Waitrose holds two press tastings every year, one in the spring and one in the autumn, to showcase new lines, new vintages and new innovations. The spring 2024 tasting showcased 90 wines, which included 32 entirely new to the range and 43 new vintages of existing wines.

‘There’s a raft of newness, which we’re excited about,’ says Waitrose’s wine trading manager, Jamie Matthewson. The retailer’s buyers have sourced some fantastic new choices for the summer season, with five brand new rosés, a good selection from classic regions such as Bordeaux and Rhône, as well as a smattering of more esoteric examples, little-known regions or interesting grape varieties. Matthewson says that in general the most recent vintages have been more favourable than 2021 for example, meaning buyers have been able to spread their wings.

In Decanter’s 2023 Retailer Awards, Waitrose was once again runner-up in the Supermarket of the Year category, just pipped at the post by Marks & Spencer. It was also runner-up in the England & Wales Specialist Retailer of the Year category, reflecting the great work it does for English and Welsh wine by offering a diverse selection from these areas.

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Lighter styles for summer

As you’d expect, there are lots of fresh whites now in store, ready to fill your fridge shelves and perfect for that post-working day apéritif in the garden (or balcony, for the urban dwellers). The Zacharias Assyrtiko 2023, CVNE La Val Albariño 2023, Herència Altés Benufet Organic Garnatxa Blanca 2023 and AA Badenhorst The Curator White Blend 2023 all tick that box, showing various combinations of zesty citrus, stony minerality and mouthwatering freshness. Courgette salads, either grilled or raw, or any dish that heavily features the Middle Eastern seasoning Za’atar, spring to mind for pairing these wines with.

If you’re looking for slightly more full-bodied whites, try the Wolfberger Pinot Blanc 2020, the Domaine Gerard Thomas & Filles St-Aubin premier cru, or The Federalist Chardonnay 2022. They cover all price points and will please any mother-in-law at a family barbecue when the pressure is mounting because father-in-law has burnt the sausages. I’d pair any of these slightly richer whites with a gorgeous Burrata and grilled peach salad, a quiche, frittata or Spanish tortilla, or succulent grilled chicken.

With consumer trends showing a growing demand for lighter reds, it was somewhat surprising to see that some of the best reds of the tasting were the fuller-bodied styles, indicating that there’s still perhaps a little room for the retailer to expand into the lighter styles.

That being said, a few bright and juicy reds did stand out, notably the Lentsch Zweigelt 2021. I was really impressed with the brightness and energy of this gorgeous little Austrian red, not least considering it retails under £10.

Awesome Austria

In fact, Austria came up trumps at the press tasting in general, with three wines making my top picks: the Loved & Found Gelber Muskateller, the Blueprint Grüner Veltliner 2023 and the Lentsch Zweigelt 2021.

The Austrians were playing at the top of their game – a result of buyer Emma Penman’s crafty buying skills and a general upsurge in quality from the country.

‘Having really enjoyed spending some time in Austrian vineyards over the past year, I am so pleased to share some of this excitement with our customers,’ says Penman, who also buys wine from England, Wales, Eastern Europe and Germany.

She also highlights the Gelber Muskateller as a wine to seek out, ‘our latest addition to our popular Loved & Found range, it is a dry Muscat made with grapes mainly from the beautiful Weinviertel region. The wine is pretty, with aromatic notes of flower blossom and exotic fruit. An excellent example, it finishes with elegant zesty freshness,’ she says.

Don’t miss

Buyer for Italy and South Africa Daphne Teremetz highlights the Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2021 as a firm favourite and I can confirm it’s a winner. ‘It’s ‘made by the team at the historic Stellenbosch estate, Kanonkop, which has been ranked as a South African First Growth by Tim Atkin MW,’ she says.

Imogen Bowen-Davies, buyer for Bordeaux, Rhône, Loire and Alsace, says that the Château Saint-Hilaire Médoc Cru Bourgeois Supérieur 2019 is one of her favourites from the range, and it was certainly one of mine too. At just £15.99 this offers incredible complexity, and it’s hard to stop going back for more.

Look online at Waitrose Cellar

While the in-store range is extensive, the place to look for more esoteric wines, older vintages or something a bit more niche is Waitrose Cellar, which lists wines that are not available in any of the shops. Here you can pick up some really serious, high-class wines, which is great for gifting or buying for your cellar.

There were a few great examples at the press tasting from the 1,300-strong online range, and the Louis Guntrum Hipping Riesling 2017 really stood out, a new addition to Waitrose Cellar and a real treat to be able to buy a Riesling with a touch of bottle age that’s starting to evolve and do what Riesling does best.

Loved & Found and Blueprint ranges

Waitrose’s Loved & Found range remains a source of interesting and great value wines from lesser-known grape varieties and regions, well worth discovering. The two recent Italian rosé editions, Loved & Found Organic Aglianico Rosato 2023 and Loved & Found Organic Susumaniello Rosato 2023, are both worth seeking out, as is the Portuguese white Loved & Found Cerceal.

Waitrose had plans last year to expand its Blueprint and No 1 ranges, aiming to bring good quality, lighter alcohol wine from more unknown regions under the umbrella of these reliable ranges. The Blueprint Grüner Veltliner was the highlight for me.

The ethical consumer

Waitrose places great importance on sustainability and has a number of initiatives, as well as a dedicated sustainability trading manager, Barry Dick MW, to thoroughly assess the company’s impact, particularly throughout its supply chain.

The retailer has now completely scrapped half bottles, and instead has moved this smaller format to cans – which has seen massive growth, according to Matthewson – saving 320 tonnes of glass per year from its supply chain. Not only this, but the 250ml can chills down much quicker than a bottle, and is an extremely convenient size for enjoying one glass on a weekday evening, without having to open a whole bottle. What’s more, ‘it means two people can have two different wines of an evening’, says Matthewson.

Waitrose has also recently introduced capsule-less bottles, particularly to the Loved & Found range. It is the first UK supermarket to remove plastic and foil sleeves from the bottle necks, in a bid to cut unnecessary packaging, and it estimates that it will cut the amount of packaging used by half a tonne annually.

Waitrose is also invested in reducing the weight of its wine bottles and has committed to reduce the average bottle weight across the range for 75cl from 480g to 420g by the end of 2026. ‘We’re working with all of our producers to get the glass weight down,’ says Dick.

When it comes to the role of supermarkets and large companies in the fight to combat climate change, ‘we have some level of responsibility to lead the consumer, even when it’s harder,’ says Dick.

He says that knowing the scale of what has to be dealt with from a climate change perspective, knowing that their carbon footprint needs to be reduced and that they need to be considerate about how it affects the natural world, and knowing the industry and the materials well, puts Waitrose in a position to take some leadership.

The supermarket is also moving to do more bulk shipment in further efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the supply chain. ‘We want to move as much wine in bulk as possible and we’ve got to do that in a qualitative way,’ says Dick. ‘It’s almost 2.5 times more efficient to move wine in bulk instead of glass bottles, and the energy saving is massive.’

Waitrose & Partners: top buys this summer

The recommendations that follow were tasted by Natalie Earl in April 2024 at the Waitrose Spring/Summer 2024 press tasting in London. All bottle prices are correct at time of publication. Wines are grouped by style and ordered by score, in descending order. 

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The German-owned supermarket Lidl attracts UK shoppers in droves – even more so as the cost of living continues to bite. The wine range is one of the major draws, and in particular the themed Wine Tours, which are now refreshed every month (until recently it was every two months). This more frequent updating of the range means that there’s always something new and interesting in store, but it also means that you need to be quick if you like the look of a particular wine featured below, as they don’t hang around for long!

Scroll down for scores and tasting notes of the best Lidl wines to buy

The central buying team do a great job of sourcing small quantities of interesting and well-priced wines for the Lidl Wine Tour line-ups. Between this and the core range, it offers a comprehensive selection of Old and New World wines across a range of styles, though is invariably stronger in its European offering.

Lidl’s Italian Wine Tour

The new Italian Wine Tour has just hit the shelves, and will be on sale (while stocks last) until the next (Iberian) Wine Tour goes on sale in late June. Rather puzzlingly, the Italian Tour includes an Argentinian Malbec and an Australian Pinot Noir – let’s just go with it, as they both represent decent value for money. 

Back in Italy, the focus and the highlights are overwhelmingly white – unsurprisingly given the time of year. The Lugana, and the two whites from the south – a Sicilian Viognier and a Fiano from Campania – are all juicy, fruit-forward and easy drinking, without oak influence, and would work well either on their own or with food. For something different, pick up the Moscato: sweet and lightly sparkling, it’s a delightful match for fruit salads or pastries (and always a winner with birthday cake), perfect for summer sipping.

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Core range highlights

As well as these six recommendations, we’ve included in the mix three wines from the core range that were shown at the same press tasting and which stood out for the quality and value on offer, plus another tasted later. If you only buy one white from the core range this spring, make a beeline for the new, 2023 vintage of the Picpoul de Pinet, vibrant and lemony, perfect for drinking over the coming summer season. The German Riesling is light and peachy, and fantastic value at around the £5 mark. 

If it’s red you’re looking for, two Italian wines from the core range are worth seeking out, both smartly packaged and offering good value. The Vino Nobile de Montepulciano impresses with its food-friendly Tuscan character. Lower in price, but still in Tuscany, the  Corte Alle Mura Chianti Riserva is always a good bet for everyday drinking.

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The best Lidl wines to drink this June

Below, you’ll find six recommendations to buy from the Lidl Spring Wine Tour, and four wines from the core range.

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Best buys at Majestic this summer

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Majestic is the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer, with no fewer than 208 stores. And it has transformed itself in the five years since it separated from Naked Wines following its sale to Fortress Investment Group. Last week the company announced the departure of its chief operating officer Rob Cooke, who was responsible for key areas of the business including trading, customer and commercial.

Physical presence

Since 2019 Majestic has opened 17 new stores, and is accelerating its store opening programme in a commitment to bricks and mortar. It’s good news for wine lovers who prefer to browse the wine aisles rather than order online. And to do so with expert guidance rather than in most supermarkets, where wine advice is hard to come by. Majestic has always been known for its knowledgeable and passionate staff, who all undergo Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) training and love nothing more than helping customers discover something new. 

Not resting on its laurels, last month (April) the business rescued wine retail and bar business Vagabond from administration, seeing an opportunity to connect with a younger demographic of wine consumers ‘in an experiential environment’.

Scroll down to see our picks at Majestic

Ordering online

Buyers who prefer to shop online can order via the Majestic website, of course. And the retailer has also joined forces with Uber Eats to provide on-demand deliveries – giving customers access to the Majestic wines in currently 177 stores, for delivery in as little as 20 minutes. 

Majestic’s e-commerce sales accounted for more than 20% of revenue in 2022/23, buoyed by the popularity of its Shop Local proposition. This service enables customers to shop the stock available at their local store, in real time, for free collection within four hours (if you order before 3pm) or next-day home delivery.

Definition by Majestic

The retailer’s Definition by Majestic own-label range featured prominently in the spring/summer 2024 press tasting, after being relaunched at the beginning of this month. The Definition range was first launched in 2015, and aims to capture the quintessential qualities of the world’s greatest wine styles, and make them accessible to all wine lovers. The range sits above – and generally offers more excitement and individuality than – the Chosen by Majestic range, which was launched last year. 

There are currently 23 wines in the Definition range, with another 12 to come before the end of the year. They really do succeed in offering textbook examples of classic styles, and are a good starting point for wine lovers looking to broaden their horizons. The relaunch involved a review of the entire line-up by the buying team, who conducted a blind benchmarking exercise. Any Definition wines not deemed best in class in the blind tasting were re-sourced or re-blended.

The Definition wines are made by some of world’s leading estates, and these are now displayed on the front label, a logical move given that these names are a strong selling point. Producers include South African winery Kanonkop, behind the Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon; Peyrassol, who make the Côtes de Provence rosé; Domaine Figeat André (Pouilly-Fumé) and Zuccardi (Uco Valley Malbec).

National Wine Retailer of the Year

In October, Majestic scooped the National Wine Retailer of the year award in Decanter’s 2023 Retailer Awards (DRA), for the third year running.

Commenting on this win, the DRA judges said: ‘It’s so encouraging to see Majestic getting back to where it belongs as a key player in nationwide UK retail. More shops, revamped wine ranges, charitable endeavours, excellent buyers, the focus on value and sustainability – very impressive.’

The retailer was also voted winner in the Loire Specialist category, and runner-up for Wine Buying Team.

The dual pricing system on wines remains, whereby higher, single bottle prices apply where customers buy up to five bottles at any one time. When customers buy six or more bottles (any mix of bottles is fine), the lower mix-six price applies. There is sometimes a considerable difference between the two prices, and the single-bottle prices often seem a little high, so it really is worth waiting until you want to buy at least six bottles before visiting Majestic (or its website, which operates the same pricing policy). 

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Top picks from Majestic’s current range:

The recommendations that follow are a mix of new wines and new vintages tasted by Amy Wislocki in May 2024 at Majestic’s Spring/Summer 2024 press tasting in London, and wines tasted by the Decanter tastings team at previous press tastings that are still available. All bottle prices are correct at time of publication.

All prices listed below are single-bottle prices. There are savings to be made, sometimes significant, when you buy a minimum of six bottles (any mix). The mix-six prices are given within the individual tasting notes.

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A recent tasting of wines from Sainsbury’s spring/summer 2024 selection showcased bottles that are ideal for warmer days and alfresco socialising. They range from crisp, fresh whites such as Albariño and Picpoul de Pinet to rosés and light reds that can be chilled. You’ll also find food-friendly bottles that are ideal for barbecues or perfect for a picnic.

As usual, the supermarket’s own-label Taste the Difference range does a great job of covering many classic regions and styles at affordable prices. The buying team has curated a selection that includes a ripe, fruity Chilean Pinot Noir and an elegant Muscadet from France’s Loire Valley – great with seafood and fish. Grab a bottle of the Taste the Difference Mâcon-Villages Vielles Vignes 2022 if you see it in store – a great value Burgundy for just £17 (see below for tasting notes).

‘Burgundy is a region not usually known for good value wines, however this really delivers due to sourcing from old vine plots only, and offers superior quality compared to many named village wines at this price point,’ says Richard Maltby, winemaker for Sainsbury’s.

Discover something different…

Meanwhile the sixth Discovery Collection offers more hidden gems and interesting bottles for wine lovers to explore. This more adventurous, limited-edition range is always worth buying – even if you haven’t tried the wine style before. My highlight this year was the new Discovery Collection Luberon 2023 from southeastern Rhône Valley (see below for tasting note). A Rhône blend that includes Vermentino, Grenache Blanc and Ugni Blanc, it’s a steal at £12 and will certainly be found in my fridge door this summer.

I’ll also be making space for the Discovery Collection Natu’roque Bandol Rosé 2022 (£16). ‘Bandol is the jewel in the Provence crown,’ declares wine buyer Sam Glanfield. ‘Elegant in style, with a bit of age, this gastronoic rosé offers customers something quite grown-up within the category.’ If you like rosés that have more depth and flavour, this is definitely one for you (see below for tasting note).

Stars buys and value picks

The Sainsbury’s Italian range is usually strong – and this year is no exception. A new Taste the Difference Sicilian Nero d’Avola 2022 is a delightful little fruit bomb for £8.75 (see below for tasting note). ‘This Nero d’Avola is a fresh, fruity style of wine, with just a touch of Syrah blended in for richness,’ says winemaker Lisa Rogerson. ‘We have worked with Mezzacorona on this wine, which is a great addition to our Taste the Difference range and showcases the best of modern Sicilian winemaking.’

The Terre di Faiano Organic Nero di Troia 2022 (£9.50) is another new Italian red that’s worth seeking out. There’s also a new vintage of Taste the Difference Marzemino Trentino (£9.75), a wine I’ve recommended in the past. At 12% abv it’s a lighter style that you can enjoy slightly chilled this summer.

Meanwhile Sainsbury’s is competing comfortably with budget supermarkets Aldi and Lidl thanks to its value range of ‘by Sainsbury’s’ bottles. The by Sainsbury’s House Soave 2023 is a steal at £4.75 (see below for tasting note). Or try the by Sainsbury’s House Pinot Noir (£5.50) with burgers and bangers at your next barbecue.

Lower alcohol and sparkling

Both the House Soave and House Pinot Noir are 11% abv, examples of the continuing trend for low alcohol wines. Anyone watching their alcohol intake should look out for the ‘Mid-Strength’ labels that Sainsbury’s introduced last autumn. ‘We’ve led the market since the launch of our Mid-Strength range in September 2023 and we’re continuing to see an increased growth within the lower-abv category,’ says Sophie Hogg, category director for beers, wines and spirits at Sainsbury’s.

Two new own-label wines have joined the Mid-Strength range this spring. There’s a Taste the Difference Mid-Strength Val de Loire 2023 at 8.5% (£8) and a Taste the Difference Mid-Strength Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023 at 9.5% (£7.50) made for Sainsbury’s by Yealands Estate (see below for tasting note).

Finally, if you have something to celebrate this summer, Sainsbury’s has some great fizz at prices to suit all pockets. Value choices include organic Prosecco and a vintage Taste the Difference Cava Brut 2020, that’s a gem for £8.75. But if you’re bored of Prosecco, I’d recommend its Italian cousin Pignoletto from Emilia-Romagna. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Pignoletto NV is a top pick at just £8 (see below for tasting note).

If only Champagne will do, you can choose from big names or take a punt on Sainsbury’s reliable own-label Taste the Difference Champagne Brut NV (£22 – tasting note below). I’m a particular fan of wallet-friendly regional French crémants as well – the two bottles recommended below, from the Loire and Burgundy, are really enjoyable good value options.

Now we just have to hope that the British weather adds some sparkle to summer…

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Best Sainsbury’s wines

Tasting notes come from the Sainsbury’s spring/summer 2024 tasting. Wines from older tastings have also been included if the wine is still available in store or online. All bottle prices are correct at time of publication. 

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Some of the best biodynamic wines are produced by small-scale, independent growers all over the globe, while other examples incorporate prestigious labels.

Below, you’ll find some great biodynamic wines reviewed by Decanter experts to help you raise a toast to the wider movement for environmental protection on Earth Day 2024 – on Monday 22 April.

Taking inspiration from scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner, biodynamics is rooted in a holistic vision of vineyard management, respectful of soil and nature and promoting a form of ecological harmony.

It is also associated with lower intervention in the winemaking cellar, to a stronger extent than organic approaches.

As with organics, some wineries choose to pursue certification, while others have long adopted biodynamic principles without seeking such ‘official’ certifications, which come from bodies including Demeter and Biodyvin, and whose logos adorn the bottles of wines which meet the various criteria.

As Decanter’s Amy Wislocki wrote in her article of biodynamics in winemaking, ‘both Biodyvin and Demeter have rules on growing and vinification that can be stricter than organic alone – for example, less use of copper sulphate per hectare, and the use of natural yeasts for fermentation’.

Châteaux Palmer, Pontet-Canet and Climens in Bordeaux are leading proponents of biodynamic wines, but others in the region have been embracing the methods, as Simon Woolf highlighted in this article.

Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, the highly regarded chef de cave and executive vice-president at Louis Roederer, owner of Cristal, has credited biodynamics with enhancing a ‘fight for freshness’ in Champagne vintages, in particular. He has previously spoken of how biodynamic approaches encourage greater attention to detail in the vineyard and critical thinking.

Some producers have said biodynamic approaches enhance the expression of terroir in the glass, although the skill and expertise of the winemaker is inevitably a big factor in terms of overall wine quality, while higher costs can be a downside of biodynamics.

Best biodynamic wines: a selection of top bottles to seek out

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Supermarket Aldi showcased 98 sparkling and still wines in its 2024 UK spring/summer collection, 47 of them new.

With prices starting from £4.09 for the Spanish Chardonnay under the budget non-vintage Grapevine label to £14.99 for the Veuve Monsigny Champagne NV, the focus of this German supermarket chain, as always, is on affordable quality.

Scroll down for scores and tasting notes of the best Aldi wines to buy

As with all UK supermarket buyers, Josh Heley (still wines) and his new colleague Lucy Pemberton (sparkling, fortified and no-/low-alcohol wines), have the difficult task of delivering a versatile wine range amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

New on shelves this spring is the Unearthed range, following in the footsteps of similar ‘off-the-beaten-track’ lines at other UK supermarkets such as Marks & Spencer’s Found and Expressions ranges, Waitrose’s Loved & Found and Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Discovery Collection. The Cigales Crianza and Bianco di Custoza, both from the 2023 vintage, are the picks.

Another debut worth snapping up is the Chassaux et Fils, Specially Selected Rosorange Rosé 2023 – a rosé-orange wine hybrid in a pretty bottle and tasting of quince, orange peel and cherry bitters.

Also new are some innovative packaging changes. Aldi has pledged to reduce bottle weights, and while the ‘flat’ recycled PET bottles used in two of the Australian Chapter & Verse wines are seven times lighter than regular glass ones, the wine quality is not as admirable as the eco-friendly exterior.

By contrast, of the two South African wines in new paper bottles, one is worth seeking out. The Cambalala, Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (blended with 15% Colombard) has a carbon footprint six times lower than a standard bottle and is and made from 94% recycled paper. And the wine offers decent drinking, both ethically and taste wise. However more customers might be encouraged to try it if it were price matched to the 2023 Cambalala Sauvignon Blanc bottled under glass (£5.99).

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The best and the rest on the shelf

In addition to 20 new recommendations from Aldi’s 2024 spring/summer tasting, three previous Decanter wine picks are still available and remain great buys:

• Chassaux et Fils, Specially Selected Crémant de Bordeaux Rosé,
• Costellore, Specially Selected Extra Dry Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore NV
• Castellore, Specially Selected Toscana Rosso 2021

Wines still on shelves that Decanter has previously recommended but which are now looking tired include the Mimo Moutinho, Dão Red 2021.

While its continuing success against high street competitors proves Aldi knows its market, unnecessarily high residual sugar – perceived or actual – in a large number of new and core wines masks their varietal and/or regional typicity, particularly at lower price points and among the sparkling and no-/low-alcohol ranges.

In January 2023, Aldi made the controversial decision to stop all of its online operations. This means its current range is only available to purchase at one of its 990 UK stores, 200 of which offer a click-and-collect service.

Aldi wines: Decanter’s pick of the best buys

Of the following 23 wines, 20 are recommendations from the 2024 Spring/Summer tasting in March and the others are from older tastings but still available in store.

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Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 10 March in the UK this year, just as spring approaches, when the mimosa trees are beginning to blossom, buds are breaking and there are signs of new life.

Flowers, plants and bulbs make for wonderful gifts on Mothering Sunday, but adding in a bottle of something sparkling as well is sure to keep a smile on mum’s face. We’ve put together a selection of options below that should suit many tastes.

The list includes varying styles of sparkling wine from classic Champagne and Cava to English sparkling, Franciacorta and pétillant naturel. Prices range from under £20 to over £400.

Looking for something very, very special? Try Philipponnat’s stunning Clos des Goisses, Juste Rosé, Champagne, France 2012.

Would you prefer to find something she won’t have tried before? This pink sparkling from Wales is sure to surprise and delight.

Keen to impress but don’t want to break the bank? The Le Colture, Fagher, Prosecco, Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore Brut comes in under £20 and is an alluring, refreshing fizz.

Scroll down to see our round up of sparkling wines for Mother’s Day

Quick guide to the sparkling wine styles shown below:

• Champagne – Mostly made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this must come from the French region of Champagne. It’s produced using the traditional method, with secondary fermentation taking place in the bottle.
• Traditional method – This refers to wines made using the same method as Champagne, where a second fermentation takes place in the bottle. The key examples are:
• Cava – Sparkling wine from Spain using both native grapes, such as Xarel·lo and Parellada, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Reserva and Gran Reserva Cavas undergo extended ageing in bottle, bringing additional complexity.
• English sparkling wine – The cool climate and limestone soils in southern England are similar to those in Champagne, producing fantastic sparkling wines.
• Franciacorta – From the northern Italian region of Lombardy, this serious wine can be both fresh and complex.
• Crémant – There are eight appellations in France where Crémant sparkling wines can be produced, and local grape varieties tend to be used. Examples include Crémant de Bourgogne, Crémant de Limoux and Crémant de Loire.
• Other very good traditional method sparkling wines can be found in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil.
• Prosecco – Made in the Veneto region of northeast Italy from the Glera grape, using the tank – or charmat – method.
• Pétillant Naturel – This is in fact the oldest method of making sparkling wine, also known as méthode ancestrale. Unlike Champagne, the wine is bottled before it finishes its first fermentation, so the bubbles develop in the bottle. They can be slightly cloudy due to sediment, fairly low in alcohol, with a gentle fizz and sometimes a touch of sweetness. For the more adventurous mothers out there, what’s not to like!

Need more inspiration? These fantastic Cavas should fit the bill

At a glance: top picks for Mother’s Day

Sparkling wines for Mother’s Day:

The wines below were tasted by Decanter’s editorial team and experts.

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In 2023 global Champagne shipments fell by around 8% to 299 million bottles but Champagne remains a firm favourite with UK customers and is particularly popular as a celebration wine.

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, rosé Champagne is in sharp focus right now. This is a category which has been on the rise for a while, but how is rosé Champagne made and what should it be paired with?

See the results of the Decanter vintage rosé Champagne panel tasting

Rosé on the rise

While non-vintage rosé Champagne is still a popular choice with consumers, sommelier Jan Konetzki notes that vintage and prestige cuvée rosé Champagnes are gaining traction, particularly in restaurants.

It’s easy to see why, as many of the best examples can work brilliantly at the dinner table – whether it’s Valentine’s Day or not.

The list below features rosé Champagnes reviewed by our experts and available at a range of prices, with some great value options to more expensive choices over £300 a bottle.

How rosé Champagne is made

There are two ways to achieve the pink hue of rosé Champagne: rosé d’assemblage or saignée.

Rosé d’assemblage

Champagne is the only region where the blending of red and white wine is permitted for the production of rosé wines, and it is common across quality levels.

A small amount of red wine made from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier is added to the white base wine prior to its second fermentation. The percentage of red wine added at this stage depends on the producer’s preference and can vary from 5% to more than 15%.

The aim is to ensure that the freshness and tension of the Champagne is maintained. Carine Bailleul, chef de cave at Champagne Castelnau, says her goal is ‘to have a fine balance between fruitiness, sweetness, colour and acidity’.

It goes without saying, therefore, that the red wine added should be of high quality. It not only contributes colour to the finished Champagne, but also flavour and texture.

Saignée

The saignée method involves bleeding off the pink-tinged juice from macerating red grapes.

Louis Roederer uses a version of this technique alongside cold maceration to make Cristal rosé, for instance.

The Fleur de Miraval variant uses the saignée method, blended with top Chardonnay, according to winemaker Rodolphe Péters, who worked on the project alongside Brad Pitt and the Perrin family.

How rosé Champagne tastes

It is difficult to generalise about what rosé Champagne tastes like because styles can vary, yet many will have noticeable red berry characters alongside citrus such as grapefruit and orange. In more complex styles, such as vintage rosé, you might find this balanced with the traditional autolytic flavours of Champagne, such as brioche or bread-like aromas, associated with ageing on lees.

Rosé Champagne and food pairing

Pink Champagne is versatile when it comes to food pairing. Richer styles can stand up to bigger flavours and richer foods, while the more delicate, fruit-driven wines make for a stylish aperitif. Sweeter styles such as demi-sec are a great match for fruit-forward desserts.

Konetzki recommends ‘a colossal, Pinot Noir-heavy prestige cuvée like Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé with Peking duck’. The plum sauce in the dish matches the sweet plummy flavours in the wine.

He suggests a beetroot Wellington with something like the Philipponnat Clos des Goisses Juste Rosé. The pastry-rich, fruity, earthy flavours in the wine pair perfectly with the sweet, earthy beetroot.

For extra glamour, add some preserved black truffles into the dish and try it with a 20-year-old vintage rosé Champagne for a superb – yet fairly pricey – match.

Rosé Champagnes to try for Valentine’s Day

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There’s nothing quite as celebratory as a bottle of sparkling wine. And nothing more evocative of a celebration of love than a bottle of sparkling rosé. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we guide you through a selection of pink bubbles that will make an elegant statement and also work as perfect gifts.

How is rosé sparkling wine made?

Sparkling rosé simply uses a rosé base wine, which then goes through one of the methods of sparkling wine making. That could be ancestral, traditional, charmat or transfer method. The rosé base wine itself is produced through one of the usual rosé winemaking techniques (saignée or direct press), although some regions – such as Champagne – allow the addition of red wine to a white-dominated blend.

Looking beyond Champagne

Champagne might be the region that first springs to mind when thinking of a celebratory fizz. Indeed, some rosé Champagnes have become synonymous with romantic occasions: Billecart-Salmon and Laurent-Perrier rosés are just two of a number of cuvées that are ubiquitous in Valentine’s Day displays and have acquired iconic status among lovers of pink Champagne.

Scroll down for our selection of brilliant sparkling rosés

But it’s well worth looking beyond the French flagship region for sparkling wines, pink or not, that deliver a different character but the same quality. Other regions and appellations producing outstanding traditional method sparkling include:

Sparkling rosé: Taste and food pairing

So does rosé sparkling taste different from white sparkling, or is it just a matter of colour?

Grape varieties, blend and winemaking process all play a role in the eventual flavour of the wine, making it difficult to generalise how a sparkling rosé tastes and how it is different from its white counterpart.

Having said that, there are some general characteristics you might expect from a pink fizz:

• Subtle red berry flavours, sometimes with a hint of red citrus (think pink grapefruit or blood orange) and red orchard fruit.
• A hint of tannin, imparted by mild contact with skins during the production of the base wine, which might give it a pleasant grip and texture.
• The higher degree of phenolic compounds can give it a richer body, especially if the wine has spent more time ageing on its lees prior to disgorgement.

Sparkling rosé for Valentine’s Day

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Lake Michigan, the fifth largest lake in the world, is an integral part of quality grape growing in the state. The Michigan coastline is extensive and full of peninsulas formed thousands of years ago due to glaciation. Arctic glaciers pushed south during the ice ages and carved out the major Great Lakes basin. The lake accumulates heat during the growing season and retains it through the autumn when temperatures drop, thus extending the growing season and giving the ‘lake effect’ necessary to produce quality wine.

‘Our vineyards hug the shores of one of the largest freshwater inland seas in the world, in a land once carved out by glaciers – and this unique terroir creates some real magic in any bottle of Michigan wine,’ says Patrick Brys, president & CEO of Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery.

Riesling: Michigan’s great grape

The latest figures show that Riesling is the most widely planted vinifera grape in Michigan, with 29% of plantings. Over 930ha of vinifera grapes are grown in the state, 270 of them Riesling.

Considered one of the great white grapes of the world, Riesling is lauded by experts for its purity and versatility. Despite this, many consumers believe that all Riesling is sweet, when in fact, the grape can be vinified from a bone-dry wine to the stickiest botrytised style. Riesling is known for its prominent aromatics and high acidity. The naturally high acidity from the grape can be balanced with residual sugar, usually from a halted fermentation. Alcohol levels are generally low, sometimes even in the single digits.

The best regions for Michigan Riesling

For quality grape-growing regions in Michigan, we look to Traverse Wine Coast and Lake Michigan Shore, located in the northwest and southwest corners of the state, respectively. Michigan, shaped like a mitten (or mitt) has 5,200 kilometres of the nation’s largest freshwater coastlines. ‘We have a range of Riesling styles in Michigan. Including more commonly recognised late harvest or sweeter Rieslings, but also dry in style and similar to the highest class Trocken and Alsatian producers,’ says Emily Dockery, executive director of the Michigan Wine Collaborative.

St. Julian Vista vineyard. Credit: Taste Michigan

Home to nearly 40 wineries, the Traverse Wine Coast in the north includes two peninsulas moderated by the massive waters of Lake Michigan. The Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula wine trails both provide optimal expressions of winemaking. They showcase the influence of the lake with very fruit-forward wines. These two peninsulas, north on either side of Traverse City, are responsible for 55% of the state’s production.

In the southwest corner of the state, with 130km of coastline is the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. With 15 winery members, it accounts for approximately 40% of the state’s production. This region is home to the oldest and longest-running winery in the state, St. Julian, founded in 1921. The area is slightly warmer than in the north, giving it an extra two to three weeks for the growing season.

Says Adam McBride, president of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail and owner/winemaker at Hickory Creek Winery: ‘While refreshing acidity is constant across Michigan Rieslings, the wines in the Lake Michigan Shore seem to have a bit more texture and deeper fruit notes. We’re getting more peach, pear, apple and orange phenolics here compared to lighter citrus like lemon and lime in the northern AVAs.’

How Michigan Riesling tastes

The cool-climate wines wines of Michigan have a strong backbone of acidity and fruit-forward aromas and flavours, specifically with Riesling. As is common with the variety, it is vinified from dry to sweet, including botrytised and ice wine styles. McBride says: ‘The constant characteristics across Michigan Rieslings are bright acidity, lower alcohol and aromatic stone fruit and citrus notes. Michigan Rieslings are refreshing, easy to drink and meant to be paired with food.’

Pairing Riesling with food

With the proximity of Lake Michigan, local freshwater fish is a plentiful and a natural pairing with Michigan Riesling. Simple grilled fish from the lake, including salmon and trout, works well with a dry Riesling with a small hint of residual sugar. For a more flavour-packed fish dish such as honey garlic salmon, an off-dry Riesling gives a nice interplay of sweetness and acidity to cut through the sweetness of the sauce.

The most common pairing with Riesling is any mention of ‘spicy Asian food’. More specifically, the high acidity and slight residual sugar in a Michigan Riesling can counteract and balance the spice from dishes such as gochujang noodles, Thai coconut curry, or a spicier curry vindaloo.

Cherries, as an agricultural crop, reign in Michigan. It is the number one state for cherry production in the country. Spiced cherry chutney over roasted pork tenderloin pairs well with a dry Michigan Riesling. On the sweeter side of things, a sweet Riesling or ice wine paired with a fresh-baked cherry cobbler shows how the tartness in the cherries plus the acidity in the Riesling can match each other.

Amoritas Vineyards. Credit: Taste Michigan

Best Michigan Rieslings to try

This selection of bottles covers the styles and regions mentioned above. In general, the Rieslings from Michigan are affordable and approachable.

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Supermarket own-label wines feature frequently in Decanter’s recommendations and reviews, because they provide notable consistency and value for money.

While it is difficult to make great Champagne cheaply – it is a labour-intensive process, after all – there are still gems to be found on supermarket shelves under their own-label brands.

If you’re looking for recognisable names, the grandes marques can of course also be found in supermarkets.

Scroll down to see the top value UK supermarket Champagne to seek out

There are are also impressive Champagne alternatives in supermarkets that go beyond Prosecco, such as Crémant de Bourgogne and English Sparkling. Find the Decanter team’s recommendations here.

Looking for bubbles and feeling adventurous? Check out these 15 offbeat sparkling wines

The UK remains one of the strongest export markets for Champagne, only second behind the US, with 28,061,766 bottles exported to the UK in 2022.

The selection below lists Champagnes from most of the key UK supermarkets, including Aldi, Booths, Co-op, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.

Champagne styles

There are a number of factors which influence the style of Champagne, including grapes, vintage, colour and sweetness.

The majority of the supermarket Champagne in the list below is non-vintage, with a few vintage examples.

Blanc de Blancs Champagnes offer the pure, citrus character of Chardonnay, whereas Blanc de Noirs offers a richer, red-fruited character, like Waitrose own Blanc de Noirs Brut made from 100% Pinot Noir.

Prepared to splash out this Christmas? See the Best vintage and non-vintage Champagnes to try

The best supermarket Champagne to try:

The wines below have been tasted and rated by the Decanter editorial team, and are ordered by colour and score.

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There are plenty of sparkling choices if you’re selecting bubbles for the festive season. From Champagne, Crémant and Prosecco to English sparkling wines. But there’s only one type of fizz that combines signature Spanish style with quality and value.

Cava, Spain’s flagship sparkler, offers something for everyone. World-class gran reservas and vintage wines will please fine wine lovers. Meanwhile great-value non-vintage bottles are ideal for bargain-hunters. Many UK retailers offer great value own-label options too.

What’s more, with its own trio of grape varieties, Cava has a gastronomic character that makes it an ideal choice for Christmas meals. Serve it as an aperitif or pair it with a variety of dishes (see below).

Photo by jeshoots.com for Unsplash

How is Cava made?

For a sparkling wine to be classified as Cava it must be made using the traditional method (also known as méthode Champenoise). In this process the second fermentation happens in the bottle.

Cavas must also be made within specific areas approved for Cava DO (Denominación de Origen) production. Unlike other DOs, however, the defined area for Cava production is not contiguous. While most Cava is produced in Catalunya – with the village of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia as its epicentre – it can also be made in other Spanish provinces. These include Aragón, Euskadi, Extremadura, La Rioja, Navarra and València.

Rather than origin, what truly differentiates Cava from other Spanish sparkling wines is production method and regulations.

This scattered geography has caused intense debate within the Cava DO itself in the past. Some producers opposed a system that, in their opinion, should focus more on terroir. As a result some famous names, such as Raventós i Blanc, chose to leave the DO and lobby for region-specific classification. Similarly the Corpinnat group from Penedés is now making wines under a new quality label.

Others chose to push for change from inside the DO, which resulted in a new classification introduced in 2017: Cava de Paraje Calificado. Cava’s top classification, this is for single-vineyard Cava from an exceptional vineyard. To qualify, vines must be at least 10 years old, with lower yields. All wines must be brut, extra brut or brut nature, and bottle-aged on the lees for at least 36 months.

There is also a requirement for full traceability, which means all Cava de Paraje Calificado vineyards must be owned by the winery or contracted on a long-term basis. If all of these criteria are met, the Cava is tasted blind by a panel of independent wine judges and experts. Finally winemakers have to explain to the judging panel what makes their vineyard a unique terroir.

Cava vineyards overlooked by the Montserrat mountain range

Which grapes are used to make Cava?

Another key part of Cava’s identity is grape varieties. Most renowned traditional-method production areas focus on the Champagne trio: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. However Cava has its own flagship varieties, which impart distinctive aromatic and textural characters.

While Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are also permitted in the Cava DO, the traditional and most commonly used varieties are:

• Macabeu (also called Macabeo or Viura) – Widely grown across Spain as well as in the French Roussillon. Although relatively neutral in flavour, it plays an important role in blends by adding body and texture.
• Xarel·lo – The grape largely responsible for the trademark herbal perfume of the best Cavas. In addition to lime blossom and hay-like aromas it adds acidity and earthiness to blends, therefore being essential to the age-worthiness of top quality Cavas.
• Parellada – Grown almost exclusively in Catalunya, Parellada contributes with fruit aromas, especially green apple and citrus notes. There are single-varietal examples of Cava that use just one of the above, but blends are by far the most common, making the most of the characters imparted by each variety.

For Cava rosado (rosé), Garnacha, Pinot Noir, Mataró (Mourvèdre) and the local Trepat are the most commonly used red grapes. They are often blended with at least one of the flagship whites.

Malvasía, known locally as Subirat Parent, is increasingly used to make Cava dulce (sweet) and semi-dulce (semi-sweet).

Is Cava good value for money? 

It’s true that Cava delivers great value: you can pick up reliably good bottles for under £10. But it’s worth investing a bit more money to explore some of the higher quality Cavas. Reserva, gran reserva and Cava de Paraje Calificado (single-vineyard wines) are well worth seeking out.

The fact that Cava is often dismissed in favour of its traditional method sparkling counterparts, especially Champagne, means that great wines are unfairly overlooked. Wine lovers are missing an opportunity to discover a different, specific expression of fizz, produced by very talented winemakers. It’s worth exploring the top Cava producers. All of them make wines with outstanding ageability.

On the flip side, Cava has been somewhat immune to the branding and pricing games which have inflated prices elsewhere. Wine lovers can benefit from a great value-for-money option, across tiers, quality levels and price points. So if you’re looking for a great fizz for the festive season consider Cava; but look at the top, not the lower shelf!

What can you pair Cava with?

Because it’s generally quite dry, with most wines falling in the brut category, Cava is particularly versatile when it comes to food pairing.

It makes a wonderful festive aperitif, no doubt. But try it with a selection of canapés, buttered lobster or a chocolate-based dessert and you won’t be disappointed.

Extra-brut and brut styles of the traditional white blends go well with meat- and fish-based recipes. Rosados will pair better with dairy and/or rich sauces. They’re a good alternative if you are having a vegetarian or vegan Christmas banquet.

If your festive table features more exotic flavours, try pairing Cava semi-dulce with Asian-inspired dishes. It’s also a surprisingly good match for your Christmas cheese selection.

Whichever style you try, here are a few suggestions to get you started…

Top Cavas for Christmas

Recommendations by Decanter’s editorial team.
Wines ordered by score, in descending order. 

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The post Top Cava for Christmas: 12 to try appeared first on Decanter.

Prosecco’s light, fruity character and affordable pricing has helped it to carve out its own (significant) corner of the sparkling wine market. It’s the go-to fizz for many people who are turned off by the richness – and price – of Champagne.

Our recommended selection (see below, comprises picks from UK supermarkets, high street chains and independents, including Decanter Retailer Awards 2023 winners, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, The Wine Society, Tanners, Majestic, Bat & Bottle and Perfect Cellar.

Surprise the wine connoisseur in your life this Christmas!

Rosé Prosecco

Rosé Prosecco , a category launched in November 2020, blends Pinot Noir with Glera to produce pink bubbles with subtle red fruit characteristics, perfect for summer sipping as well as pairing with food anytime of the year.

Best Prosecco under £20:

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If you know where to look there’s value to be found in every wine region, even the most famously expensive ones like Bordeaux and Burgundy. While it’s true that both these regions are better known for their premium offerings, you can still find value-for-money bottles and enjoy something truly special without breaking the bank.

Putting our money where pour mouth is we’ve pulled together a number of wines from across Bordeaux and Burgundy, all priced under £20 a bottle. There’s something for everyone here; red, white, rosé, sparkling and sweet, and as well as wines from basic appellations such as AOC Bourgogne there are a handful from better known areas including Chablis, Haut-Médoc and Sauternes.

Some of the best value wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy can be found via well known importers such as Corney & Barrow or The Wine Society, sold under their own labels. Supermarket own brand labels are also worth looking at, and there are a few of these in our selection too.

Best value Burgundy and Bordeaux, our top picks:

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With Christmas just around the corner, and delivery delays looming large, it’s time to think seriously about replenishing your cellar with all the wine you’ll need in the festive weeks to come.

The festive season might be the time to splurge and treat yourself to a more expensive bottle. But with so many, and such different, moments of celebration, you’ll want to have some safe good-value options to choose from as well. Save where you can so you can spend more on gifts and other treats!

With that in mind, we’ve selected 20 wines, all under £15 a bottle, that deliver all the festive satisfaction without breaking the bank. They might even become your new everyday drinking favourites and/or cellar staples in the New Year.

The selection below covers a wide selection of regions and styles, which will pair perfectly with the different festive meals, whether it’s turkey, duck, beef, vegetarian banquet or boxing day leftovers. Another advantage of going for multiple, good-value pours rather than a single flagship bottle is that you’ll be able to cater to a wider range of tastes and requirements.

Decanter Premium is the perfect last-minute gift for wine lovers!

Important things to know when picking a red wine for Christmas:

• Beware of tannins – Festive food tends to be quite intense, with multiple flavours, spices, and textures, as well with a significant amount of fat. Tannins bind with these compounds and if a wine is too tannic this will not be a pleasant feeling. So go for wines with medium, riper tannins instead. Or for wines that have lots of tannins but have mellowed through extended ageing. Keep the punchy reds for strong yet lean textures such as roast beef or braised tuna.
• If you’re looking for a wine for homemade mulled wine, choose a medium-bodied style that has fruit but also herbal flavours. These will make for a more enjoyable and complex drink. Think Merlot or Cabernet Franc, rather than Garnacha.
• Get the serving temperature of your red right – One of the most common mistakes when serving reds is to pour them too warm. This means actually need to be properly chilled down. Light to medium bodied reds should be at 12-16°C (54-61°F), while fuller bodied reds should be served at 15-18°C (59-65°F).
• Price doesn’t always matter – while it can be an indication of quality, it is sometimes (often!) also driven by availability, brand placement and market pressures. You can trust some of the wines below to deliver the same quality and satisfaction than other bottles found on shelves at £20+
• Trust your supplier – the best way to know whether you’re truly getting bang for your buck, as opposed to a low quality bargain, is to buy from trusted suppliers whose selections are careful and thoughtful, across price points. Our selection was also made with this in mind.

Red wine for Christmas under £15:

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As Christmas approaches we’re all looking for an offer on our wine shopping, and Waitrose’s Fine Wines at £10 promotion is a particularly tempting proposition, with 10 fine wines (plus one tawny Port) across different styles, marked down to just a tenner each. 

This represents a significant discount on the retail price for most of the wines featured – all of these wines will set you back at least £14.99 when not discounted, and the most expensive included in the offer (the Villa Antinori Rosso di Toscana) has a price-tag of £18.99, so a great saving if you’re on the lookout for a Tuscan red to go with your festive meat dishes.

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Classic styles

This Christmas promotion is all about the classics, with the line-up including customer favourites such as Chablis, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Provence Rosé, Rioja and Argentinian Malbec among the featured wines, as well as a sparkling wine and the tawny Port. 

It may seem like a rather conservative selection given the excitement elsewhere in Waitrose’s range – in its excellent Loved & Found discovery range, for example – but it’s the classic styles that are most in demand at this time of year so these are unsurprisingly the focus here. This is not a line-up that is going to broaden your horizons, but without a doubt these wines are great value at this price.

So what were the highlights of the range? Among the whites, the crisply mineral Broglia Gavi di Gavi from Piedmont is delicious, and would be a good match for fish or seafood dishes. And for red, we’d make a beeline for the Aussie Shiraz, The Hedonist, made from McLaren Vale fruit – a full-bodied and richly fruited wine that would be perfect in these freezing winter temperatures.

This year’s promotion runs while stocks last, until 1 January 2024, in most stores and online – at Waitrose.com and Waitrose Cellar. (The exception to this is the Chablis, which is available at the £10 price only until 13 December.) 

Waitrose’s 10 Fine Wines at £10

All wines tasted 21 November 2023. Prices shown here are the full retail prices, and do not reflect this special offer. Some wines might only be available in selected stores. Wines grouped by style and ordered by score, in descending order.

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Despite it being early summer, the British weather is dragging its feet. But at least there’s the annual English Wine Week to add some sparkles.

With numerous vineyard visits, specialist tastings, and special offers in restaurants and wine shops, this is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the fast-growing category and discover something you’ve never tried before. Here are some of the Decanter team’s favourites. All wines are above 90 points.

Our highlights

Our top English sparklings for this summer include the outstanding  Blanc de Blancs 2015 from Hattingley Valley, in addition to Roebuck Estates’s Classic Cuvée 2018 and Black Chalk’s new Blanc de Noirs ‘Inversion’ 2020, where the tell-tale English acidity meets complexity and longevity.

If you can stretch the budget a little further, the magnum edition of Grange Classic 2015 or the limited release of Ridgeview’s 2009 Blanc de Blancs will certainly impress any crowd.

Explore London’s four urban wineries via Vagabond’s Chardonnay 2022, Blackbook’s Nightjar Pinot Noir 2021, London Cru’s Blanc de Blancs 2020 and Renegade’s Kyra Sauvignon Blanc 2022.

In case you have never tried a Welsh wine before, Ancre Hill Estates’s NV Blanc de Noirs is a reliable choice. But if you are up to something truly unusual, opt for their Red Pet Nat NV.

Finally, don’t forget to ‘Entice‘ yourself with Hattingley Valley’s elegant sweet wine made using Bacchus.

*Stay tuned for the results of our very first English & Welsh still wines Panel Tasting in the August issue of Decanter magazine.

A growing industry

In 2022, 12.2 million bottles of wine were produced in Great Britain, a 130% increase from 2017, according to the most recent survey conducted by industry body WineGB.

Britain has 3,928ha of land under vine – excluding an estimated further 400ha planted in 2023 – and 943 vineyards and 209 wineries.

Chardonnay (1228ha), Pinot Noir (1,141ha) and Pinot Meunier (343) remain the favourites of wine growers in England and Wales, while cool-climate varieties such as Bacchus (298ha), Seyval Blanc (122ha) and Solaris (95ha) are increasingly valued for their ability to produce quality still wines.

Sparkling wines still account for 68% of Britain’s total wine production, with the majority (93%) made using the traditional method. The remaining 32% of production comprises a wide range of still wines, among which 62% are white and 21% are rosé.

Data from WineGB / Wine Standards

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Ahead of the celebration of its 150th anniversary in 2024, The Wine Society is geared up for a fabulous festive season, with a selection of classics and boundary-pushing styles at an unbeatable price/quality ratio.

Decanter’s Outstanding Wine Retailer of the Year 2023 has persevered in keeping prices stable, malgré tout, providing its members with much needed reassurance against the backdrop of inflation and rising alcohol duty. Time to stock up, before energy prices rise again in January, and let the merriment begin.

Pop that fizz

Much thanks to the tasting acumen and strategic savvy of buyer Sarah Knowles MW, the sparkling section remains strong, with quite a few classic festive bargains up for grabs. While there are plenty of deals covering the obvious appellations – especially the inevitable Champagne – it’s worth exploring the wider fizz selection, with jewels from other geographies offering great, intriguing alternatives. The Vouvray below, for example, with its savoury complexity and incredible persistence, is an absolute steal for less than £15.

White and red

Plunging temperatures might make you think mostly of warning reds but no celebration is complete without a comprehensive selection that includes whites and rosés as well. Serve them as an aperitif, alongside bubbles, or select richer styles for smart food pairings. Our round-up includes many food-friendly whites (and a delicious dark-hued pink from Tavel), perfect for the celebratory table and winter blues.

Looking to expand your wine horizons?

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Classics and mavericks

The Wine Society never fails to deliver a wide and interesting line up from go-to regions. This winter is no exception and one can easily select from an appealing range from Chianti, Rioja, Bordeaux and Burgundy, many of which will make for great, uncontentious gifts.

But while the retailer is known for consistently delivering on classics – notably though its comprehensive own-label range, strongly represented below, for which it has enlisted some top producers – the retailer has also become a champion of maverick and unexplored regions. All to the benefit of its members who can choose from an ever-more exciting selection of Eastern European, Austrian, Swiss, Greek, and overlooked French, Spanish and Portuguese appellations.

Some producers stand out and it’s good to see them gaining better footing in the UK market thanks to The Wine Society. Jurtschitsch (Kamptal, Austria), Kolonics (Somló, Hungary) and Thymioupoulos (Naoussa, Greece) are among the many names worth seeking out.

Fortified and sweet

Two other categories of compulsory exploration on the company’s website – ahead of the festive season and otherwise – are sweets and fortifieds. From outstanding sherries for less than a tenner to warming LBV Ports, by way of intriguing and luscious sticky pours, there really is someone for everyone. Again, it’s worth thinking ‘outside the box’ and seeking out alternatives to the go-to regions and/or producers. Or you might miss out on great-value jewels such as Sánchez Romate’s Fino and Oloroso.

There’s absolutely no excuse for a Christmas cheese served without a proper and interesting pairing.

Inside the box

TWS also has a great selection of curated cases (both wine-only and including food treats) and classy hampers. These will work either as ready-made party kits or thoughtful and stylish gifts. Reflecting the variety of its range there are cases for explorers (Adventurers’ Case, £62/6 bottles) and non-risk takers alike (Members’ Favourites, £94/12 bottles; Wine Champion Winners Reds Case, £55/6 bottles). If you feel like you can somewhat stretch the budget try The Ultimate Christmas Day Case (£156), with a selection of six fantastic bottles. There’s even a Gin and Tonic case, complete with dry olive slices for garnish and accompanying snacks.

The Wine Society: top buys this Winter

All wines tasted 28 September 2023. Prices do not reflect any special or multi-buy offers.
Prices are accurate at the time of writing

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Marks & Spencer wines: Top picks for autumn and winter

The post The Wine Society: Best buys this winter appeared first on Decanter.

You might assume that because Tesco is the UK’s largest supermarket, the wines will be commercial, uninspiring and mass-produced, aimed at the shopper who doesn’t really care what they’re drinking and simply makes a beeline for the latest offer. Happily that’s not the case. Although, like any supermarket, Tesco has its share of cheap and dull wines, its wine department is excellent at sourcing bottles across all styles that offer personality, interest and quality. And its purchasing power means that they are often keenly priced too – and that’s before any discounts for Tesco Clubcard holders or ‘25% off when you buy six bottles’ promotions.

Scroll down for scores and tasting notes of the best Tesco wines

The recent press tasting of the autumn/winter 2023 range confirms that the retailer continues to go from strength to strength in terms of its wine offering. The tasting showcased 150 wines: even that was only a snapshot of the total range, but it included a number of new vintages, and 18 wines that were completely new to the range, many perfect for drinking over the winter months. 

Tesco Finest own-labels

As usual, Tesco’s own-label Finest wines, made in partnership with a variety of respected producers and cooperatives, feature prominently in our recommendations. The retailer works hard to ensure that these expressions of classic styles are priced competitively and show good typicity, and they’re a great way to explore different regional styles from both Old and New World, at all price levels. Highlights in the current line-up include 2017 vintage Champagne (£30), the spicy, nutty Viña del Cura white Rioja (£10), the cranberry-scented Central Otago Pinot Noir (£14), perfect to accompany your Christmas turkey, and the robust Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe (£21), a Rhône classic at an affordable price. Tesco is in the process of unveiling new label designs for many of its Finest wines – many of  which are already available in store, with the remainder launching before next spring. 

Respected estates

There are many leading estates behind Tesco’s Finest – Baron de Ley, for instance, who makes the white Rioja name-checked above, and Symington Family Estates, renowned for its portfolio of famous Port names and the big name behind the delicious and great-value 2013 Finest Vintage Port (£22). But beyond the own-labels, Tesco’s range includes many more wines from well-respected producers, including Australia’s Penfolds (with its Father Grand Tawny fortified wine at £26), Pomerol’s Clos l’Eglise with its second wine Esprit de l’Eglise 2013, £25 (note the bottle age – a great one to crack open over the holidays), and California Rhône ranger Bonny Doon with its stunning, £17 white blend, Le Cigare Blanc (the red is also excellent). These are all estates with a good reputation, and worth seeking out.

Spectrum of styles

At this time of year more than any other, wine lovers are reaching for a wide variety of styles, from sparkling wine and Champagne, through dry whites, rosé and reds, to sweet and fortified wines. 

Let’s start with bubbly. The elegantly packaged Cava Segura Viudas is perfect for parties, affordable at £12 a bottle, but made using the Champagne method and displaying toasty, yellow apple fruit flavours. Or for something more upmarket, why not reach for the Louis Pommery English Sparkling wine (£28), to see what a Champagne producer can achieve on this side of the Channel? If sparkling rosé is more your preference, look to Provence producer Mirabeau for its rose-tinted La Folie fizz (£14).

Refreshing whites include the delicious, peachy and steely dry Riesling (£13) from leading German estate Schloss Vollrads, and Gérard Bertrand’s full-flavoured, lemony Picpoul de Pinet (£12.50) – the latter would work a treat with your Christmas seafood platter. Meanwhile Sauvignon Blanc fans are spoiled for choice: options include the Garuma Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (£11) from Chile’s Leyda, and two crackers from Marlborough, Cru’s classy Smith & Sheth Sauvignon Blanc (£18) and the more affordable Yealands Sauvignon Blanc (£10). For Chardonnay lovers – the Petit Chablis is great value at £16.50, made by the region’s leading and well-respected co-operative UVC. 

Before moving to reds, a mention for Domaine d’Arbousset’s Tavel Rosé (£12.50), a deeper shade of pink, a fuller style but still fresh, juicy and dry – perfect for the colder months. Among the reds recommended below, a good-value southern Rhône wine made by the same producer, Domaine d’Arbousset’s Lirac (£12). Whizzing over to the New World, Tesco has a very strong selection from Chile and Argentina, including two Chilean own-labels (Finest Carmenere at £9, and Finest Merlot at £8.50) and a new Malbec from the Uco Valley, Gran Mascota (£14).

Lastly, it’s the holidays, so a great excuse to indulge in some sweet wine, Sherry and Port. Why not try serving the Finest Sauternes (£13.50) as an aperitif, with chicken liver on toast, instead of with the dessert course? Or pick up a half-bottle of the treacly Finest Pedro Ximénez (£6.50), probably the sweetest wine you’ve ever tried, and just bursting with the flavours of Christmas.

Old favourites

The 30 wines below are a tiny selection from Tesco’s enormous wine range, curated so that shoppers scrolling through on their mobile phones in the wine aisle aren’t overwhelmed. Inevitably this means that some old favourites have to make way for new recommendations. No room to include a full recommendation below, but those wines still on the shelves and previously recommended by Decanter include Loire Cabernet Franc, Les Terrases, from the appellation of St Nicolas de Bourgeuil, which is full of lively berry fruit and a hint of pepper, and only 12.5% alcohol – perfect for those who prefer a lighter style of red. Still on red, I’d also pick out the Finest Trilogy Malbec (£13), made by Catena; and Howard Park’s Margaret River Cabernet (£12). And for parties, the great-value Bergerac red, Eglise Saint Jacques (£7). Lastly, on the sweet side, the Finest Dessert Semillon is made by respected Aussie producer De Bortoli and is a complete bargain at £6.75 for a half-bottle.

Top wine buys at Tesco:

The 30 recommendations that follow are mainly new wines and new vintages tasted by Natalie Earl and Amy Wislocki in October 2023 at Tesco’s Autumn/Winter 2023 press tasting in London, as well as a few wines tasted by the Decanter tastings team at the spring/summer press tasting that are still available. All bottle prices are correct at time of publication.

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The post Best Tesco wines: Top buys for this winter appeared first on Decanter.

These days Laithwaites wine portfolio almost exclusively operate within the £12 to £25 price range, comprising wines from producers around the world.

Below you’ll find some wine recommendations to enjoy with family and friends this winter.

Sustainability

In 2022, Laithwaites saw itself doubling down on sustainability, with the aim of halving its carbon footprint by 2030. It committed to increase the number of UK-bottled wines in its range to help cut down on CO2 emissions from shipping glass bottles – shipping in bulk in large ‘bags’ drastically reduces the weight of the same volume of wine.

Other examples of the company’s efforts to improve its sustainability credentials included the release of the second wine in its ‘W/O’ range, an organic Lucido (better known as Catarratto) from Sicily. Bottled in ‘wild’ (100% recycled) glass and corked without a plastic capsule, it featured a fully biodegradable label made using a single colour printing process on environmentally friendly pulp. Information on the wine is accessed via a QR code.

In September 2023, Direct Wines (owner of UK retail arms Laithwaites Wine and Averys) was announced as Decanter’s Green Champion, thanks to its ‘comprehensive’ action plan across many aspects of the business, from packaging to transport, training and biodiversity.

From strength to strength

Over the last few years, the range seems to have gone from strength to strength, and I’ve noticed a general uptick in quality. In 2023, it’s still easy to find over-oaked wines, but there is a far greater variety that not only covers the classics – such as Bernard Moreau’s Bourgogne Rouge – but also does a great job of introducing customers to weird, wonderful and off the beaten track wines. Two such examples I’ve recommended below are Tommasone’s Biancolella from the island of Ischia, and Kutjevo’s De Gotho Graševina from Croatia.

Most of the samples I tasted from the summer 2023 range were between £10 and £20, and there’s plenty to enjoy, but – a word of caution – quality is a lot more variable when you dip below £10.

Laithwaites wines are predominantly sold online and via wine clubs, but the retailer also has a smattering of stores around the south of the UK, including in London, Beaconsfield, Gloucester, Reading, Banbury and Windsor.

Best Laithwaites wine to try this winter

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The post Best Laithwaites wines to try this winter appeared first on Decanter.