With winter upon us, rich, bold reds are the order for this week. The best big reds should also be balanced and mellow and the following are perfect for the colder evenings with heartier, more substantial, food.

Diemersdal Shiraz, Durbanville, South Africa 2008
Expect to pay €16

A short drive from Cape Town is Diemersdal, one of the Cape's oldest wine regions. South-facing slopes, the cooling influence of the south Atlantic and deep red soil all contribute to near perfect growing conditions for grapes. The Shiraz is no exception. Rich with dark fruits, chocolate and liquorice yet fresh with ripe berries. A very mellow wine.

With food? Rich stew like Beef Bourguignon

Available from: www.westcoastwines.ie

The Squid's Fist, South Australia 2009
Expect to pay €21

This Sangiovese-Shiraz blend comes from an outfit called 'Some Young Punks'. They've sourced the Sangiovese from the Barossa valley and the Shiraz from McClaren Vale. What they've produced from this slightly unusual blend is a rich yet restrained wine with gorgeous fruit and herbs.

With food? Stews, shepherd's pie

Available from: Curious Wines, Cork and online, www.curiouswines.ie

Zenato Ripassa Della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy 2007
Expect to pay €15 (on sale)

The name 'Ripassa' is derived from the process used to make the rich Amarone where grapes are left to dry almost to raisins. The remaining pulp is then used with some fresh grapes to make a rich, deep-coloured, lingering wine. Good value at its normal price of €20, an absolute steal at €15.

With food? Venison.

Available from: Leading independent off-licences

Les Auzines 'Hautes Terres' Corbières 2008
Expect to pay €13

Languedoc native Laurent Miquel and his Irish wife Neasa recently took over Domaine les Auzines. Hautes Terres comes from the elevation of 350-450m. This gives the grapes a nightly reprieve from the baking summer temperatures, giving the wine greater balance and freshness. Organically grown Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. Deep, dark cherries, lots of herbs and typical Languedoc 'garrigue'.

With food? Steak

Available from: O'Brien's nationwide