As I frequently report (complain!), tracking down optimal value wines has become harder and harder over the last year or so.
Often that quest takes us to wines made (or sold) in unexpected places.
For instance, while we are getting used to great value options from Romania, today’s white takes us a step further into Moldova.
Although the source of today’s red is a little better known (Jumilla), the retailer is not one we feature that often; welcome aboard Iceland!
Both wines offer reliable and well-made fare and cost just £6.
In the usual way, hyperlinks and pictures are used where possible to help you locate the bottle in question.
Looking at that red first
2021 Laderas de Romeo Garnacha (£6 at Iceland):
This is great value garnacha (grenache) based red wine from those rapidly improving Spanish regions just inland from Alicante (Jumilla in this case).
Soft and perfumed, this example exhibits juicy cherry and raspberry flavours coupled with good acidity (but minimal tannin) and suggestions of cocoa, mint, vanilla and baking spice.
And for a white to accompany it
2021 Tilting Tree Sauvignon Blanc (£6 at the Co-op):
Currently, its great potential quality and affordable prices make Eastern Europe a happy hunting ground for reliable wine.
This example is from Moldova and it should be no surprise to see that country producing good sauvignon since its latitude is similar to Sancerre.
Crisp and aromatic, the wine itself has apple and melon flavours combined with grapefruit pithiness and good lemon acidity.
All that is neatly complemented by menthol, nettle and herb elements.
See you again on Thursday when the regular review of current promotions in major retailers is joined by ideas for Christmas wines from winners of the People’s Choice Drinks Awards
