Thrifty Shoppers Should Sip These Tips

Today’s recommended white is an enjoyably tasty part of the Co-op’s long-standing support for the Fairtrade movement.

Consequently, it should satisfy taste buds and consciences alike.

Its companion is part of a revamp of Lidl’s De Luxe brand to include 17 wines many of which previously formed part of their Winemaker’s Selection range.

Today’s impressive Australian red is one of the wines in that updated De Luxe range.  

It reminds me of the late Peter Lehmann’s contention “When God created shiraz, he had the Barossa in mind”. 

I hope it ticks boxes for you too.

Also this time, is a look at a well established brand which is currently being featured in television advertising.

That seem a good enough reason (excuse?) to take a personal look at two red wines within its range.

As is normal here, pictures and hyperlinks are provided where possible to guide you straight to the right wine on shelf or web page.

So, first to South Africa.

2022 Irresistible Fairtrade Sauvignon Blanc (£5.75 – instead of £6.75 until 4 April – at the Co-op and 12.5% abv):

Fairtrade Fortnight may be over, but Fairtrade wines keep on giving, as this South African white illustrates.

Rounded and enjoyably lingering, it is centred around clean tasting and fresh melon and apple flavours.

Enlivening lemon acidity is added to the mix, as are subsidiary suggestions of mint and a subtle grassiness.

Note:- The price may vary slightly between their website and the various stores under the Co-op umbrella.

Then across the Indian Ocean

2021 Deluxe Barossa Valley Shiraz (£6.99 at Lidl and 14%):

Consistent with the thinking of Peter Lehmann mentioned in the introduction, Lidl have gone to South Australia’s Barossa Valley for a shiraz to form part of their Deluxe range.

And the result fully justifies that decision.

Full and textured, it delivers slightly tarry, plum, loganberry and olive flavours coupled with good acidity.

Modest tannin and hints of minerality, aniseed, sage and liquorice also come into play.

Have you met Pedro Pascal?

Some of you may have seen the exploits of Pedro Pascal in his TV adverts for Casillero del Diablo that currently air on Now TV and Sky Atlantic.

His latest series is called The Last of Us.

Given that topicality, I am featuring today an extra item that takes an independent look at two wines from the range.

One of them has been reduced in price in the run-up to Easter.

First, though, the one we all know

2021 Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon (currently £6.50 – instead of £7.50 – at Morrisons, Asda, Ocado and others and 13.5%):

For me, the basic Diablo cabernet seemed to lose its edge recently but this 2021 is right back on form.

It nicely fills that “introductory” slot for the variety with clear but gentle nods towards its key characteristics without the extra depth of the “Reserva”.

Soft with a long finish, this brings us ripe damson and cassis flavours with modest tannin but firm acidity.

Supplementary constituents include liquorice, anise, toffee influences and just a hint of sweetness.

And its bigger brother

2020 Casillero del Diablo Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon (£7.50.– instead of £9 until 11 April – at Sainsbury’s and also 13.5%)

Although “reserva” has no official standing in Chile, it usually signifies a version that sits a little above basic, entry point, wines.

This example builds on the long-established winemaking tradition of the Maule Valley which is the most southerly part of Chile’s Central Valley and a (relatively) wet region.

Full with attractive mineral touches, the wine has bold blackcurrant and plum flavours coupled with good acidity but little tannin.

Completing the line-up come mint, clove, vanilla and chocolate components.

After today’s focus on the less expensive end of the wine world, take a step up to my Friday treats and Sunday Best selections when I report back on you on Thursday.