This week’s recommendations span three countries and offer something for every occasion – from a weeknight pour to a summer dinner worthy of something special.
Leading the way is a red from North Macedonia, a country whose wines remain largely unknown to British drinkers despite a winemaking heritage stretching back to ancient times.
Alongside it, a Portuguese white that shares its grape with the better-known Spanish albariño — but should bring a little extra body and depth to your glass.
Both wines deliver genuine quality at prices that represent real value, without requiring any loyalty-card juggling or waiting for a flash promotion.
For those moments when the occasion calls for a step up, this week’s Bonus Item points towards one of France’s most underrated wine regions currently – and a bottle well worth seeking out.
As ever, images and – where possible – hyperlinks should guide towards the bottles concerned with something approaching laser like precision.
Starting in that little known corner of Europe
Which wine should I buy? 2025 M&S Found Kratosija
Why should I buy it? Recognised in the Balkans for centuries, kratosija is a grape with ancient roots that has only recently found its way onto British shelves. North Macedonia – where it is one of only two native varieties – remains one of Europe’s well-kept wine secrets.
What does it taste like? Smooth and dark, with firm tannin and lively acidity, this delivers bramble, cherry stone and chocolate-tinged flavours with black fruit aromas leading the way and hints of date, butterscotch and allspice in support.
Where, how much and what abv? £9 at M&S (and also with Ocado where that retailer operates). 13% alcohol
On now to the white
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Irresistible Alvarinho
Why should I buy it? Alvarinho and Spain’s albariño are the same grape, but Portuguese versions like this, shaped by tighter yields in Vinho Verde’s Monção and Melgaço sub-region, tend toward a fuller body and richer, riper character – giving it bonus points for substance and depth.
What does it taste like? Clean acidity and an attractive textured, lingering finish frame the crisp apple, greengage and pear flavours at the heart of this aromatic white, with grapefruit, mineral and green herb components adding further complexity.
Where, how much and what abv? £8.15 (down from £8.65 until 14 July) at the Co-op. 12% alcohol.
NB:- Co-op website may not reflect the price in your local store.
BONUS ITEM
While robust red wines still have a place in summer, much attention seems to switch to lighter options.
A number of good ones continue to surface – and are duly praised here.
One of the long-standing lighter options, however, is Beaujolais.
My colleague, Richard Wyndham spells out the region’s virtues in his excellent piece on our sister site MidWeek Wines Guild and this link should take you to it.
As Richard suggests, you may need to focus on the “Crus of Beaujolais” for the more serious and sophisticated options.
They do cost a little more but, in my experience, are worth it and can often provide better value than next-door Burgundy.
Here is an example I encountered the other day.
The inviting black fruit aromas of 2024 Louis Pardon Brouilly (£16 at Waitrose – but drops to £14 from Wednesday until 21 July – and 12.5% abv) lead into smooth but light loganberry and bramble flavours.
Although firmly fruit focused, the wine has attractive supplementary elements that underline its complexity.
These include neatly balanced acidity, a mild earthiness and suggestions of hazelnuts and violets.
A perfect partner, I suggest, for summertime meals where something a little special is needed.
While you are considering that Beaujolais over in the MidWeek Wines Guild site, take a good look at the varied gems the site contains – with more being added this Thursday and Saturday. Meanwhile, I hope to see you all again next Monday.
4 responses
Hi Brian, I note that Waitrose have a slightly different form of offer – until tomorrow – Buy 4 for the price of 3 (on wines £6 or more, cheapest item free). Good opportunity to get some of their Loved & Found range. And that Pierpaolo Petrassi is stepping down as Head of Wine?
Pardon have a good reputation in Beaujolais, and I’ve tried various of their wines, including Cuvee Tim, which I like to serve to my son (Tim) when he visits! Majestic also stock their wines.
Be interesting to see whether the “4 for 3” gets taken up elsewhere. Superficially, the maths are the same as “25% off” but needs less than six bottles to qulaify, and could reduce the cost to the retailer if there is a mixture of bottles.
4 for 3 is also available for cans of wine at Tesco. Just bought 4 x 200ml (note the size) of chicken wine red.
Ah! Thanks for the heads up Nick. I see that the promotion also includes some 200ml bottles (Finest Prosecco for instance).
PS: Going for the England cricket job?