Two wines this week that – once again – prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to drink well.
The first is a French rosé that has quietly shed its questionable reputation from last century, and now genuinely delivers.
The second is a Portuguese red with a rich history and an even richer taste — and currently at a bargain price.
Both will certainly reward the effort of seeking them out, and neither will leave your wallet feeling the pinch.
As is normal here, pictures and hyperlinks are provided where possible to guide you straight to the right wine on shelf or web page.
Beginning with a rosé that shouts “Summer”.
Which wine should I buy? 2024 LeCheteau Rosé D’Anjou
Why should I buy it? Once notorious for cloying, charmless wines, Rosé d’Anjou has undergone a major revolution — more characterful grape varieties and skilled winemaking have turned this French appellation into a reliable source of quality rosé.
What is it like? Cherry aromas and a smooth, bright texture lead into red plum and strawberry ice cream flavours, backed by mild grapefruit acidity interlaced with threads of allspice and honey.
Where, how much and what abv? £9.79 at Tesco Market Place; 10.5% abv.
NB:- As a Market Place offering, this is an online item and may involve a delivery charge.
And now turning to the red
Which wine should I buy? 2023 Silk & Spice Red Blend
Why should I buy it? A toast to Portugal’s 16th-century explorers who opened the spice routes to the East, this accomplished blend harnesses five or six of the country’s native grape varieties to deliver something genuinely distinctive
What does it taste like? Dark fruit aromas and a smooth texture set the scene for ripe plum, cherry and chocolate flavours, rounded off by gentle tannin and the warming presence of vanilla and clove.
Where, how much and what abv? £8 (down from £12 until 23 June) at Waitrose; 13.5% abv.
Call in again on Monday when the spotlight again falls on Top Tips that offer especially good value at a store near you and keep up to date with the full MidWeek Wines content via our sister site’s link here – MidWeek Wines Guild.
6 responses
That Silk and Spice from Waitrose looks enticing.
I did spot Baron De Ley Gran Reserva Rioja in Waitrose ,down from £20 to £16 until same date and with a possible extra 5% off on any six bottles.Remarkable value for a top Rioja.
Hi Paul
For £8 that Silk and Spice is hard to beat, it’s been a repeat buy for me for a while now, top stuff!
Yes. It works nicely for me too!
Thanks for the heads up, Paul. As you say, good price from a good producer.
Hi Brian, I note how the “market place” concept is spreading. I think it was Amazon that started this? I notice that B&Q do this now, as well. Interesting to know whether the market place wines are stored, and delivered, by Tesco – or whether it is just an affiliate type link, and they just take a commission.
It’s the first one I have recommended via that route, so will be interested to know how well it works.