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Something for Everyone in Today’s Top Tips
Welcome aboard for the latest Top Tips post where I recommend wines that I consider represent especially good value for money.
This feature is the antidote to the complaint that wine writers hear most often – “I am confused and frustrated by the maze of alternatives that bedevil modern wine aisles”.
While there are seldom knowledgeable staff (or helpful labelling) to make things easier there, this feature sets out to fill the void.
No need to stick with the same wine week in and week out, just relax and let me be your guide.
As one extra bit of assistance, hyperlinks (just click on the wine's name) and pictures are provided to help ensure that you are buying the correct wine.
First up is a red
2019 Best Bordeaux Superior (£7 at Morrisons):
Despite slightly firm tannin, this gets very close to that elusive creature – typical red Bordeaux under £10 – and is a good start point for exploring the region’s style.
Opening with Bordeaux’s trademark leafy aromas, it centres around medium bodied cherry and loganberry flavours
That foundation is nicely supported by firm tannin and lively acidity coupled with hints of green pepper, caramel and a background savouriness.
Languedoc’s take on a Rhone classic
2020 Taste the Difference Viognier (£7 – instead of £8 until 5 April – at Sainsbury’s):
Time was when viognier was a speciality white from a northern corner of France’s Rhone Valley but now it is produced far and wide, including in this one’s relatively nearby homeland, Languedoc.
This example puts more emphasis on fruit than some creamier viogniers and would be a good option for anyone seeking to “trade up” from riper, flowery versions of pinot grigio (which may anyway be in short supply this summer)
Floral with hints of sweetness, it delivers intense lemon and peach flavours with enlivening tangerine acidity to counterbalance any tropical fruit ripeness.
Don’t miss the expanded monthly post heading your way on Thursday. It opens with my thoughts on the latest Lidl Wine Tour and supports them with old favourites like Pick of the Clicks and Sunday Best choices. See you then.
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Brian Elliott
Brian Elliott is an established wine journalist, taster, judge and writer with a weekly column in Scottish newspapers.
Comments
6 Comments
Most of us buy our wines from supermarkets at around these prices so your reviews are very useful. I often pick up some very nice wines at Aldi by the way.
Thanks Mike. I really appreciate your kind words. You have put your finger on why I started this website – so many recommendations are for wines that are more expensive than the average wine drinker pays. I agree about Aldi – and Lidl – and feature one of those premium discounters most months (Lidl this week and Aldi in April).
Hi Brian. Thanks as ever for this. The Morrisons Bordeaux is on the list now. Seems to be quite a few well liked bottles around just now. TWS have several under £10 and there’s the rather decent Montange St Emilion from Asda I like a lot. I’m holding fire though as we approach Easter. Surely all the big supermarkets will do a 25% off buy 6 then I can have a splurge. Couldn’t get to Sainsburys before the weekend and I want the Bouchard Chardonnay you flagged up last week. Morrisons seem to have a few Cotes du Rhone that are not expensive but well regarded. All looking good then …cheers for now …
The good summer of 2020 seems to be reflected in the wines from that vintage and, as you say, some are at pleasingly accessible prices. Knowing what’s around the corner in both prices and quality, now may be a good time to stock up. Will try to keep everyone up to speed on promotions but not all retailers are good at communicating the necessary details
Hi Eddie and Brian
This site is usually on the money when it comes to predicting bulk deals by Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
https://moneysavingcentral.co.uk/25-off-wine
Next Tesco deal seems to be from 25th April.
Thanks Carl, that is indeed a useful resource. Look out for the Stop Press to tomorrow’s post for news of one such deal that starts this week.
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