In May 2024, Asda held a press tasting showcasing a variety of wines, perfect for Spring and Summer days. While the focus was primarily on wines ideal for warmer weather, there were also a few bold reds to complement BBQs.
One of the highlights of the event was the re-launch of the Wine Atlas range, featuring five new wines. This range is designed to offer different and high-quality wines at an affordable price, with bottles priced between £6 and £7.
Although keeping costs low is Asda’s key aim, quality is not compromised. In 2023, Asda wines were recognised with an impressive 317 awards.
There was opportunity to sample 138 wines. Here are my favourites:
Asquith Gardens Traditional English Sparkling Wine NV 11.5% £18
This great wine is made from the classic blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes, aged for over five years to achieve its full potential. It offers a combination of citrus, red apple and honey notes, culminating in a long, biscuity finish. This wine was awarded a Bronze Medal at both the IWSC 2023 and the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023.
Champagne Berthelot Piot Tradition NV 12.5% £26
Boasts generous fruit flavours complemented by a rich brioche taste. Not only does it deliver on taste, but it’s excellent value for money.
Louis Bernard Champagne Vintage Brut 2014 12.5% £28
Aged for 36 months in the bottle, compared to the standard Brut’s 16 months, this wine offers more intense flavours and a biscuity complexity on the palate. Vibrant notes of lemon, apple, toast and honey. It was the winner of The Good Housekeeping Christmas Champagne Taste Test.
Crémant de Loire Rose Brut 2023 12.5% £11
Although I am not usually a great fan of Crémant de Loire, even after sampling many during travels in the region, this one stands out as an exception. It is exceptionally aromatic and fruity, with a well-rounded profile that distinguishes it from others.
Placio de Vivero Rueda 2023 13% £6.75
This fresh, citrusy white wine, made from Verdejo grapes, benefits from three months on lees, giving it tasty richness with crisp acidity. Previously reviewed and still maintaining its great quality, this wine has been recognised with several awards: an IWSC Bronze Medal in 2023, an IWC Silver Medal in 2023, and a Bronze Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023.
Rosemont Estate Chardonnay 2021 12.5% £12
This wine features delightful stone fruit and honey characters on both the nose and palate, complemented by pleasurable smoky aromatics. The oak is cleverly restrained and well-integrated, enhancing the overall flavour without overpowering the fruit.
The Wine Atlas Feteasca Regala 11.5% £6
This Romanian wine, Asda’s Wine Atlas best seller, is very aromatic and fruity, offering vibrant tropical fruit flavours, soft stone fruit and citrus notes, creating a well-balanced and enjoyable wine. It was awarded a Bronze Medal at the IWSC 2023.
Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence 2023 12.5% £10
Made from Grenache and Cinsault, this wine features a distinctive glass stopper and exudes intense aromas of perfumed white peach, bright mango, and passion fruit. The palate is lively and vibrant, with a fresh, saline structure and zesty length. Despite having 1g/l of residual sugar, the fruitiness gives it a seemingly sweeter profile. In my opinion, it was the best of the 19 rosé wines in the tasting and excellent value.
Sicilian Reserve Red 2020 £13.5% £8.75
Made from Nero d’Avola grapes, this wine has a deep colour with smooth and generous black fruit flavours. It was awarded a Bronze Medal at the IWSC 2023. Excellent value for money.
La Mora Maremma Toscana Rosso 2020 14% £10
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, offering a smooth and balanced profile. It features delightful red fruit notes, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable choice.
Vidal-Fleury Saint-Joseph 2018 14% £24
This 100% Syrah wine comes from the oldest continually operating winery in the Rhône Valley. It boasts an intense aroma, so captivating that you could enjoy it just by smell. The wine is full-bodied, featuring rich and concentrated black fruits, with ripe plum and black cherry notes. It has fine, silky tannins that enhance its complexity. In my opinion, it was the best wine at the tasting, truly something special.
Pepperjack Shiraz 2021 £12.50
Rich red in colour with purple hues, this wine displays enticing aromas of blackcurrant and plums, complemented by hints of pepper and spice. Previously reviewed, it stood out as the best of the five Shiraz wines I tried at the tasting.
Extra Special Pinotage 2022 13.5% £7
This intense and juicy Pinotage from South Africa’s Cape is packed with rich berry flavours. It has a smoky, oaky profile that offers a reminiscence of a good Carmenère, making it a distinctive, enjoyable, yet affordable wine.
Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 14.5% £9
Features notes of blackberry, black cherry and bay leaf. Fine tannins provide a lasting finish.
All in all, there were some great wines at the event. It’s fantastic to see the Wine Atlas range making a comeback. It was previously a great showcase of distinctive, great-tasting, value wines. Starting from 21 May 2024, you’ll find them in a new dedicated area of the Asda shopping aisle.
Note that prices are subject to change.
