This post is all about the best of the best when it comes to value in wine I have tasted recently. I have a separate page listing what I think are the best value wines overall, but this is a selection of those few that stand out even more. These are, in my view, the very best wines by value.
Of course, this is a subjective space. My taste may not match yours. And wine evolves, so by the time you read this, some of these wines may have changed. That said, I will update this post over time.
One way to think about this is to consider which wines I mentally compare others to when I’m at tastings. I have benchmarks, wines that set a standard for quality and value and I often find myself measuring new bottles against them. Whenever I try something new, I can’t help but ask whether it delivers as much for the price as that last great bottle of the same type. Those benchmark wines are what I’m sharing here. Take note of the vintages, where given, as these are crucial. Wine changes with time and vintage.
Here are the wines that are currently my benchmarks:
Marques de Los Rios Rioja Gran Reserva 2014 – £15.00
I have tasted almost every supermarket Rioja and this was the best. I say ‘was’ because the 2015, while ok, isn’t as exceptional. It’s actually made by Lopez de Haro. Morrisons usually sell it for about £15. It used to be a lot cheaper, but maybe they realised they had something special. It’s was brilliant for the price. Just make sure to let it breathe before drinking.
Les Pionniers Champagne NV – £21.50
There are some brilliant affordable Champagnes out there, but consistency is often a problem, especially around Christmas, when quality control can slip. Some bottles I’ve recommended in the past, and purchased myself, haven’t lived up to the press tasting versions. An exception is Les Pionniers from the Co-op. It’s made by Piper-Heidsieck and holds a 92-point score from Decanter.
Kylie Minogue Prosecco 2023- £11.00
This is the wine that killed my prejudice that celebrity branded wine is likely to be more about the brand than the wine. It’s made by Zonin 1821 who are respected for their great own-brand wines. It’s how Prosecco used to be before mass-market production dulled the taste of the majority of Prosecco.
Waitrose No.1 La Val Albariño 2013 – £13.99
Made by Bodegas La Val in Spain, this is the wine I mentally compare all other Albariños to. The flavour and mouthfeel are unbeatable for the price. Allow it to warm slightly to bring out its full character.
Tesco Finest Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2023 – £8.00
Stellenbosch Manor Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2022 – £15.00
Both wines are supplied by Tesco and made by Stellenrust’s Tertius Boshoff. Depending on your taste, you might prefer the Tesco Finest version, it’s simpler and less oaked, which I personally like more than the branded version but both are excellent.
Josh Cellars Reserve Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel 2021 – £14.99
I love Zinfandel and Primitivo (same grape) when they’re rich, fruit-forward rather than overly sweet. This one stands out for the price. Sadly, this wine is end-of-line at Majestic so it might not be there, but otherwise keep an eye out for the next vintage. Again, let it breathe before serving.
Terra Organica Primitivo 2022 – £12.00
If you want Italian, rather than the previous American wine then this is the one. Less full-on than the Josh but still has a fruity, deep flavour with notes of blackberry liquor.
Alain Grignon, Réserve Vieilles Vignes Carignan 2023 – £9.99
This bottle proves that great French wine doesn’t have to be expensive. It has fantastic flavour and a luxurious mouthfeel. Like many others here, it benefits from a bit of air before drinking.
Vinha Do Fava Touriga Nacional 2022 – £12.99
Made by Casa Ermelinda Freitas, a fifth-generation Portuguese winery, this wine has great depth and smooth, velvety tannins. It used to be around £9, but now goes for £12.99, likely because Laithwaites realised how good it is. Even at the higher price, it’s still an excellent value Touriga Nacional.
North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2020 – £11.25
A lovely savoury style Pinot Noir from a top North Canterbury estate. Cigar-like aroma and savoury spice notes and delicate hints of violets and herbs weave through an intriguing, deep, savoury backbone, evoking a sense of umami.
La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2023 – £7.50
Since I reviewed it, now better known as ‘The Chicken Wine’, it’s the benchmark for a value, aromatic and flavoursome Rosé.
Aso see my post on Top Wines at Any Price.
