The dominance of the big four supermarkets tends to overshadow operations like the Co-op and that’s a crying shame. A succession of very able buyers have kept its wine selections fresh and often sourced some really good value options. Here are a few of the highlights from the current promotions and don’t forget there is probably a store selling them just around the corner.
Although these discounts are due to end on 7 April, the judgements on the wines themselves should hold good for at least three months from the time of the post.
Click on any of the bottles shown for an enlarged image to help you find the specific wine on a crowded shelf.
Pinot grigio taste-alike with spice and acidic edges
Although wine writers often despair at the unremitting rise and rise of pinot grigio, its easy-drinking floral, peachy flavours clearly tick boxes for many folk.
If you are – or know – one of them, do try 2013 Rocca Vecchia Falanghina (£5.99 – instead of £6.99); it has PG’s soft, tropical fruit gentleness but supplements it with measured lemon based acidity and an edge of sweeter spices.
Sauvignon Blanc for Grown Ups.
Alastair Maling, the gifted MW General Manager at Villa Maria, presides over some great wines there and 2014 Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc(£7.49 – instead of £11.25) is an excellent example of what his winery does well.
Note in particular how its rich, mango depth and vibrant acidity take those familiar grassy, gooseberry centred sauvignon flavours to a much higher level of complexity.
The Epitome of Sound Claret
Most people’s list of classic wine regions will include Bordeaux although the tricky climate and varied ripening patterns there make consistency difficult but 2012 Chateau Manoir (down £1 to £6.49) is a great example of what it does well.
It has minty, black cherry flavours supplemented by ripe and spicy mulberry touches all embellished by balanced acidity, unobtrusive tannin and a textured, vanilla centred finish.
…….and a Classic Modern Rioja as a Finale
Rioja is almost as well known as claret but has seen a significant change of style in recent years; modern winemakers have turned up the volume on fruit levels and scaled back the influence of oak based maturation.
2011 Corte Mayor Rioja Crianza (£6.99 instead of £9.99) is an excellent example of the point offering rounded, fresh plum and vanilla influenced cherry fruit with a pleasant tannic twist yet skilfully uses barrel time to smooth out the wine without overpowering its fruit.
