Description
In all our years in the wine trade, it’s never been more difficult to find good value at everyday prices. Notwithstanding rising global production and transport costs, on an £8 bottle of wine more than 50% is tax alone. But fear not, we’ve been busy these past 3 months and have tasted over 1000 wines to save you from taking a gamble each time you see a wine on offer on the supermarket shelves!
So, let’s introduce you to our first collection of sub £10 wines. Each and every one of them we’d be more than happy to drink ourselves and share with friends. Wines with soul by talented award-winning winemakers, that over-deliver at the price, and are true to their grape varieties and region of production.
1. Vila Nova Vinho Verde 2022, Portugal 11%
Bright and zesty with floral, citrus, and gentle tropical aromas lead to a deliciously off-dry palate with flavours of ripe melon and sherbet lemon acidity. The finish is refreshing with a classic spritz but also a welcome creaminess.
The Vinho Verde vineyards in northern Portugal are exposed to the Atlantic Ocean winds and influence. Soils, microclimate, grape varieties (this wine is 50% Loureiro, 35% Arinto, 15% Avesso) and the unique characteristics of the wine culture, distinguish it from all other wine regions of the world. Enjoy as an apéritif or serve with salads, sushi and grilled fish.
2. Soldier’s Block Chardonnay 2022, Australia 12.5%
This vibrant Chardonnay exhibits lifted fruit character, bright tangerine fleshiness, textural mouthfeel, a bright palate, and a long and foodie finish. The small element of oak ageing in part of the blend adds palate weight and texture without detracting from the primary fruit flavours.
The vineyards are predominantly in the Victoria region. The grapes are harvested in the early dawn hours when it’s still relatively cool and best for retaining the bright fruit flavours. 15% of the blend comes from the cooler sea-breeze-influenced premium Langhorne Creek area. This wine can be enjoyed on its own or will go well with full-flavoured fish or chicken in a light creamy sauce.
3. Terrazze della Luna Trentino Pinot Grigio 2022, Italy 12.5%
Stone fruit, apple and floral nose. The palate shows delicate yet complex floral notes, a rounded mineral character and an attractive green apple leading to fresh lemon acidity on the finish.
Gold medal at the Drinks Business Global Pinot Grigio Masters. The name of this wine refers to “terraces of the moon”, the selected hillside vineyards of the Vall dell’Adige in Trentino in Northern Italy where the grapes of this delicious Pinot Grigio are sourced. This wine has more richness and roundness than many Pinot Grigios we have tasted, partly thanks to the 15% Chardonnay within the blend.
4. Adobe Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Chile 13%
The complex nose presents citrusy notes of grapefruit and lime with a subtle touch of freshly crushed bay leaf and white pepper. The smooth palate bursts with citrus freshness balanced by good volume and persistence.
Awarded 91 points by James Suckling MW in his Chile Annual Report. Sourced from Organic grapes from Emiliana’s Casablanca Valley vineyard, a cooler climate area renowned for allowing the fruit to ripen more slowly, resulting in grapes with a tremendous concentration of aromas and flavours. Ideal with shellfish and lighter fish prepared with lemon, such as ceviche. Also goes well with sushi and pastas with seafood sauces.
5. Percheron Chenin Blanc Viognier 2023, South Africa 12.5%
Vibrant and aromatic with subtle perfumed aromas, white peach and hints of jasmine on the nose. On the palate, it has tight, white, fleshy, stone fruit and fresh citrus flavours balanced by bright and lively acidity. A crisp, incisive finish with a touch of minerality helps deliver a delicious, flavoursome, and characterful wine.
Named after the “Percheron” shire horses that are now making a comeback as part of vineyard management in South Africa, once found everywhere in France. This wine is made of 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Viognier. Grapes are grown on 30+ year-old trellised Chenin and 15-year-old Viognier in the Coastal region, mainly from Swartland vineyards. The climate is perfect for viticulture with the low rainfall summer months, tempered by cool afternoons and the cold winters allowing the vines to rest and to build up the reserves. Part of the Chenin Blanc is wild yeast fermented and kept on the yeast lees for as long as possible in order to achieve a rounded palate with good fruit concentration. Goes well with grilled prawns with plenty of chilli and garlic, whole lemon sole fried in butter and other delicate freshwater fish dishes.
6. Domaine Mas Bahourat “La Petite Parcelle” de Viognier, France 13.5%
Viognier of intense power, character and zest; soft apricots, and honeydew melon with notes of chamomile tea are followed by a rich palate and long perfumed finish. Tasted blind this wine is reminiscent of its significantly more expensive Northern Rhône cousins.
This tiny plot of Old Vines Viognier, less than a hectare in size and surrounded by apricot trees, is situated in the Vin du Pays du Gard region, nestled between the Southern Rhône and the Languedoc. The grapes are picked at optimum ripeness to ensure rich and concentrated flavours. The must is cooled prior to vinification to maintain maximum fruit concentration, and no oak is used. Bottled in dark glass to protect the fresh aromatic characters. A delicious apéritif, especially if served with almonds, or try with butternut squash risotto or roast pork with sage.
