Two Great Value £8 Wines to Relish.

A couple of wines today that are obviously different to one another (style, colour and even hemisphere) but united in being well worth investigating.

Both, incidentally, buck the current trend and involve at least 13% alcohol.

I open, however, with the extended background information many of you have requested but conclude with an abridged version of the previous “four question format”.

The latter will provide a summary for everyone but also act as a “cut to the chase” first stop for those whose pace of life makes them (however reluctantly) into “grab and go” shoppers.

First up, a Tuscan red

2024 Costellore Chianti Governo (£7.99 at Aldi and 13.5% abv):

Black cherry, prune and raspberry components give this red wine a real depth of colour and aroma but sets it in a smooth and rich framework, rather than a robust and tannin-heavy one.

Underneath, though, is where it starts to get especially interesting with bright and lively acidity and a very carefully controlled grip of tannin.

Complexity does not end there because mild savoury notes of mocha, pepper and thyme keep things varied in a wine that never feels too heavy or sturdy.

Governo production techniques are over 500 years old but, nevertheless, still have a story to tell.

In essence, dried grapes are added to young wines once fermentation is complete – or stalls – to re-start fermentation.

This pushes up alcohol slightly, rounds out tannins and deepens the colour.

It is not the same as appassimento (where dried grapes are involved from the outset) or ripasso – where, instead of adding dried grapes, previously used (usually amarone) skins are used to re-ferment the finished wine.

Then to a nicely configured white

2023 Tiki Ridge Chardonnay Reserve (£8 – down from £11 until 19 August at Waitrose and 13% abv):

Although white peach flavours sit at the centre of this wine, it is the texture around it that first catches your attention – gentle creaminess and a touch of butter, without ever tipping into heavy oak.

It follows the important (to me) rule that oak should be a condiment not an ingredient.

Cashew and citrus elements add further layers, with the latter lending a freshness to keep the whole thing balanced rather than overly rich.

It is from Gisborne on New Zealand’s North Island – an area that was once the country’s leading wine region before Marlborough gained its current traction.

This example confirms that the region still has an important part to play.

Gisborne markets itself as one of the country’s sunniest regions and one of the first places in the world to greet each new day. One can imagine that this wine’s ripeness and freshness add weight to those claims.

BUSY SHOPPER SUMMARY

Which wine should I buy?  2024 Costellore Chianti Governo

Where, how much and what abv? £7.99 at Aldi and 13.5% abv:

What does it taste like?  Rich prune and black cherry flavours but controlled tannin.

Why is it a smart buy?  It uses an ancient process that smooths tannin, deepens colours and boosts flavours.

—————————————————————–

Which wine should I buy?  2023 Tiki Ridge Chardonnay Reserve

Where, how much and what abv? (£8 – down from £11 until 19 August at Waitrose and 13% abv):

What does it taste like?  Attractive white peach flavours in a gentle creamy texture.

Why is it a smart buy?  It has just the right use of oak and shows why New Zealand’s Gisborne region still has plenty to give.

For a closer look at the picture behind so many wines, regularly visit out sister site – MidWeek Wines Guild – but make sure you report back here next Monday for yet more Top Tips.