Another round of Tesco promotions is currently under way – and runs through until 26 September – so here are some of its highlights, together with two recommendations from other retailers.
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A wine on everyone’s lips
Top marks among the whites go to a skilfully crafted version of a definite vin du moment – that appealing combination of acidity and pithy texture so typical of Spain’s albarino grape.
See how the vigorous lime and grapefruit acidity in 2015 Tesco Finest* Albarino (£7 until 26 September and 12.5%abv) is deftly tempered with quince and soft apple depth and hints of ripe, white peach.
An impressive red does overtime
It’s great to see extra time allowed for the price reduction on this delightfully crafted red I commended last time. To me, it remains the pick of the bunch despite the addition of a number of new wines in this promotion.
So, revel in the damson and cherry fruit, gentle tannins, fresh acidity and chocolate centred depth of 2015 Trivento Reserve Malbec (£6 instead of £8 until 26 September and 13.5%) with touches of all-spice and sage to provide a little bonus.
Everyday pinot noir – no, that is not a misprint!
Admittedly, the exceptionally light body of this Hungarian pinot noir means it will never win prizes as replica Burgundy – but it does offer several classic pinot characteristics and was a welcome part of the original promotion; even back at its list price, however, it is still brilliantly priced “everyday drinking”.
See for yourself how the floral and fresh 2015 i heart Pinot Noir (£4.90 – and 12%) embodies trademark raspberry, clove and chocolate touches – and supplements them nicely with red plum fruit and limited tannin but all parcelled up in an undeniably light texture.
Not just desserts
I know my repeated exhortations to sample more sweet wines sound like missionary work but those wines currently represent terrific fare and great value – and can work well as inexpensive, drink anytime wine with no need for food at all.
Take the ripe and floral 2013 Concha Y Toro Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc (£5 – instead of £7 until 26 September for a half bottle and 12%) which has honey and marmalade depth with touches of mango and pear yet keeps it all lively with a subtle but discernible acidic edge.
Good Buys Elsewhere
Argentina’s signature white
Although never as successful as malbec is with reds, torrontes is Argentina’s signature white and cuts quite a dash with its muscat style perfumed roundedness.
Enjoy, then, the soft and aromatic 2015 Villa Nueva Torrontes (£5.99 at Majestic and 12.5%) with ripe, white peach and red apple fruit counterbalanced by crisp grapefruit acidity.
Great cabernet at a great price
Few areas produce distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon as consistently as the red soil Coonawarra region of South Australia and this is a particularly good “when its gone its gone” example at anything approaching this price point.
Classic blackcurrant and mint elements mingle amiably with smooth cherry components in 2015 Coonwarra Axis Cabernet Sauvignon (£6.49 at Lidl and 14%) and these are nicely supplemented by firm tannin, shrewdly balanced acidity and hints of mocha, herbs and vanilla.
