Both Chile and Spain have areas producing superstar wines.
Rioja and Ribera are the obvious Spanish ones.
Equally, barrel-fermented chardonnay from Chile’s Limarí Valley and the premium reds of its Colchagua Valley also win justified accolades.
However, we should never ignore well-made versions from areas probably better known for quantity-centred, mass-market wines.
That’s particularly true when value is a key criterion, as it is for this website.
So, today, I turn to examples from areas not always associated with iconic wines – yet which, here, offer us skillfully crafted, mildly priced and uncomplicated fare.
I hope you find them enjoyable.
Once again pictures and, where possible, hyperlinks are included to make it easier to track down the wine in question.
Starting in South America
2024 The Traitor White Blend (from £8 at Majestic and 12.5% abv):
Chile’s Central Valley provides ideal (if unspectacular) conditions for high volume viticulture – consistent sunshine, varied soils, and mountain snowmelt irrigation – with minimal vine based diseases too.
This (sauvignon-led I fancy) blend showcases what good value and enjoyable wines can be created in that environment.
In it red apple and melon components mingle with ripe peach flavours, while zesty pink grapefruit acidity keeps everything fresh.
Its overall appeal is enhanced by a lively texture that brings together sherbet-like effervescence with subtle herbal complexity.
Thence to Europe
Vina Gala Tempranillo (£7 at the Co-op and 13.5% abv):
This Castilla red offers the excellent value that can emerge when you stray beyond the tempranillo hotspots mentioned in the introduction.
Despite its slightly rustic aromas, the wine itself is attractively centred around soft, medium-bodied fruit – think cherry, raspberry and bramble.
Cedar and incense notes provide earthy depth while you will also find hints of rosemary and chocolate alongside baking spice influences, lively acidity and firm tannin.
A dependable, non-vintage, red from, perhaps, “Hidden Spain” that punches above its price point.
Join me again on Thursday when a very active MidWeeker tells us about his favourite retailer.
2 responses
The Vina Gala red wine from the Co-op is very good.I think it was featured in one of their on line tastings.
There is often hidden value to be found in South Africa and Portugal.
A favourite white if mine is the Wine Society ‘s Casa Ermelinda Freitas ‘Sino Grande’ Branco, Península de Setúbal 2024 £7.25.One of Portugal’s biggest and best wineries making delicious and affordable authentic wines with tons of charm.
Great value,but then value is relative.
I have just come out of a supermarket in Funchal,Madeira and bought the same wine as a single bottle for 1.99 Euros.
I agree, Paul, the Vina Gala is pretty good for £7, not the most complex wine but nothing wrong with it , easy drinking party wine which doesn’t disappoint