Five wines for the price of two this week.
Top Tips normally limits itself to two recommendations — keeping things concise and punchy — but a clutch of strong candidates from recent weeks deserve better than to be left on the shelf.
So, I have consolidated three of them into today’s Bonus Item.
All have been assessed and approved by me and are recommended without reservation.
Images and – where possible – hyperlinks should help you to find all these wines in crowded displays.
Starting with a red
Which wine should I buy? 2021 Irresistible Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Riserva.
Why should I buy it? Aged montepulciano is quite rare on UK shelves. However, even moderate maturity transforms the characteristics we know best — trading youthful boldness for rounded complexity that rewards the curious.
What does it taste like? Predictably, maturity has softened the tannin but, here, has also added cinnamon, cocoa, mocha and earthy hints. Nevertheless, montepulciano’s trademark fruity aromas, smoothness and medium-bodied bramble, damson and cherry flavours remain in full view.
Where, how much and what abv? £8.25 – down from £9.25 – until 12 May at the Co-op and 13.5% abv:
NB:- The website may not show the discounted price.
And switching to whites
Which wine should I buy? 2024 The Legends Fern Hills Sauvignon Blanc
Why should I buy it? This is another great result from Spar’s new Legends range — it is broader and more complex than many Marlborough rivals yet retains the region’s legendary zing. Pleasingly, it has lost none of its texture despite the lower alcohol level
What does it taste like? Apple, pink grapefruit and melon form the flavour core here, embellished by tangerine and lime acidity alongside traces of peach, gooseberry and grassiness. Its complex aromatic character, meanwhile, centres on orange-based fragrances.
Where, how much and what abv? £8.99 at Spar and 10.5%:
BONUS ITEM
First a rosé
2025 Domaine des Echardieres Rosé (£10.95 at The Wine Society and 12.5%):
Seventies Rosé d’Anjou did Loire rosé few favours — frequently, off-dry, thin-fruited and charmless.
However, producers in several parts of the region have transformed that picture over time.
This bone-dry, five-grape blend from Touraine underlines just how much better things are now.
Pale and delicate, with red fruit aromas, it brings us intricate raspberry, redcurrant and cherry flavours.
Support for that backbone comes in the shape of zesty citrus acidity and a pithy, long finish with mild concluding spiciness.
Next to the Southern Hemisphere
2023 Exceptional Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon (£7.50 at Asda and 14%):
Margaret River, in Western Australia, produces cabernet of an elegance that many feel is closer in spirit to fine Bordeaux than to the blockbuster styles often associated with Australia.
The ocean breezes that caress Margaret River vineyards slow the ripening season, preserving the fresh acidity and restrained power that traditional British palates instinctively appreciate.
Meanwhile, the area’s gravelly soils seem to help add a distinctive, satisfying mineral background.
Almost black and rounded, with dark fruit and violet aromas, this is full-bodied red wine with blackcurrant, cherry and bramble flavours.
Framing that foundation are lively acidity, modest tannin and hints of graphite, cedar, vanilla and baking spice.
Finally terrific red wine from a classic European region.
2020 Extra Special Marques del Norte Rioja Reserva (£9 at Asda also 14%):
Not many retailers offer a classic Rioja Reserva at £9 — and fewer still offer one as good as this classy example.
Rich, full and smooth, it is anchored by black cherry, mulberry and dark chocolate flavours.
These are orbited by firm but balanced tannin and touches of oakiness, vanilla, nutmeg and black pepper.
Drop by next Monday for more Top Tips for you to enjoy or, before then, take a more detailed look at wine through our sister site – https://midweekwinesguild.substack.com/ where the spotlight this week is on Chilean wines and eating and drinking in Spain.
12 responses
Not one, not two, but three bonus items this week . I hope ,Brian, you are getting overtime rates.
I find it helpful to follow winemakers that I know are competent, talented and reliable, like Jean-Claude Mas of the Languedoc or Duncan Savage in South Africa, for example and top wine buyers.
Clive Donaldson and his Asda buying team are presently on top form, and Philippa Carr – formerly of Asda- is now doing a sterling job at Spar.
Sarah Benson MW ,formerly of the Co-op ,is another wine buyer I rate highly. Now moved on to Alliance.
That Asda Margaret River Cab Sav is exceptional value , even at full price and although I am not a fan of one- note Marlborough Sav Blanc, your Spar Legends one has gone on my shopping list.
Some great name checks there, Paul, and I hope that sauvignon clears the hurdle containing your worries about one dimensional versions form Marlborough.
What’s wrong with off dry Rose? Perhaps a recommendation for this could come next eeej?
Richard …. Nothing at all provided there is sufficient acidity to create balance for the sweetness. The less than successful early examples I mentioned usually failed to do that. When the Loire secures that balance, there a few regions that can touch it. That applies, as well, to white wines with lovely examples now coming out of Vouvray.
Hi Brian
I must admit I like the sound of that Margaret River Cab, I’ve heard good things about, not tried it yet.
It’s been a while since I tasted the Marques Del Norte (have enjoyed it in the past) I remember when it first came out a few years ago and everybody wanted to try it, it caused quite a stir.
I’ll pick both up next trip, our local Asda is not very local though, about 5 miles away, so I don’t go there very often, I shall make a point of going soon.
I think that Reserva sustains those early quality levels you mention but, your view as a Spanish wine expert will be interesting.
Brian everybody should be aware that the 25% deal at Asda finishes today (Tesco as well)
Thanks for the heads up, Andy. It is hard to keep up with these “lighthouse” promotions (now you see it, now you don’t!). Do keep coming in to report on them when you notice them – other MidWeekers really appreciate it.
For lovers of the montepulciano like myself can I suggest a go at the morrisons best organic montepulciano 2024. £7.50. Good well rounded sipper. Look forward to trying the coop offer.
Keep up the good work
Welcome Neil and thank you for joining the Comments section. Not tried the Morrisons version this vintage so I am sure MidWeekers will appreciate the steer. Hope you find the difference aging has made to the Co-op one appeals.
Hi Brian The Margaret River cabernet was unfortunately not in my local Asda nor does the link work. Cheers Tim
That’s frustrating on both counts. Asda confirmed stocks are OK before the post went live but – obviously – individual stores will vary. Also the hyperlink was working fine in the pre-launch test at the weekend but as with most websites, it can be a constantly moving picture. Sorry you have been disappointed.