Stepping away from more traditional Rioja, this week’s top tips include an exclusively Tempranillo version that is on offer right now at the Co-op. I also highlight a great value Pinot Grigio among the current discounts at Morrisons. Read on for more offers and savings available now at Tesco, Sainsbury’s and other big name retailers.
2018 Muriel Tempranillo Rioja (£6.50 – instead of £8.50 until 30 November – at the Co-op)
This “Selected Harvest” wine from the excellent Bodegas Muriel differs slightly from traditional Rioja. First, it is exclusively Tempranillo (most versions blend at least two grape varieties) and, secondly, it’s released earlier than it would have been under classic Rioja aging procedures.
Smooth with pleasing depth, it delivers smoky cherry, loganberry and prune flavours with lively acidity (but balanced tannin) and touches of allspice, thyme and mocha.
2020 Sorso Pinot Grigio (£5.50 – instead of £7 until 23 November – at Morrisons)
Here is a great value, nicely configured Pinot Grigio from Terre Di Chieto (in Central Italy) on promotion until tomorrow and which displays all the qualities that has made the variety so popular.
Soft and gently perfumed, it has uncomplicated white peach and red apple flavours accompanied by mild tangerine acidity but only limited texture.
Current offers and promotions
At Tesco
A new ‘Buy 6 and Save 25%‘ offer for Clubcard holders launched at Tesco last week. The offer is available for online orders delivered by 29 November.
At Sainsburys
Current offers at Sainsbury’s end tomorrow. Look out for this highly-rated Spanish red in store, or online if you can arrange delivery for tomorrow:
- Taste the Difference Calatayud Old Vine Garnacha (Drops to £9 until 23 November)
At Morrisons
Offers at Morrisons also end tomorrow. This smooth Rioja from The Best range is worth a try, especially at the discounted price:
- Morrisons The Best Rioja Reserva (Down to £7 until 23 November)
At other retailers
Offers continue this week at Waitrose and Co-op (featured in last week’s post), and at Asda and M&S, details of which can be found here.
Join us again on Thursday when we open the first window on our “MidWeek Wines Mini Advent Calendar” with recommendations for Christmas fortified and sweet wines.
6 responses
Hii Brian, As good as the Muriel is and it’s always pretty reliable, I must give a shout out to the other two Spanish bottles you mention. The Sainsburys old vine Garnacha is not for the fainthearted at 15% abv, rich with lots of red candied fruit and spice but full of flavour and the Morrisons Marques de Los Rios Reserva which is a lovely text book Rioja both excellent for the price, especially when on the current offer.
Hi Brian
Thanks for your tips. As useful as ever.
Tesco have their 25% offer on at the moment. Some good value to be had, including Penfold’s Max Cab Shiraz which is discounted from £20 to £15, and then the 25% takes it to £11.25. Definitely worth buying a bottle or two.
Carl
Hi Brian
It doesn’t seem that any of the wines on the current Lidl wine tour have piqued your interest. Is there anything that is worth seeking out?
Thank you
Agreed both are great wines – and there are some excellent Rioja’s about at the moment. Better still, because of the maturation policies there, those wines can stay sound for at least 48 hours after opening, and sometimes longer.
Good shout Carl and a wine I am seriously considering for the Red Wine Advent Calendar Window a week on Thursday. As you suggest, though, a pre-emptive strike while the 25% off deal is in place could be a good idea.
Nothing sinister about the omission, Judith. As the release date is earlier than usual (Monday not Thursday), getting samples has been more difficult. I will be filtering those I enjoy into the Christmas selections. Two so far I would recommend though. 2020 Yamantiev’s Kaba Gayda (£5.99) is a great value everyday red I thought, while 2020 Côtes du Rhône Séguret (£7.99) is an excellent Rhone that punches well above its price point.