A very warm welcome to the latest Top Tips post.
Its aim – as ever – is to pinpoint wines I consider represent exceptional value for money at present.
A helping hand is especially important during inflationary times when frequently either prices go up or quality goes down, making well-made, good value wine increasingly elusive.
Here though are a red and a white that, to me, stand out as reliable options in the often confusing “wine aisle mazes”.
Pictures and hyperlinks are provided where possible to help guide you towards the specific wine being discussed.
A new arrival makes an impression
A warm welcome to this rich but lively South African newcomer in Sainsbury’s with its bright melon, peach and pineapple flavours neatly given verve by zesty lemon acidity.
Le Mont Terre Chardonnay (£6 – instead of £7.50 until 17 May – at Sainsbury’s) also displays a creamy nuttiness (from time on yeast lees) to contrast with, but never overpower, the wine’s basic freshness.
Completely reliable everyday day red.
Almost due east from Rome, Abruzzo is that part of Italy’s Adriatic coast where the dependable montepulciano red grape prospers and ultimately gives us the aromatic and medium bodied red wine we enjoy so much.
With a backbone of cherry and damson flavours, 2020 Extra Special Montepulciano D’Abruzzo (£6 at Asda) couples those elements with good acidity, herbal and vanilla hints plus gentle chocolate traces – but only limited tannin.
Cheering News from New Zealand
While the final production details are a few weeks away yet, it was heartening to see this optimistic piece from the excellent Drinks Business publication. A bounce-back for New Zealand quantities is one bright spot on a horizon dominated by the storm clouds of rising prices.
See you again on Thursday when I seek out the Star Buys among the current promotions in major retailers.
