What’s New in Tesco for Winter

The run up to Christmas sees most retailers refreshing their ranges and adding new products.

Tesco may have gone one step further, though, by welcoming no fewer than 37 new wines.

An operation of Tesco’s size will not have taken that step without carefully researching what will resonate with customers.

Consequently, any unifying trends in this latest “arrivals lounge” are worth seeking out.

The first trend I see is that a sample of about a third of the newcomers produces an average price over £11.

That implies that Tesco share a constant MidWeek Wines theme – securing wine of a certain quality level will inevitably mean spending a little more money.

Since all that sample of wines is now going in-store, Tesco must be confident that consumers will pay that bit extra. 

Secondly, while fuller wines still feature, it is noticeable that the ones I sampled were discernibly lighter.

For example, today’s choices involve an 11.5% riesling, a red from the cooler parts of the Rhône and a fresh and floral Spanish grape.

Here then are more details of that trio, which I did enjoy – and hope you will too.

The images and hyperlinks provided should help you to find them in crowded displays.

Starting in Australia

2024 Pikes Traditionale Riesling (£11 – down from £13 until 3 November with a Tesco Clubcard and 11.5% abv):

In the 1840’s, South Australia saw a significant number of German and Austrian immigrants arrive – and the newcomers brought considerable winemaking skills with them.

Those early settlers realised that the climate and geology of cooler parts of their new homeland (especially the Clare and Eden Valleys) were ideal for the riesling grape so popular in the lands they had left behind.

However, the style of the rieslings being produced there has evolved over the years, becoming nowadays drier, fresher and more citrus centred.

Nevertheless, it is nicely reassuring to note this Clare Valley version retains elements of the traditional “kerosene nose” when some (especially German) producers are trying to limit it.

Those classic riesling opening aromas lead into bright apple, ripe pear and mango flavours supported by sharp lime acidity

That foundation is rounded out by hints of grapefruit and, conversely, a trace of sweetness too without compromising the wine’s overall lightness.

Next to Europe

2023 Maruxa Mencia (£12.50 at Tesco and 13%):

Although Spain’s Valdeorras region is Galicia’s most inland area, it still enjoys the meteorological influence of the Atlantic to the west.

These conditions, combined with its slate and granite soils, help it excel at producing brilliant white wines such as their godello.

Here, however, the red mencia grape is the beneficiary.

One result is the type of fruity, fleshy wine with a floral aura, yet savoury influences too, that we find in this example.

Dark with a bold, black fruit bouquet, it displays juicy red cherry, red currant and blackberry flavours.

Support for that base comes courtesy of suggestions of cocoa, liquorice and green herbs with lively acidity – but little tannin.

Finally to a very familiar region

2024 L’Oustalet by Famille Perrin (£9.50 at Tesco and 13%):

The influence of Mont Ventoux makes the red wines produced in the region of that name different to some of those made by southern Rhône neighbours.

Altitude driven coolness slows the ripening process to create lighter, fresher wines compared to many of the substantial versions produced almost next door.

Perhaps that is why this Ventoux red is the “House Red” in its illustrious producer’s own restaurants

Dark but skilfully balanced, it provides soft, medium bodied loganberry and black cherry flavours.

These are accompanied by lively acidity, gentle tannin and hints of milk chocolate, allspice and violets.

My next post (on Monday) contains terrific recommendations of Top Tips for you in the weekly feature of the same name.