Time for more Top Tips for you today – and they represent a varied selection.
There is an excellent and consistently good Spanish red that will work well with winter’s heartier mealtimes.
Then we have the prosecco covered in the headline – showing you that, with careful selection, kindly priced prosecco can shine.
Happily, that comes just in time for Valentine’s Day if the plan is for a modest celebration.
Indeed, Mr. Visa’s post-Christmas reckoning may ensure that the boat stays ashore, rather than being pushed out.
However, my Bonus Item does reveal some of the joys that await if you are able to stray occasionally into double digit prices – but has a cunning plan if not.
As ever, I have drunk, carefully considered and enjoyed all today’s choices and sincerely hope that you can enjoy them too.
The usual pictures and, where it makes sense, hyperlinks should help you track down the recommended bottles.
Starting with that Spanish red.
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Heredad del Rey Monastrell Syrah
Why should I buy it? Although the grape is probably better known by its French name – mourvèdre – monastrell is actually a native of Spain with Yecla (home to this example) one of its finest growing regions. With a little help from syrah, it demonstrates here the fruity richness of Yecla mourvedre.
What does it taste like? Bright with tobacco influences, it delivers smooth cherry, plum and bramble flavours accompanied by enlivening acidity and soft tannin along with suggestions of rosemary, thyme and cocoa.
Where, how much and what abv? £7.50 – down from £8.50 until 3 March – at Waitrose and 12.5% abv
And then going all bubbly
Which wine should I buy? Sorso Prosecco Spumante
Why should I buy it? Expansion of the prosecco production area about 15 years ago, sadly, brought a number of bland, one dimensional versions into wine aisles. This one – at a great price – is a notable exception, created by the acclaimed winemakers of the Zonin operation (owners of Italy’s largest Glera vineyards in Italy).
What does it taste like? Clean and floral it has restrained, apple, melon and pear flavours in a soft, cream soda texture with laid-back bubbles, but supported by firm citrus acidity.
Where, how much and what abv? £6.50 at Morrisons and 10.5% abv
BONUS ITEM
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Yealands Reserve Pinot Gris
Why should I buy it? With pinot grigio stealing so many headlines, take a look at the variety’s rather more serious alter ego – usually labelled as “gris”. New Zealand handles the grape well as this version testifies. Yes, I know it is a little more money but, if necessary, simply bookmark it for promotions or “buy six” discounts.
What does it taste like? Textured quince, white peach and ripe melon flavours are the foundation here and these are partnered by fresh aromas, mild tangerine acidity and a trace of honey – yet with a concluding mineral edge too.
Where, how much and what abv? £12.50 at Tesco and 13%.
Let’s make a date to meet again next Monday for more Top Tips. But, before then, visit our sister site (midweekwinesguild.substack.com). There, wine for February 14 gets a more detailed look (on Thursday) with the delayed piece on Hosting a Tasting on Saturday . That was pushed back a week to allow for my cameo appearance about the Lidl Wine Tour last Saturday.
12 responses
Hi Brian, Glad you’ve highlighted that Spanish Red, I’m a big fan of Monastrell and dear to my heart as it’s from the area my Mum was born in. That particular Monastrell I’ve bought many times, it’s a big, robust smokey red, although it’s relatively low on abv, tastes like it should be more, also plays a part in the GSM blend.
Agreed. It has stood the test of time well.
Hi Brian,
That Morrisons Sorso prosecco has long been my go to party fizz.Smart bottle.The younger members of the Davies clan like it in aperol spritz.
Interesting that New Zealanders seem to export their Savignon blanc,but drink Pinot Gris?
Good shout, Paul, with that aperol spritz point; I would not have considered that – but then I am no longer a younger member of any clan!
Morning Brian,
I like the sound of the Spanish red.
If your readers are in Morrisons, I would recommend the “Morrisons The Best Organic Montepulciano D’Abruzzo” which is part of their great value Valentines Meal Deal. This is the 2024 vintage, which I haven’t opened yet, but the 2022 that I got with the 2025 Meal Deal, was excellent. The 2024 I would think could be kept for a year or more, if necessary.
Also in (the larger Ipswich) Morrisons last week, were quite a few examples of their Block Series wines – heavily discounted, and the 25% off 6 offer applied on top. Silly money for classy wines. My colleague Paul was particularly attracted to the “The Best Block Series 007 Mclaren Vale Garnacha-Mencia”, reduced from £13 to £9, then another 25% off. But I think it more appealed to his Secret Agent aspirations!
The Block series has been really good and I hope that the discounting you mention is not a sign that Morrisons are finding the project less than successful at the tills.
This is very weird. I was in Morrisons yesterday and very nearly bought the Sorso just on the look of the bottle but decided to wait for your suggestions, looks like another trip is on the cards!
Clearly you are ahead of your time Brenda! I hope that you enjoy the prosecco when you catch up with it.
Brian here follows some heads up on the Morrisons deals. Firstly the Prosecco you have recommended has been reduced from £6.50 to £5. However everyone needs to note that the minimum spend to get the 25% off six bottles is £6.50. Secondly I purchased 6 bottles from the Block and Best range today all at decent discounts with the more card and subsequent 25% off discounts. One of these bottles was from the Valentines Meal Deal . It was the Best Organic Montepulciano D Abruzzo which has already been highlighted by others. For some reason the 25% discount was not taken off as this wine came up as a different price to that on the aisle. All the wines were refunded and the Montepulciano was replaced with another red. Unfortunately when the 6 bottles were repurchased the 25% discount still didn’t come off. I had the opposite experience a few months ago whereby the 25% discount off 6 bottles was applied but the more card discounts were not. I apologise for the length of these comments but you all need to double check your receipts please.
Really helpful advice Andy that underlines the need to check things as they go through the check out. Thank you
Brian what a star you are. The prosecco from Morrison’s at £5 is an absolute steal and one of the nicest I’ve had. Thanks for kicking my Valentine’s night off in the right direction.
Thank you Andrew – yes that prosecco is a stand out among the less expensive options, and that promotion provides “gilt on the gingerbread”. I hope the rest of the Valentine evening went with equal fizz.