Food & Drink,Wine for the weekend

Wine for the weekend – Chianti Riserva 2005 Villa Dante

On bonfire night, our drinks editor tends to break out her legendary hot gin punch recipe*, however, as the temperature remained impertinently mild this 5 November, she entertained with bangers, mash and a rustic Chianti instead.

There’s nothing too complicated about this robust red: it’s packed with flavours of black cherries, a hint of chocolate, and also something earthy/savoury (reminiscent of wet leaves and bonfires – though perhaps that was just the power of suggestion).

It’s a wine that does the job, rather than something to linger over, but it’s ideal paring with hearty winter dishes and lots of thirsty guests.

£6.99 at www.majestic.co.uk

*email Emily Miles for the top-secret (ish) recipe