A quirky Australian blend and a classic South African Chenin are my top wine picks of the week – both great value at around £6. Scroll down for more good value buys and details of offers and promotions from the major supermarkets.
2020 The Unexpected Red (£5.75 – instead of £6.75 until 17 August – at the Co-op)
This slightly quirky Australian blend is a long-standing favourite but still manages to keep on giving.
While quite savoury initially, the current vintage quickly develops bold cherry and mulberry flavours supported by good acidity (but modest tannin) with aniseed, mineral and floral touches to embellish its trace of sweetness.
2020 Swartland Private Collection Chenin Blanc (£5.99 – instead of £8.29 until 24 August – at Waitrose)
This is a lovely example of a well-crafted, textured South African Chenin, and a steal at just £6.
Bright with delightfully fresh acidity, it contains orchard fruit flavours (with baked apple to the fore) supplemented by peach, pineapple and slightly honeyed elements but finishing with a hint of grapefruit.
Current offers and promotions
At Sainsbury’s
The current promotion at Sainsbury’s ends tomorrow. This vibrant red is a good value buy if you are shopping before the offer ends:
- McGuigan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Down to £6 until 10 August)
At Asda
The current 25% off promotion finishes at Asda this week. The offer applies to some (but not all) of the Extra Special range including this summery Rosé:
- Extra Special Cotes de Provence Rosé (Down to £6.75 until 11 August)
Marks and Spencer
The promotion that has been running since mid July is due to end this week. However, the M&S Drinks Festival has kicked off with savings on a selection of beer, wines and spirits across their stores until 30 August.
At other retailers
Promotions continue this week at Morrisons, Waitrose and the Co-op. Details and highlights are included in last week’s Top Tips blog post.
We’re taking a break on Thursday so join us again next Monday for our regular look at supermarket offers and, of course, the latest Top Tips.
2 responses
Hi Brian, I’m with you on the ‘Unexpected Red’ which does what it says on the label, nice enough for the price and made, if I’m not mistaken by Andrew Peace. Introduces the Sagrantino grape in the blend (not sure how much) but a new one for me. Easy drinking red despite its 14% abv but didn’t feel like it, a little on the jammy side but I enjoyed it.
It is indeed an Andrew Peace wine but, like you, I am not sure how much sagrantino is added to the cabernet sauvignon, merlot and tempranillo. The result is very satisfying though.