My first Top Tips of 2021 include an irresistible Pinot Noir and a Loire Valley Muscadet. And for those of you firmly opting out of Dry January, below is a round-up of new year wine promotions at four of the big supermarkets.
2019 Irresistible Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir (£7 – instead of £8 until 2 February – at the Co-op)
Chile has a good range of dependable but inexpensive wines including some excellent value Pinot Noir produced in cooler coastal regions like Casablanca.
This lovely example contains textured raspberry, cherry and plum fruit embellished with firm tannin, lively acidity and hints of cocoa and cinnamon.
2019 Calvet Muscadet (£5.95 at Sainsbury’s)
It’s good to see Muscadet (white wine from the sea end of France’s Loire Valley) back on form after several patchy years earlier this century.
This one is a particularly good illustration, exhibiting soft yet subtle pear and green apple flavours with fresh, sherbet style lime acidity and just a hint of peach.
Current promotions
- Tesco: their special offers apply to a number of branded and own-brand wines and are expected to run until 25 January.
- Sainsbury’s: the current promotion ends tomorrow but a new set of offers seem likely to start on 20 January.
- Asda: a 2 for £9 deal on some of the usual suspects is running alongside their wider RollBack discounts.
- Morrisons: is offering discounts across their range as well as a 2 for £10 offer which is expected to run until 26 January. *My Top Tip from this promotion is The Best Nerello Mascalese which drops from £7.75 to £6 until the expiry date shown.*
Drop in again on Thursday when I look at what to drink for Burns Night (on 25 January), including recommendations for wines that work with other spicy food too.
