by Christian Davis
The former marketing director of the off-licence chain Unwins, and then the Spanish wine producer United Wineries, had a call to arms last month in an attempt to find one of the holy grails of the wine trade - a wine that goes with spicy food.
The wines in the blind tasting were:
Mateus Ros, Portugal (Baga, Rufete, Tinta Barocca, Touriga Franca)
Jacob's Creek Shiraz, Australia
E&J Gallo Sierra Valley White Zinfandel, USA
Waitrose Ros d'Anjou, France (Grolleau, Cabernet Franc, Gamay)
Kumala, South Africa (Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon)
Vias del Vero, Spain (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot)
Concha y Toro Shiraz, Chile
Vida Nova, Sir Cliff Richard's Portuguese blend (Shiraz, Aragones)
DFJ Grant Art, Portugal (Touriga Nacional)
Ramada Ros, Portugal (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Castelo)