Welcome to the latest Top Tips which, again, uses the new “four question” format.
Co-incidentally, today’s selections both tread the path towards lower alcohol.
Possibly that is appropriate for a month when abstinence comes centre stage – but, in this case, it should be “slightly moist January” perhaps.
I have included a Bonus Item however that weighs in with a more familiar 13%.
As the post explains, both main selections deftly avoid the (to me) problems that often beset lower alcohol wines.
So, open minds guys and give them a try.
As usual, pictures – and where it works – hyperlinks are provided to help you locate the wine in question.
Starting with a red
Which wine should I buy? 2023 Quinta De São Sebastião 1000 Paths
Why should I buy it? Exploiting lower alcohol’s duty related benefits can reduce a wine’s texture and depth but see how skilfully the Portuguese winemakers behind this 12% red blend have avoided that problem.
What does it taste like? Led by aromas of dark fruit and violets, it provides ripe loganberry and red cherry flavours within a soft, medium bodied, easy drinking texture accompanied by fresh acidity, muted tannin and an opening burst of slate-style savouriness.
Where, how much and what abv? £6.50 at the Co-op and 12% abv.
Moving on to the white
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Burra Brook Sauvignon Blanc
Why should I buy it? As already mentioned, lower alcohol wines can struggle when compared to “orthodox” versions, but this 10.5% Australian sauvignon stands comparison because of its typical refreshing crispness.
What does it taste like? Admittedly light in texture, it nevertheless features floral, but uncomplicated, apricot, gooseberry and apple flavours enlivened by grapefruit acidity, a supporting grassiness and herbal suggestions too.
Where, how much and what abv? £6 at M&S (also in Ocado) and 10.5% abv.
Bonus Item
Which one should I buy? 2024 Famille Perrin Le Triangle D’or Blanc Luberon.
Why should I buy it? Over five generations the Perrin family have built an enviable reputation as Rhone Valley winemakers. More recently, though, they have successfully embraced organic practices as well as championing lesser-known appellations like Luberon.
What does it taste like? Herbal in aroma and rounded in texture, it features zesty baked apple, peach and ripe pear flavours supported by good grapefruit acidity, a pithy edge and saline twist with additional traces of greengage.
Where, how much and what abv? From £10.50 in Majestic and 13% abv):
Call in again on Monday when the spotlight falls once more on Top Tips at a store near you that provide especially good value.
14 responses
Brian, the Luberon is very palatable: I recently tried it, being a fan of white Rhone style wines, and it is available from the Wine Society at £9.25.
Good to hear from you David on what I think is your first post here. I share your enjoyment of more savoury whites but not everyone is prepared to move away from wines that put fruit taste-alikes at the top of the agenda. At least there are two of us with like minds! This version has been down to £9 at Majestic but a price change seems imminent and it seemed prudent to quote the higher price – making any surprises pleasant ones.
My mind is open as a summer breeze and I have no problem with experimenting with lower alcohol wines, having enjoyed lower alcohol Rieslings for years.
I do however object to no-lo and very low alcohol drinks calling themselves wines.They are not wines,they are drinks!
Agree about Famille Perrin.I include them with wine makers like Jean-Claude Mas and Gerard Betrand ,who I know nine times out of ten will reliably come up with the goods.
Off to the Co-op to pick up your Portuguese recommendation and the wonderful Jean-Claude Mas Grenache white wine which I have reviewed on our sister site.
With you on two scores, Paul:
1. Treating Famille Perrin, J-C Mas and Gerard Betrand as “go-to” producers, and,
2. Seeing glorified fruit juice masquerading as wine.
Which begs the question – How do they get away with calling it a wine ?
I’m familiar with the first too but must try more Gerard Betrand wines. Can I ask which is the sister site Paul?
Hello there,Ian.
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The Food Programme on Radio 4, Fri 23 Jan, was all about non and low alcohol wine. A very interesting listen explaining how they strip out the alcohol, and flavour!
I’m off to the Co-op as well to pick up the ‘1000 Paths’ especially for £6.50 and Paul’s ‘Jean-Claude Mas Grenache white’.
I very rarely drink any non-alcoholic drinks, especially wine. If I’m not drinking (perish the thought) or driving, I stick to a soft drink or water. The only one I can drink, but it’s not wine, is a Guinness 0%, but they charge almost the same price as a regular pint, scandalous !!!
Did you see the notable data from Ocado towards the end of last year that 53% of all the Guinness they delivered across the UK was Guinness 0.0? Selling more 0.0 than the alcohol version!
The Co-op red looks just my style, will try to seek it out.
Haven’t found a low alcohol wine I’ve liked. Stopped trying them now, will wait until a reviewer alerts me to one they would recommend.
Happy with Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5% ale, and Waitrose own brand & Thatcher’s low alcohol ciders. In fact I usually order these, if available, when eating out, rather than the minefield of wine by the glass.
Was trying to get the highly rated Lidl 2024 Aglianico. Wasn’t in my local store. But found it this morning in a Felixstowe branch. It’s currently on offer, down from £8.99 to £7.99. Just realised that I drunk the 2023 last year, and thought it good value, but didn’t blow my socks off. So interested to try this vintage. Anyone tried the 2024?
I have tried the 2024 and I think your socks have no risk of propulsion. In fairness, it is sound, fruit centred, wine but without the power that I associate with the variety. Good value but Aglianico Lite.
Brian I’ve just had my first glass of the 1000 paths Portuguese red. Not only does it float my boat but upon examination of the label one of the 3 blends is alicante bouschet which happens to be one of my favourites so thank you for that.
It’s a shame that the variety is in decline almost everywhere these day but Portugal is keeping the flag flying proudly and illustrating – as here – the joys it can bring to the party. Glad this version works for you Andy.