I’m always trying to work out what the best way of writing up these kind of days. I’m painfully aware that it’s ridiculously hard when you’re struggling with info to walk into a wine aisle at the supermarket and pick up a bottle. So maybe recommendations help? So with that in mind I trundled off to the Sainsbury’s Winter Wine Tasting, tasted my way through knocking on 100 wines, and came up with my top 5 for you all. Nice of me, wasn’t it?
So in no particular order then…
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Sancerre @ £13
(White, France)
Really fresh tastes of apple, lemons, and grass, loads of bite from the minerality, and the taste lasts a decent time in the mouth. £13 might be a bit more than the everyday drinking bottle, but lots of value in each glass here!
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Marlborough Riesling @ £8
(White, New Zealand)
Crisp and fresh as you want form a Riesling with bags of refreshing acidity. Very balanced in the mouth, with floral, apple, and lime flavours. If you’re not yet into Riesling, then give this one a go as a great starter!
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Douro @ £8
(Red, Portugal)
For a heavy red, this has so much flavour! Rose, violets, blackberries, and blackcurrants. Douro reds are really punching with the heavyweights of European wine these days, and this is a superb example.
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Marques De Almeida Ribera Del Duero @ £8
(Red, Spain)
We’re in Spain now, so the Douro becomes the Duero. Green pepper and blackcurrant with sweet chocolate and liquorice in the finish. It’s pretty high alcohol compared to the rest, but there’s no burn, it’s an easy sipper.
Chapel Down Vintage Reserve Brut @ £22
(Sparkling White, England)
For the bubbles I’ve gone a bit off the TTD band wagon and gone for some English fizz. Sainsbury’s do some great value own label champagnes, for £20, but for £2 extra you’re getting a premium production English wine from one of the leading vineyards out there. If you’re looking for luxury bubbles, this is money well spent!
So if your closest supermarket is a Sainsbury’s then get down there and give these a try. See if you agree with me or not!
Cheers
Mike
