The blending of different grape varieties together adds interest, complexity and diversity to a wine. This ancient practice started off in the Old World, where winemaking was originally (and still often is) passed down from father to son. Over time, traditional blends developed - Bordeaux being a classic example - and were endorsed by the Appellation Controllée system in France and its equivalents elsewhere. In the New World, though, experimentation is the name of the game and many unusual matches have made for even greater diversity in the world of wine.

The Great Value Red Blends case costs £56 and four bottles of each of the following three wines:

Domaine Baudare Cabernet/Syrah 2004, France: From Chateau Baudare in the Fronton area close to Toulouse, this is a lovely fruit-driven wine, showing deep blackcurrant flavours mixed with subtle hints of herbs and spices intermingled with a gentle touch of oak. Excellent southern French winemaking.

Broken Earth Shiraz/Cabernet 2006, Australia Produced by Tandou Wines, this tasty and juicy wine is made from a selection of quality vineyards in Australia's premium grape-growing regions. The blend of Cabernet and Shiraz works well, producing flavours of redcurrant, eucalyptus and spice. Delicious.

Eagles Cliff Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, South Africa A classic Bordeaux-style blend from the Worcester area of South Africa, north-east of Cape Town, this wine has notes of plum and blackcurrant with vibrant, aromatic fruit. A medium-weight, crisp style with good complexity.

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The Oxford Times Wine Club is run in association with The Oxford Wine Company and John Stimpfig. Free delivery of your wine is available within 30 miles of Oxford. Please allow up to ten working days for delivery of your wine. If you have any questions about your order contact The Oxford Wine Company on 01865 301144 quoting The Oxford Times Wine Club or email: info@oxfordwine.co.uk