November 2nd 2024.
Have you ever found yourself perusing the wine aisle at Sainsbury's and stumbling upon some hidden gems? It's no secret that supermarket own-label wines often come with a stigma attached to them. I mean, who hasn't heard someone say they would rather stick fishhooks in their eyes than bring a bottle of Sainsbury's Taste the Difference or any other branded supermarket wine to a gathering? But behind closed doors, it's a different story. People have no problem enjoying these wines in the comfort of their own home.
So, what's the deal with this double standard? Well, it all boils down to the fear of being judged. Let's face it, buying wine is a deeply psychological process. It says a lot about who we are as a person, our social standing, and even our self-worth. The bottle we choose to bring to a party is a representation of ourselves, and the thought of being seen as a skinflint or someone who doesn't know much about wine is enough to make anyone cringe. It's like showing up to a gathering naked and asking for a scorecard.
But here's the thing, supermarket own-label wines are no joke. In fact, they are often made by some of the world's top producers, just with a more affordable price tag. Big-name winemakers are lining up to make wines for supermarkets because it gives them a chance to get their higher-end wines listed, more bargaining power, and the opportunity to sell a large volume of wine. Trust me, I've been in those meetings.
Sainsbury's is actually a pioneer in the own-label wine game, having released their first range in the 1960s. And they are not the only ones. M&S followed suit in the 70s, and today, these ranges offer incredible value for money and introduce us to new and exciting grapes we may not have tried otherwise. What's more, the supermarket buyers work closely with the producers to create blends that will suit their customers' tastes. So even if two supermarkets use the same producer, their wines will taste different.
So, let's debunk the myth that buying a supermarket own-label wine makes you a tightwad. In fact, it's a smart choice, and you should feel proud of it. And no, I was not paid to say that.
Now, let's get to the good stuff. Here are the Sainsbury's Taste the Difference wines you need to try this autumn, including one that's considered the "best-kept secret" in the wine world.
First up, we have the Crémant d'Alsace from France, priced at £11.50. This sparkling wine is made by a star producer, Daniel Gerold from Cave de Turkheim. He is just one of the many top producers in Alsace, and this wine is made using the same method as Champagne, but without the hefty price tag. It's a dry fizz with notes of lime zest, hawthorn, pear, and honey.
Next, we have the Taste the Difference Champagne Brut, priced at £22. This champagne has won a silver medal at the International Wine Challenge, and yet it's only £22. Made by Champagne Louis Kremer, this unique blend is dominated by Pinot Meunier, followed by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It's a juicy, dry, and slightly salty fizz with hints of green apple and fennel.
Moving on to white wines, we have the Taste the Difference Jurançon Sec from France, priced at £9. This mouth-tingling wine is perfect for pairing with battered foods, thanks to its yuzu sherbet zip-factor and low sugar content. And if you're a fan of Pinot Gris, you have to try the Taste the Difference New Zealand Pinot Gris, priced at £10.50. This award-winning wine is made by Nat Cristensen, White Winemaker of the Year 2023, and Chief Winemaker at Yealands, a sustainable winery in Marlborough. It's a zesty wine with notes of pear and lemon.
Let's not forget about rosé. The Ile de Bauté Rosé from Corsica, priced at £10, is considered one of the wine world's best-kept secrets. This lip-smacking dry wine is perfect for enjoying on a sunny day, with its notes of apricot, cherry blossom, and orange water.
Moving on to red wines, we have the Discovery Collection Castelão from Portugal, priced at £8. This wine is part of Sainsbury's Discovery range, which features unique and high-quality wines. This particular wine is made from a grape commonly used in blends but is allowed to shine on its own. It's a juicy wine with notes of cherry, plum, and white pepper. And if you're in the mood for a bold and rich red, try the Barbera d'Asti from Italy, priced at £8.75. It's made by Claudio Manera, the head of Piemonte's most modern and forward-thinking wine cooperative, and offers notes of cherry, Italian sausage, and a refreshing finish. Finally, we have the St-Emilion from France, priced at £14. This Merlot-dominated wine is a silver award winner and offers notes of eucalyptus, plum, damson, and mocha tannins.
So, there you have it, some of the best wines from Sainsbury's Taste the Difference range. Remember, don't be afraid to try supermarket own-label wines, because you might just discover your new favorite bottle. And no, I'm not being sponsored to say that. Cheers!
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