DEAR JESSICA: MY ELDERLY AUNT RECENTLY DIED AND DIDN'T LEAVE ME ANYTHING IN HER WILL . . . WHAT WINE SHOULD I DRINK?

You're not the one dead, so be grateful. Monetary reward isn't the only benefit you can get from the deceased relative.

Think of the experiences you had together and the lessons she taught you. If you can't come up with any good ones, than at least be relieved she didn't leave you with overdue bills!

Besides, with the inheritance laws the Government would end up with it anyway. I suggest you take a Latin approach, and celebrate. Todos Santos, or El Dia de los Muertos was a Spanish Catholic tradition that in the New World, from Mexico to Argentina, has evolved into a day of festivals.

That's not the only thing these South Americans have gained from the Spanish. The Spanish Tempranillo grapes enjoy the sun 'south of the border' just as much as they do on the Continent. I'm recommending an Argentinean Tempranillo to appropriately celebrate the demise of your aunt: specifically, a 2006 aptly named Otra Vida (Another Life) from the Mendoza. This has the dark red colour of a young woman's nails the day she buries her multi-millionaire husband, tasteful, but smouldering underneath.

The bouquet is immediate, of plums and spice with hint of Mexican vanilla. The flavour starts off smooth, and fruity followed by coffee and a bit of tobacco. It finishes with lovely chewy tannins.

This wine is going to glide down your throat easily, gracefully, but with the flair of a tango dancer wearing heels. It is produced by Trivento, part of the Concha y Toro group. Oddbins has it for £4.99 or you can by a case at Everywine.co.uk for £64.67, plus £8.95 delivery fee - but but it is delivered direct to your door.

11:50am Monday 3rd March 2008

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