The Majestic Spring Promotions are now under way. To underline their commitment to less expensive wines, it contains a reasonable selection of wines around £5 or £6.
Here, then, are some highlights from the promotion across a range of price points.
Unless my notes say so the quoted prices apply when you buy two or more bottles – although different arrangements are in force in Scotland.
New shoppers to Majestic should note that the minimum purchase there is six bottles but they can be mixed any way you like. Finding a tasty selection of half a dozen to take home is not usually a problem
Pinot Grigio but extra zesty
All the usual floral touches emerge from Natale Verga Pinot Grigio 2014: (£5.99 until 27 April).
but there is also an unusually sharp lemon edge to add verve to the wine’s underlying orange flavours.
Available: Majestic only. £5.99.
The Next Big Thing in White Wine
For something gaining massive traction these days, try 2013 Marqués de Caceres,Deusa Nai Albarino (Down from £13.49 to £8.99).
This is from “Green Spain” in the north western corner and delightfully combines fresh greengage and apple flavours with a neat all-spice backdrop.
Absolute Class at under Tenner
Here is a New Zealand take on Austria’s signature grape variety in the shape of 2014 Waimea Estate Gruner Veltliner, Nelson (£9.99 – instead of £14.99 until 27 April).
The result delivers smooth, apple centred flavours with softness and depth all pleasingly embellished with a herbal finish.
Beautiful, Different and Trendy
English sparkling wine is hitting the high spots brilliantly nowadays so treat yourself to Balfour 1503 Rosé (£19.99 – instead of £29.99 from the moment it goes in store around 3 March). It has fresh, lively lemon acidity and a spicy edge to give complexity to its bright strawberry and raspberry fruit.
An Everyday Price for Luxury Wine
Southern France is producing some brilliant wines these day often at very keen prices. 2012 Mas des Montagnes Côtes du Roussillon Villages (£6.66 – instead of £9.99 until 27 April) is a case in point. It has juicy raspberry fruit and good acidity that is given depth by vanilla and star anise influences and concludes on a firm but proportionate tannic twist.
Sensational, super intense Red
The beautifully concentrated 2013 Passimento Pasqua (£7.99 – instead of £11.99 until 16 March) really is something special.
It brings bold, bright cherry and blackcurrant fruit right to the fore but merges it attractively into a very mellow and almost sweet finish.
Yes You Saw it Right – Top Level Rioja at £8
Gran Reserva is the highest level in the Spanish wine classification system and spends at least two years in oak and three in bottle. 2007 Rioja Gran Reserva Lagunilla (£7.99 instead of £15.99 until 2 March) repays that time investment with striking dark cherry fruit with herbal depth and shrewdly balanced tannin that is enlivened by acidic verve.
