Welcome to the first Top Tips of February which, again, uses the “four question” format.
Do tell me (in the comments section or by email) whether that format works for you or not.
Meanwhile one of today’s wines is from a relatively new range in Spar and I expect to be featuring at least one other from the range during the spring.
Today’s other featured wine lifts the price point a little, but it is well worth doing so.
It is from a gifted Languedoc producer and comfortably stands beside his excellent viognier that I praised back in August.
No Bonus Item this week (probably back next week) but a new feature today – a sort of “Pro Tip”.
Although the “Why buy this” section suggests why any particular wine is currently a good option, “Insider Steer” goes a bit further.
It connects the recommendation with a trend or background detail to make you feel more like “an insider”.
I hope it – and today’s selections – work for you.
As usual, pictures – and where helpful – hyperlinks are provided so you can locate the wine in question more quickly.
Starting with that Languedoc star
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Laurent Miquel Jeu Floral Rosé
Why should I buy it? Slowly Languedoc is nibbling into Provence’s near monopoly on distinctive rosé – helped by its climate – largely warm and sunny but with enough influences from the Mediterranean to maintain good acidity. Typical of Languedoc, the prices can often be kept just under the £10 mark.
What does it taste like? Delicate with floral aromas, this one displays red currant, plum and crab apple flavours coupled with grapefruit acidity and a soft texture with lingering hints of chocolate, herbs and seashell savouriness.
Where, how much and what abv? £9 – down from £11 until 10 February – with a Nectar Card at Sainsbury’s, and 12% abv
INSIDER STEER: Global data show rosé sales up by over 15% this century and, more importantly, its seasonal nature is diminishing. Current styles partner food especially well and that is making it an all-year-round option rather than “summer in the garden” drinking. In short, a trending bandwagon well worth climbing aboard.
And that companion from Spar.
Which wine should I buy? 2023 Tasteheads Tempranillo
Why should I buy it? Although not easy to find, this is approachable tempranillo with flavour and character crafted for Spar by the Felix Solis stable. Guided by former Asda wine strategist, Philippa Carr MW, the retailer’s Tastehead range has been quietly winning friends (and awards).
What does it taste like? Dark purple with sweet aromas, it provides excellent juicy, cherry, raspberry and cranberry flavours combined with good acidity and limited tannin, but with a savoury edge and touches of chocolate and allspice.
Where, how much and what abv? £7.99 at selected Spar stores – and 12% abv.
Join me for another Top Tip next Monday – meanwhile do call into our sister site (midweekwinesguild.substack.com) where wine for pizza is considered on Thursday and tips for hosting a wine evening are planned for Saturday.
6 responses
Every morning I walk up the hill to my local Coedpoeth Spar to get a printed newspaper.I won’t reveal it,but suffice to say that there are only two of us in village who read it.It starts with a G and I feel part of a very small elite!
The good news is that your recommended Taste heads tempranillo was on the shelf and the even better news at £6!
The original Philippa Carr brilliant Asda Wine Atlas range was revolutionary at the time- unknown grape varieties and unknown countries like Romania.
Prices do seem to vary from store to store so I tend to go for the most pessimistic one. That way folk can feel good as they glide down the hill from the paper shop.
Thanks, Brian. Very rarely do I shop at Spar, but if I can find one locally, I’ll grab a bottle of the Tasteheads Tempranillo
Your sort of wine I fancy Dave.
Hi Brian,
Must confess I haven’t been into a Spar for a long time, so interesting to see their wine range.
Looking at their website, there is clearly a tiered structure. At the bottom are 3 basic wines – red, white & Rosé. Then a mid-tier of 7 “Uptempo” wines, which give flavour profiles, without complicating things by giving grape varieties. Then “The Tasteheads” where consumers who know they like a particular grape variety, may find one within these 9 wines. And this top range does seem to getting good reviews and some awards.
Given the evidence that consumers can get overwhelmed by the vast choice on supermarket wine aisles, this simple approach must help – and encourage people new to regular wine buying.
I noticed that Morrisons stock an interesting variation on this theme – Poco Vino (“little wine”). This is equivalent to the Tasteheads – it gives prominence to the flavour profiles whilst also stating the grape variety. These 6 bottles, all from Australia, are 187 ml mini or quarter bottles – very useful for picnics or casual eating situations. I tried a couple (both reds) of these, and I suspect the residual sugar levels were a touch high. But the bottles are a most attractive shape and have a full size screw cap – which I find a useful size to re-use. They are a bit expensive at £3.75, but they have a current offer of 2 for £6.
Encouraging to see that structured approach but wonder how well it will resonate with wine drinkers who seem to work on a “bottle by bottle” basis