A couple of slightly “left field” recommendations for you today.
The red is a great value pinot noir that seems to adopt a classic format – which is not to so common among inexpensive New World pinots.
Its partner puts a Chilean accent on two, typically Rhône, white wine grapes and is hugely successful in doing so.
As whites from Rhône varieties are usually savoury in nature, they can match even challenging foods well – and this guy will also do that job well.
Both are currently on offer (but only for a couple of days more in one case) so this is a good time to experiment.
As usual, pictures and – where helpful – hyper-links, accompany the commendations.
First, that pinot noir
Which wine should I buy? 2024 The Interlude Pinot Noir
Why should I buy it? Pretty obviously, this South Eastern Australia offering will never rival costly Burgundy superstars but it does have a traditional feel. Many inexpensive pinots seem to push the fruit forward line, which this avoids – but without any loss of attractiveness.
What does it taste like? Pale with soft fruit aromas, it features raspberry, red cherry and redcurrant flavours balanced by orange-based acidity and little tannin, but with hints of violet, allspice and cola.
Where, how much and what abv? (£7 – down from £8.65 until 17 February- at the Co-op and 11% abv):
NOTE:- The retailer’s website may not reflect the current promotion.
Stepping up to the Chilean white
Which wine should I buy? 2024Luis Felipe Edwards Roussanne Marsanne
Why should I buy it? White grapes usually associated with France’s Rhône Valley (such as Marsanne and Roussanne) remain experimental options in Chile, but LFE is on a winner with this. It is also an excellent food wine although – admittedly – at the top edge of Top Tip’s customary price band.
What does it taste like? Bright yellow in colour, it opens with heady aromas of ripe peach and pineapple that lead into a rich and spicy foundation with a slightly floral backdrop – although those peach and pineapple elements retain centre stage among the flavours.
Where, how much and what abv? (£9 – down from £10 until 23 February with a Tesco Clubcard and 13% abv):
See you next Monday, then, with an Italian red and a Spanish rosé. Meanwhile do drop into our sister site (midweekwinesguild.substack.com) who will have great wine suggestions on Thursday and Saturday.
4 responses
Is there such a thing as a Winter White wine?
Your excellent LFE Roussanne Marsanne makes for a sound choice.
Tanners have a ‘Wines in the Press Winter 2026 – Mixed Half Dozen’ at £79.The first lot sold out overnight,but back in stock now.
Two whites are included La Cabane Reserve, a Marsanne and Viognier blend,which went down a storm in my local club tasting event- see joint article with Dave Cronin on our sister site.
The second was an outstanding Wente Morning Fog Californian Chardonnay which you brought to my attention some time ago.
Both wines are very welcome in this endless grey sleet!
Yes, it is good to see those white Rhone blends going on their travels – albeit only next door to Languedoc for the La Cabane. That Foggy chardonnay is another that keeps on giving.
Gold star to you and Dave for the Tasting event piece over on the MidWeek Wines Guild sister site. Great choices of bottles in a setting that plays straight to wine’s time honoured strength as a “brilliant social lubricant”.
In case you are wondering where South Eastern Australia is, it only exists in the wine trade, and means that the grapes or juice have been sourced from anywhere in SA, VIC or NSW. Most Australian wine comes from a single holding, or at worst, wine area (e.g. Barossa Valley). It does not of course mean the wine is bad, but knowing the provenance of the grapes is always better.
Yes it is indeed a “catch almost all” designation created to satisfy EU requirements for geographic areas of origin to be shown on products sold there. While – as you say David – tightly defined wine areas are good, some benefits do spring from this designation. Economies of scale mean prices tend to be lower, the flexibility it allows makes consistency between years easier to maintain and it shifts the focus onto the variety – which can make things easier for consumers.