Cálem Curva Tinto 2016 (Douro, Portugal)
Many of the Douro’s port houses are making table wines from the same grapes they use to produce Port. This is an example from Cálem. An equal blend of four of the primary port grapes – Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca – the wine is dense purple in colour with a cedary, plum nose; it’s medium-bodied, dry, with a flavour of mulberries tinged with oak spice, ending on a firm note of tannin and freshened with lively acidity. It would make a great partner for barbecued ribs, steak or hamburgers. Attractive label too. ($15.95, Vintages #631499)

Rustenberg Petit Verdot Rose 2018 (Stellenbosch, South Africa)
Bright light pink in colour, it shows an attractive, spicy, gently honeyed, fresh strawberry-winter melon nose with a light honeyed note. It’s dry, light to medium-bodied with a fresh, tangy flavour of ripe strawberries and a lingering, bright finish. This versatile, well-balanced crowd-pleaser offers great value. Pour it while the barbecue heats up – or with a platter of charcuterie. ($13.95 Vintages #451773)