antón, Bodegas Izadi have built an enviable reputation for their modern, food-friendly Rioja wines - influenced by Antón family owning a nearby Michelin-starred restaurant. Their winery, high in Rioja Alavesa, takes its fruit from nearly 300 hectares of vines averaging 45 years in age, lending their wines a rich, ripe character. Today, Gonzalo's son, Lalo, runs the estate alongside head winemaker Ruth Rodriguez, and between them they produce a versatile, approachable range that are invariably very good value for money.