Fruity, Juicy Reds

These modern, juicy and refreshing red wines are approachable and delicious, and are perfect for casual drinking - with or without food. This style originated in the New World, and you'll find it in wines from Australia, USA, New Zealand, South America and South Africa. Fruit flavours are emphasised and astringent tannins are minimised.

These wines are designed to be drunk immediately - they do not need to be aged. In fact, any wine of this style should be drunk within two years of its vintage.

Chilean Merlot is the definitive wine in this tasty and affordable style. The best wines are young, well-balanced, and packed with blackcurrant, blackberry and plum flavours. Argentina produces a smooth Tempranillo, a fruity Bonarda and a very juicy Malbec.

Spain also produces lots of inexpensive soft, supple reds; look for wines from La Mancha, Navarra or Valdepenas. California's juicy wines are demonstrated by young Merlot and Zinfandel.

Back in the Old World, Beaujolais is famous for this style. However, these wines tend to be slightly more expensive, and have less obvious fruit flavours. Vin de Pays d'Oc reds are often slightly cheaper and fruitier.

For less than £5, try:

• Casillero del Diablo Merlot, Rapel Valley (Chile): A soft wine, with flavours of cherries, currants, berries and plums.
• Grange du Midi Merlot, Vin de Pays d'Oc (Languedoc-Roussillon): Warm red in colour enhanced by soft plummy fruits.
• Argento Malbec, Catena, Mendoza (Argentina): Ripe brambles and spicy blackberry aromas, with intense sweet, rich and soft flavours and gentle oak and balanced acidity.

For around £5 to £10, try:

• Château de Corcelles, Brouilly (Beaujolais): This is an intense ruby red wine with clean red fruit flavours and refined, silky tannins.
• Casa La Joya Merlot (Chile): With ripe blackcurrant fruit and with a dash of vanilla.
• Monos Locos Merlot (Chile): The very epitome of soft and juicy, but with enough structure to make it a great food wine.
• Moncayo Grande Merlot Cabernet (Spain): Soft blackberry aroma with hints of leather and cigar box. Flavours of juicy, fleshy ripe plums and currants. A clean freshness balanced by sweet crunchy tannins.