This week’s picks span two very different corners of the wine world, from a little-known Bulgarian grape to a dependable Spanish classic.
However, they both illustrate the same “Top Tip Point”; reliable quality does not need a hefty price tag.
One offers the chance to try something genuinely new with limited risk to your wallet.
The other is a perfect example of winemaking patience being rewarded – but could call for a little of your patience.
After getting a Rioja Reserva for a great price now, I would recommend tucking the wine away until the cooler autumn days begin.
Nevertheless, both wines will – now or in October – give you enjoyable glassfuls without undue expense.
As usual, images and hyperlinks are provided where possible.
Starting with that Bulgarian Discovery
Which wine should I buy? 2025 M&S Found Dimyat
Why should I buy it? A rare taste of Bulgaria’s winemaking heritage, this native grape is almost unknown outside its home country, making it a genuine discovery rather than another supermarket regular. At £8 it’s an easy, low-risk way to try something different without stretching the budget.
What does it taste like? Layers of peach, apple and pineapple mingle with melon and white currant flavours, while a streak of tangy lemon acidity and soft floral notes keep the delicate yet harmonious profile lively.
Where, how much and what abv? £8 at M&S and also in Ocado; 11.5% abv.
And on to the Spanish classic
Which wine should I buy? 2020 Baron Amarillo Rioja Reserva
Why should I buy it? Rioja’s red Reservas must age at least three years before release, and that extra maturity really pays off in this polished, well-rounded version. Getting that level of quality and complexity for around £6 is rare indeed.
What does it taste like? Deep purple and smooth, it delivers intense bramble, damson and cherry fruit, backed by firm tannin, gentle acidity and hints of cinnamon, bay leaf and oak.
Where, how much and what abv? £5.99 at Aldi – but £6.59 in Scotland under minimum unit pricing rules; 13.5% abv.
Drop by next Monday when a tasty Chilean sauvignon comes onto the agenda.
8 responses
I must try your M&S Found Bulgarian Dimyat,which by the way is the name of a panoramic hill just outside Stirling in Scotland!
The M&S Found range is very good and I have written a short review of Marks & Spencer, Found Palomino, Piekenierskloof, South Africa 2025 on our sister site which is an impressive dry farmed wine from 45 year old vines,which on discount is £9.
I have mixed my review in with a tale of Roy Rogers- the Singing Cowboy -and Trigger his faithful four legged friend in the Aldephi hotel in Liverpool.
I think you might enjoy M&S Found Ansonica – which will probably feature as a Top Tip next month
Hi Brian, 2020 Baron Amarillo Rioja Reserva Aldi, this has been the ‘house’ red for some time now, however recently I noticed another 2020 Baron Amarillo Rioja Reserva available with a different coloured label, think it’s about £2 more a bottle, any idea what the difference is, apart from the price!
TIA Andy Walmsley.
Good point Andy. I am checking this out with Aldi’s PR folk
Baron Amarillo annoys me rather, because of its obviously deliberate labelling similarity to Campo Viejo. Knockoff labels seem to be something of an Aldi speciality.
However the wine itself is perfectly OK. On balance I think I prefer Campo Viejo (which costs a bit more, unless on offer) but they are very similar in texture and flavour. Same vineyards even, do you think?
That Dimyat I must try! Not sure about the name, though .. “More Dimyat, vicar?”
Good to hear from you again, Jerry. Same vineyards is a difficult question to answer. Campo Viejo does have some vineyards but buys in quite a lot of grapes through contracted producers. Whether those producers also sell to other operations is an unknown.
The Dimyat is excellent! Peaches and white fruits, but a little bit of backbone in there too. Good value for the price. Thanks Brian!
Glad you liked it, Jerry. Really good to see these less well known grape varieties getting some deserved traction in the UK market.