Last updated 05:12, Friday, 14 November 2008

Two very different reds this week. Terrazze Della Luna IGT Novello is an Italian attempt at the “nouveau” style made famous by Beaujolais.

Terrazze Della Luna IGT Novello, £5.99 from Corkscrew wines, Carlisle

I haven’t yet tasted the 2008, wine of the month and £5.99 at Corkscrew in Viaduct Estate, Carlisle, but previous vintages have been excellent.

It’s made from teroldego grapes grown in the Trentino region. The carbonic maceration process they undergo produces a soft, bright, fruity wine while a short fermentation keeps the alcohol content down to 12 per cent. Lovely quaffing now but keep a bottle to drink with left-over turkey on Boxing Day.

Bonterra Vineyards Zinfandel 2006 is a complete contrast. This Californian winery is certified 100 per cent organic and I’ve long been a fan.

Zinfandel is very much California’s grape. This is a good example with dense, brambly fruit and just enough tannin. It’s not subtle or elegant, there’s too much alcoholic fire for that, but it will work with most roast meats or even spicy Cumberland sausage. A half-empty bottle improved overnight so this a wine worth opening early and decanting if you have time.

Normally £9.99 at Majestic, the price comes down to £7.99 if you get two.