Finca Flichman Roble Tempranillo 2015 Mendoza, Argentina 75cl

Finca Flichman is one of Argentina’s most historic wineries, with roots in Mendoza going back to 1873 and a landmark winery built at Barrancas in 1910. Since 1998 it has been owned by the Portuguese group Sogrape, which has invested in the vineyards and cellar while keeping the estate’s long tradition intact.

This is pure Tempranillo, Spain’s great red grape, grown in the warm vineyards around Barrancas in Mendoza. The district sits on old river terraces known for stony, free-draining soils that suit ripe, rounded reds. The Roble range is named for the oak that shapes it: a spell in barrel that adds warmth and roundness while letting the grape’s ripe red fruit stay in the foreground.

2015 was a warm year in Mendoza, though not without its challenges, and it produced generous, approachable reds. That ripeness suits this soft, unfussy style, giving a wine that is ready to enjoy now rather than one to wait for.

Expect aromas of ripe red and dark berries with a gentle vanilla and spice lift from oak. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, with soft tannins, easy acidity and a warm, mellow finish. Serve at cool room temperature.

An honest, well-priced Argentine red for everyday drinking. Its soft, oak-rounded style makes it a natural with pizza and pasta, grilled sausages, burgers and mild cheeses. This is a reliable, crowd-pleasing bottle rather than a collector’s wine, the kind to keep on hand for a relaxed evening.