Wine Review: Reds from the Rhône Whether you're approaching the end of a "dry" January, or just looking to cheer up the last of the deeply dark evenings, now is the time to bag a clutch of good-value, medium-bodied, versatile reds. Ones that won't let you down by being too sweetly jammy or too heavy, that go well with winter meat dishes, and that have a bit of regional character - in this case, warming hints of black fruit, savoury notes, spice and toffee. Off to the Rhône, then. France's south-eastern, warm Rhône Valley produces some serious, expensive red wines, of course (Châteauneuf-du-Pape the most famous) but late January finds most of us in keen pursuit of value. Here the region's widely available, affordable Côtes du Rhône and - up a quality notch - Côtes du Rhône Villages really deliver. Lucy Clements, Tesco's French wine buyer, agrees: "Amazing value, amazing consistency," is her verdict on cheaper Rhône reds. Clements selects plenty of wine from other French regions, so why does the Rhône score highly for price/quality? She believes the main reason is because its affordable wines are blends. Using grenache, syrah and mourvèdre, sometimes others, means winemakers can craft or tweak the wine style more easily. So, the grenache wasn't great last year, but the syrah was - there's a 'buffer zone" with other varieties in the mix." A few other regions can pull off a similar trick, though none, I think, with quite the cachet of the Rhône. Partner the richer wines below with roast pork or beef casserole; the lighter example with peppery sausages and mash. Vineyards Côtes du Rhône NV Cellier des Dauphins (Tesco, £3.79) Tesco stocks richer, more structured rhônes, but for sheer value, this new, fresh and raspberry-tinged red - fairly light and easy-drinking - gets my vote. Domaine de la Meynarde Plan de Dieu 2012 Côtes du Rhône Villages (Marks & Spencer, £8.99) More serious, with a fuller texture and rich blackberry fruit, laced with liquorice. Great with roast pork or a peppered steak. Léon Perdigal Côtes du Rhône 2012 (Majestic, £9.99 or £6.99 each when you buy two until 3 February) A black-pepper perfume gives way to smooth, moreish fruity flavours of blackcurrant and mulberry. Tempting offer, if you're quick. TIPPLE TIP Merci, Marsanne... In the white corner, the southern French grape marsanne makes a refreshing change. Try Paul Mas Estate Marsanne La Forge Vineyard 2012, Pays d'Oc, for its dry note of orange peel balanced by juicy peach. £9.99 or £7.49 each for two, until 3 February, from majestic.co.uk