M&S

  • M&S Collection Amarone della Valpolicella

    M&S Collection Amarone della Valpolicella

    The M&S Collection series is their premium wine range, designed to elevate their offerings and showcase winemaking craftsmanship. Among these, the Amarone della Valpolicella 2021 is, so far, my favourite in the collection. This wine, produced by Cantine Giacomo Montresor, a winery with roots dating back to 1892, comes in at 14.5% ABV. While on…

  • M&S Cuts Wine Prices for Affordable Festive Celebrations

    M&S Cuts Wine Prices for Affordable Festive Celebrations

    M&S has reduced prices on a third of its wine selection in response to consumer budget concerns, with over 120 wines discounted since April, including 22 more cuts this week. To further support customers ahead of the Christmas season, M&S has also revised its wine deal, offering a 10% discount on four bottles (previously required…

  • M&S Collection Poggio Tosco Chianti Classico Riserva

    M&S Collection Poggio Tosco Chianti Classico Riserva

    M&S Collection Poggio Tosco Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is an Italian red from Tuscany, made by the Azienda Uggiano winery. This blend is predominantly Sangiovese (80%) with the remaining 20% likely composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo, given the usual composition of Chianti from this winery. It sits in M&S’s ‘Collection’ range, which features top-tier…

  • M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria

    M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria

    M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria is made from grapes grown in the San Marzano region of Puglia in Italy, with the new 2022 vintage offering a touch more strength at 14.5% ABV. This wine, which previously won a Silver at the International Wine Challenge. It spends six months ageing in a mix of…

  • White Wines to Enjoy in Autumn

    White Wines to Enjoy in Autumn

    David Williams of The Guardian has some recommendations for richer, fuller white wines as an alternative to the usual reds. Wildstone Reserva Roussanne 2024, Colchagua Valley, Chile – £8 at WaitroseAlso previously also tipped by me from the Waitrose tasting, this wine from Chile’s reliable Luis Felipe Edwards has a full-bodied, autumnal appeal, featuring mouth-filling…

  • El Duque De Miralta Rioja Reserva

    El Duque De Miralta Rioja Reserva

    This 2019 Rioja Reserva is made by winemaker César Fernández at El Coto. The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from the three prestigious areas of Rioja, Alavesia, Alta and Oriental, ensuring a rich and diverse flavour profile. The wine is aged for 24 months in American oak barrels, which imparts a distinct and inviting aroma of…

  • M&S Spring Tasting

    M&S Spring Tasting

    In May 2024, M&S held their Spring Tasting press event, showcasing over 130 wines. This year saw the launch of some new wine labelling and a fresh focus on competitive pricing. In April, M&S dropped the prices on 100 wines, shifting their strategy towards everyday trusted value with fewer monthly promotions. The selection at the…

  • Saperavi Grape

    Saperavi Grape

    The Metro newspaper recently shed light on the ‘Saperavi’, a grape that originates from Georgia, between Eastern Europe and West Asia. Saperavi bears a striking resemblance in taste and character to Cabernet Sauvignon but with a twist. It also has the warming spice and rich texture reminiscent of a hearty Argentinian Malbec. What sets Saperavi…

  • Unusual Varietals

    Unusual Varietals

    Fiona Beckett from the Guardian newspaper has an article on Obscure Wines to Liven up Jaded Palates. She explains how unusual varietals of wine are currently popular, as seen in selections from high-street retailers. Wines from regions not traditionally associated with specific grapes are gaining interest. Examples include Italian varietals like Sangiovese from Australia, Grüner…

  • Portuguese Wines to Try

    Portuguese Wines to Try

    An article by Nicky Rampley-Clarke in the Evening Standard looks into the diverse world of Portuguese wines which come from 55 different regions and almost 200 indigenous grape varieties. The most well-known regions include Douro, Minho, and Dão, each offering unique flavours and characteristics. Portuguese wines are generally made from indigenous grapes, giving them a…

  • Expressions Negroamaro

    Expressions Negroamaro

    This is an all new, 2022 vintage, organic and vegan wine from Marks and Spencer. Produced by the talented Alessandro Michelon of Orion Wines, this wine doesn’t yet have any reviews anywhere. It’s a medium to full-bodied wine, rich in flavour and character. Blackcurrant, liquorice and black pepper. Almost meaty with a long and lingering…

  • Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, South Australia 2021

    Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, South Australia 2021

    This wine from Marks & Spencer’s is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Merlot and 9% Syrah/Shiraz. It has mixed reviews on the M&S site but a relatively high score of 89 by Decanter and a more modest 3.4 on Vivino. Instead of traditional barrel aging, it’s matured with cheaper French oak staves for…