October 19th 2024.
Hey there! As Metro's drinks editor, I wanted to share with you all the top wine picks from Tesco that you should definitely have on your radar. Believe me, it's been a crazy time in the wine industry, with September and October being jam-packed with tastings, events, and launches. But amidst all the chaos, I've managed to attend various wine tastings in London and hand-pick the best wines to look out for. You're welcome!
I must say, the quality and value of wines on our shelves have never been better, regardless of the price range. It's clear that retailers have put a lot of thought and effort into selecting these bottles, and it's no surprise why. With the decline in wine consumption per capita over the years, it's evident that customers are now opting for quality over quantity.
According to the IWSR, the UK has been drinking 14% less wine since 2000, with a spike during the lockdown period. And it's not just us, as countries like the US, France, and China have also seen a decrease in wine consumption. However, one category that has been thriving is sparkling wine, with Prosecco, Champagne, Crémant, and Cava showing incredible growth. Just take a look at Waitrose, who recently announced a 3.5% increase in value for their fizz sales. Impressive, right?
Oh, and here's a pro tip: now is the perfect time to stock up on wine. Why, you ask? Well, starting from February 1st, 2025, the duty on wine is set to increase by a whopping 42p per bottle. That's a significant increase, especially for the 80% of the UK market that drinks 14.5% bottles of wine. Come on, Keir, the current £2.67 duty on wine is already steep enough.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to the top 10 best value for money wines from Tesco. Let's get started!
Sparkling wines are always a crowd-pleaser, and this De Chanceny Crémant de Loire Brut NV from France is no exception. Made in the same method as Champagne, this Crémant is a delicious alternative with a blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. It's dry, full-bodied, and has notes of frangipane and honeyed yellow apples. Trust me; you won't be disappointed.
Next up, we have an English sparkling wine from the Tesco Finest range. Now, I know what you're thinking – English sparkling wines can be quite pricey. But this one, priced at just over £20, is a steal. Made by the renowned producer Balfour in Kent, this wine boasts a rich and citrussy flavor with a refreshing finish. Perfect for any celebration.
And now, for the real deal – vintage Champagne at an unbelievable price of £30. Yes, you heard that right. This Tesco Finest Vintage Champagne Brut 2017 is usually priced at over £100 due to the strict regulations on vintage Champagne production. However, this bottle, made by a wine co-op of 2,000 members, offers great value for money without compromising on quality.
Moving on to white wines, we have the Marques de Los Zancos Rioja Blanco from Spain, priced at just £6. Finding a decent white wine in this price range can be quite a challenge, but this one hits all the right notes. It's zesty, mineral, and citrussy, making it the perfect budget-friendly option.
If you're a fan of Riesling, then this Tesco Finest Mosel Steep Slopes Riesling from Germany is a must-try. Made by a union of 68 winegrowing families in the Mosel region, this wine is packed with peach, honey, and zesty flavors. Plus, the Mosel is known for producing some of the best Rieslings in the world, so you know you're in for a treat.
Now, here's a wine that might be unfamiliar to you – the Tesco Finest Floreal from France. It's made from a recent hybrid grape called Floreal, which is engineered to be disease resistant. This is a great step forward in reducing the carbon footprint of wine production. And the best part? It tastes fantastic! With flavors of peach, pear, and a rich texture, this wine will surely surprise you.
We can't talk about white wines without mentioning the Tesco Finest Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Blanc from France, priced at just £9. Considering that the Rhône Valley is known for its red wines, it's impressive to see a white wine made from old-vine grapes at such an affordable price. And trust me; this wine is worth every penny with its intense flavors and great value for money.
Now, let's move on to red wines. First up, we have the Seta Nera Merlot 2022 from Italy, priced at just £5.50. This wine may not be a game-changer, but it's definitely a crowd-pleaser. Made by a cooperative of 3,000 members in Abruzzo, this Merlot is hand-harvested and aged for 12 months, giving it a juicy and plumtastic flavor. Perfect for any social gathering.
Next, we have the Shallow Bay Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa, priced at £6.75. This wine checks all the boxes – value for money, soft tannins, and juiciness. Produced by Boland Winery in the Paarl Valley, this wine has been ranked as one of the top 100 wine producers in the world. Need I say more?
Last but not least, we have the Trapiche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina, priced at £8.25. If you're a fan of Malbec, then you'll love this wine. Made by the number one Malbec producers worldwide, this wine is bursting with flavors of spice, plums, and damsons. And the best part? You'll still have change from a tenner.
So there you have it – the top 10 value for money wines from Tesco. Trust me; you won't regret trying any of these gems. And if you have a story to share about your wine experience, feel free to reach out to us. Cheers!
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
