Best budget wines to put in your basket right now
With costs rising, it’s ever more important to get value for money when you shop. Drinks editor Susy Atkins has found a range of wines that punch well above their price tag, plus an elegant pink fizz to make any occasion feel special.
Vinalba Finca La 70 Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Patagonia, Argentina 14%
From relatively cool climate vineyards, a blend that impresses with its gorgeous red cherry fruit and rich seam of dark chocolate and wood spice from barrel ageing. It demands red meat – roast lamb or a rare steak. Available from Co-op (£9).
Pavillon La Tourelle Bordeaux Supérieur 2019, France 13.5%
It’s rare to find decent red bordeaux at this price, but this oak-aged blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon has a heart of cassis and red plums, a sprinkle of spice and enough structure for burgers (try our new venison burgers) or meatballs. Available from Majestic (£8.99, or £6.99 as part of a mixed six).
Morrisons Pinot Noir 2021, Central Valley, Chile 12%
Soft, ripe and with an inviting aroma of gently cooked blackberries, here’s an easy-going pinot for under a fiver. A decent party red – or open for veg-based coconut curries or spicy dal. Available from Morrisons (£4.79).
Waitrose Loved & Found Albarossa 2020, Piedmont, Italy 13%
Proving you don’t have to stick to big brands or obvious styles to find a bargain, here’s an unusual grape delivering a robust red with forest fruit and a peppery twist to match with hearty meat casseroles and braises. Available from Waitrose (£7.99).
Porcupine Ridge Chardonnay 2022, Western Cape, South Africa 13%
Punching way above its price point, a well-crafted Cape chardonnay with butterscotch and vanilla hints, plus plenty of juicy pineapple and fresh citrus peel. A joy with roast chicken or baked salmon steaks with a squeeze of lemon. Available from Tesco (£7.50).
EH Booth & Co Fiano 2021, Sicily, Italy 12.5%
A bright, sunny white, bursting with melon and lime and dashed with orange blossom water – spot on for welcoming in slightly lighter evenings as we look forward to spring. Best match: creamy pasta sauces. Available from Booths (£7).
Étoile de Timberlay Crémant de Bordeaux Rosé Brut NV, France 12%
Dry and delicate pink fizz with fresh strawberry and raspberry ripple flavours, buoyed by masses of teeny- tiny bubbles. Chill and pop open as an elegant aperitif (it’s fab with sushi, too). Available from Marks & Spencer (£10).
Paul Mas Auromon Chardonnay 2021, Limoux, France 13.5%
Well-balanced chardonnay, ripe but youthfully fresh, with a rounded texture and dab of butter. Just the partner for the wonderful salmon with bacon, sweetcorn and crushed potatoes. Available from Waitrose (£9.99).