It seems almost automatic that wine bargains must come gift-wrapped in a promotional sticker.
However, this week’s recommendations need no such assistance — both earn their place on merit alone.
Nevertheless, they still come in at prices that won’t trouble most household budgets.
The first is a South African white crafted by one of its variety’s most celebrated names.
Its partner is a characterful French red from an unfairly overlooked grape.
Pictures and, where helpful, hyperlinks should help you find them.
So let’s start with that South African white.
Which wine should I buy? 2025 M&S Classics Chenin Blanc
Why should I buy it? Ken Forrester is known as ‘Mr Chenin’ for his work championing this important South African white grape. Working with M&S for over 15 years, Ken brings his Stellenbosch expertise to bear on this reliable and well priced result — a fine advertisement for the variety.
What does it taste like? With a creamy texture and fresh orchard scents, this white wine centres on cooked apple and pineapple flavours, lifted by high octane acidity and rounded out with secondary notes of pear, grapefruit zest, marmalade and spice.
Where, how much and what abv? £9 at M&S stores and also available through Ocado: 12% abv
And switching to the red.
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Alain Grignon ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Carignan
Why should I buy it? Carignan is an often-underestimated grape, but “vieilles vignes” (old vines) can transform it. Mature plants crop less generously but concentrate what remains into greater intensity and depth, and this Majestic example illustrates that handsomely — and at a fair price.
What does it taste like? Dark and aromatic, this smooth, stylish red has red plum and loganberry at its core, enriched by chocolate, vanilla and baking spice elements supported by lively acidity and well-judged tannin.
Where, how much and what abv? From £8.50 at Majestic: 12.5% abv
Tune in again net Monday for more Top Tips – but not forgetting the latest of their wide-ranging features on the Guild website on Thursday and Saturday. While there, do read Paul Davies’s excellent piece on the wines of Chile.
6 responses
Morning Brian,
Two top recommendations today-thanks.
I do think that the M&S Classic range is overshadowed by the snazzier -very good- Found range.But there are classic gems to be found-see what I did there- and your Chenin Blanc and I suggest the Number 2 German Riesling £10 is another of them.
And of course there is a “permanent “ M&S discount of 10% on four or more bottles.
I do like the tale of a SA winemaker being asked what he thought of “ old vines”. He said “ Old vines are like old people, not all of them are nice!”.
No such problems with your AG Old vines Carignan.
Yes, Paul, the Classics pinot grigio and cabernet sauvignon are also both worth a look. Need to be a bit careful with the “old people” assessment – it’s getting a bit too close for comfort.
Hi Brian , I really like that AG Carignan, for the price it’s hard to beat, and if anybody hasn’t tried Carignan it’s a good introduction.
When our son got married we were allowed to source are own wines for the wedding breakfast, and we chose this particular bottle as the red of choice. This was before Brexit so we got ours from Majestic in Calais for a silly price, as well as all the fizz and whites, and better still the wedding venue didn’t charge corkage, result for us, (don’t think you will find that now!).
They also do a Reserve and a Grand reserve, both very good but I still buy the entry one, especially for £8.50, lovely wine
Yes; it’s a classic story – brilliant producer working with an underrated grape variety in a region famed for its good value.
I’ve tried the AG Carignan wines, and like Dave whilst appreciating the extra weight of the more expensive bottling, I prefer the base one. Sometimes a lower alcohol, straight forward wine just hit the spot!
Agreed. That specification fits everyday wine (and all it brings) perfectly.