Building on our run of good value New World wines, I am pleased to see that Sainsbury’s latest deals include three noteworthy reds from outside Europe; between them they cover the full flavour range from light and fruit-charged to dense and concentrated.
A couple of Bordeaux wines, however, ensure that traditionalists are not ignored either.
These specific promotions expire on 30 June but my judgements on the wines themselves should hold good for at least three months from the date of the post.
Click on any of the bottles shown for an enlarged image to help you pinpoint the wine on a crowded shelf.
Approachable pinot from Chile
Chile’s favourable wine production conditions – and the economies of scale the mighty Concha Y Toro group can secure – bring us this really attractive pinot at a great price.
Inevitably, the spicy but juicy 2014 Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir (down £1 to £6) has less weight and depth than top Burgundies but it still delivers bright, bold cherry and raspberry fruit with a neat savoury edge.
An unsung hero goes it alone
Often petit verdot is merely a blending partner used to provide solidity and structure but the New World increasingly uses it on its own – with terrific results.
To see what I mean, pick up Australia’s smooth and slightly floral 2013 Winemakers’ Selection Australian Petit Verdot (£5 – instead of £6) with its concentrated black cherry and raspberry flavours and the suggestions of chocolate and cinnamon that accompany them.
…… a mighty meaty red too.
Only recently did scientists prove that America’s zinfandel and Italy’s primitivo are actually the same grape variety – both country’s versions are powerful and full although American zin tend to be a little dearer.
So, it is great to see the ripe and dense 2013 Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel come down from £10 to £8 to allow more of us to enjoy its full mulberry and black cherry fruit with spicy, mocha touches, bright acidity but pleasingly soft tannins.
The return of two stars from Bordeaux
I have previously praised this tasty two-some so it is good to see Sainsbury’s putting them back on offer.
The fresh 2013 Roc Saint Vincent Sauvignon Blanc is down from £8 to £5.50 while the 2012 La Patrie Cotes de Bordeaux Merlot drops a pound to £6 – both are well worth a second look.
