Finances are often a bigger worry than usual in the period after Christmas so here is my “Double Five” review of budget wines; the quest is for five decent offerings at ongoing prices of less than a fiver – not just as part of a time limited “special offer”.
While these are definitely not “here today, gone tomorrow” prices obviously they cannot last forever, so do check the current shelf label before committing yourself to a purchase; ask a staff member if there is any doubt.
Click on any bottle picture for an enlarged image to help you find the specific wine among all the others on supermarket shelves.
Sauvignon Lovers should check this out:
Good yet inexpensive white wine is harder to find than red but Vignobles Roussellet Sauvignon Blanc (£4.69 at Aldi) is sound French everyday wine.
It has fresh and zippy acidity that neatly underpins the principal pink grapefruit and apple flavours – and supplements them with a touch of pear to add depth.
An unusual but great value Chilean white
Although similarly fresh and zesty, Chile’s 2013 Cimarosa Pedro Jimenez (£3.99 at Lidl) has more texture than that French example.
Enjoy in particular its soft, white peach flavours that also include a suggestion of pear and then lead into concluding sweetish spice influences.
They contrast very effectively with the underlying dryness of the wine.
Sound but not muscle-bound chianti
Moving across to reds, Italy’s 2013 Wine Selection Chianti (£4.88 at Asda) delivers all the cherry and red plum flavours you would expect.
Conversely though, there is less weight than in some blockbuster Chiantis but that is fully counterbalanced by the appealing mineral edge, lively acidity with tasty mint and liquorice components.
……..and Sicily’s answer
Staying nearby, 2013 Venturer Nero D’Avola (£4.79 at Aldi) brings you aromatic, soft and ripe flavours of black cherries, damsons and mulberries.
As a backdrop though there are also vanilla and beetroot style earthy undertones and a savoury, tannic twist to add structure and depth.
But a Touch of delicacy to end
Heading north east to Hungary allows us to experience the lightness and fresh acidity of 2012 Hilltop Merlot Kekfrankos (£4.49 at The Co-op). It has bright and juicy flavours of red cherries, cloves and redcurrants but very little tannin to diminish their shine.
This is an online version of an article that appeared in Scotland on Sunday on 4 January. Follow the link to www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/food-drink/wine-whisky for other wine related articles in the newspaper.
