What to Buy
Other peoples’ recommendations of what to buy
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Crémant Rising in Popularity in the UK
An article in Joe discusses a shift in the UK’s sparkling wine preferences, with Crémant emerging as a popular alternative to Prosecco. Despite Prosecco’s continued popularity, with Brits consuming around 130 million bottles annually and making up nearly 25% of Italy’s exports of the sparkling wine to the UK, the French sparkling wine Crémant is gaining traction. It’s made using the same method as Champagne but comes from regions outside of Champagne, making it a more affordable option. Crémant has seen a significant rise in popularity, with sales increasing by 51% at Waitrose and 47% for M&S Crémant de Bordeaux.…
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Lighter Wines for Spring
Fiona Beckett in the Guardian Newspaper, discusses the shift towards lighter red wines suitable for spring, highlighting the changing preferences in wine styles towards lighter, fresher varieties. This change isn’t limited to traditional wine regions but is also seen in areas like Australia, South Africa and Chile. Even grapes typically associated with fuller-bodied wines, such as Grenache and Shiraz, are being produced in lighter styles. Fiona suggests looking for specific grape varieties known for producing lighter reds, such as Cinsault, Gamay, and Pinot Noir, and notes the influence of vintage, winemaking techniques and serving temperature on the wine’s lightness. The…
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Wines to Elevate Easter Weekend Celebrations
In Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, Marianna Hunt presents a list of eight wines to enhance an Easter weekend, accompanied by suggested food pairings. These selections span from sparkling rosés to rich reds and dessert wines, suitable for various dishes and preferences.
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The Evolving Landscape of Rioja Wines
In the Guardian Newspaper, Fiona Beckett discusses the evolving landscape of Rioja wines, highlighting a shift towards new styles that offer more fruity, less oaky notes in reds and introduce a breed of floral whites. This change comes as a response to declining sales in the UK, despite its historical popularity. Innovations include higher altitude vineyards, diverse grape varieties and alternative aging processes. However, these premium Riojas command higher prices, paralleling prestigious regions like Burgundy and Barolo, potentially alienating budget-conscious consumers. Beckett also mentions affordable options but emphasises they don’t fully represent the current breadth of Rioja wines. Five recommended…
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Red Bordeaux Wine From Supermarkets Under £20
The Scotsman has an article on Best red Bordeaux wine from supermarkets for under £20. The article discusses the author’s evolving appreciation for wine, particularly Bordeaux wines. Initially viewing Bordeaux as exclusive and expensive, the author, Rosalind Erskine, has discovered affordable and quality options available in supermarkets. The journey has highlighted both the traditional appeal of Bordeaux wines and the value found in lesser-known regions and producers, proving that quality does not always come with a high price tag. Here is a summary of the wines mentioned, along with their prices and suppliers. It’s strange two of them are not…
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TV Wine Expert Hails Lidl’s £5.99 Cava as ‘Best Bargain of the Year’
In an article by Bristol Live, a wine from Lidl has been spotlighted by Saturday Kitchen’s wine expert as the “Best bargain this year.” It’s the Arestel Cava Semi Seco, a sparkling wine that boasts a price tag of only £5.99. During a recent episode of Saturday Kitchen, aired on BBC One on the morning of February 24, wine expert Olly Smith took to the stage to introduce a pairing for an apple dessert crafted by the London-based Ukrainian chef Olia Hercules. Smith’s selection criteria were specific. He was in search of a fizz that diverged from the typical dry…
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Finding Good Value in Wine
An article by David Williams in The Guardian Newspaper explores the intricacies of finding value in wine, noting that there is no simple formula linking price to quality. However, Williams highlights several factors that can affect the cost of wine, such as vineyard practices, equipment and the inherent qualities of the vineyard itself. Despite the challenges, he points out that great value wines can be found across various regions and price points. Here’s a summary of the wines mentioned along with their prices and suppliers: Tesco Finest Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Signargues, Rhône, France 2022: Priced at £8.50, available at Tesco. This…
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Crisp, Clean, Well-balanced Cavas
The Good Housekeeping Institute conducted a thorough testing of 20 cava bottles from supermarkets and leading brands, serving each chilled and blind to eliminate brand bias. Their search was for crisp, clean, well-balanced Cavas with delightful notes of apple, citrus, and brioche. Here are their top recommendations for 2023, complete with ABV, prices, scores, and suppliers:
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Wines from Six Great Importers
The Guardian Newspaper has an article discussing the various strategies people use when choosing wine, such as selecting by grape variety, region or label. It emphasises the importance of looking at the importer’s name on the back of the bottle as a quick guide to finding quality wines. Importers are likened to publishers or record labels, with some focusing on sourcing cheap bulk wine, while the best are seen as tastemakers who discover new and exciting wines from lesser-known producers, regions and grape varieties. However, the scale of the importer does not necessarily correlate with quality as both large and…
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Tasty Low-alcohol Wines
The Financial Times Newspaper has an article on Low-alcohol Wines that Offer Great Taste Without the Headache (might be behind paywall by the time you read this). Wines with alcohol by volume (ABV) between 3.5% and 9% and those naturally low in alcohol like some German Rieslings, are gaining popularity for their ability to combine taste with moderation. Among the highlighted wines are:
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Wines for Comfort Food
In her article in Delicious Magazine on the best wines for comfort food, Susy Atkins recommends a selection of wines to complement hearty dishes. Suzy highlights wines that pair well with classics such as chilli, fish pie and roast chicken, offering a variety of options from different regions and at different price points. The Baron Amarillo Rioja Joven NV from Spain, priced at only £4.69 and available at Aldi, is noted for its soft spice, plum, and strawberry notes, making it suitable for red meat casseroles or rich bean chilli. The Loved and Found Touriga Nacional 2021 from the Algarve,…
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Wines From Major Wine Outlets
In his article for the Guardian Newspaper, David Williams discusses the evolving landscape of wine retail in the UK, especially highlighting the performance of major wine outlets like Majestic, Naked Wines, Virgin Wines and The Wine Society. He notes that during and after the pandemic, these retailers faced various challenges including the inflation and cost-of-living crisis. Despite these, Majestic reported a successful Christmas in 2023, with an increase in sales and interest in fine wines. The following wines were recommended: MajesticBodegas Volver Tarima Monastrell from Alicante, Spain, 2022 vintage, priced at £9.99 or £8.99 in a mixed six.Invicible Número Dois…
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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 Veltliner and Gewürztraminer from New Zealand and Albariño from Uruguay. This trend is driven by wine enthusiasts’ curiosity. The recommended wines to explore include:
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Wine and Cheese Pairings
Fiona Beckett, writing for National Geographic Traveller, provides an exploration of which wines go best with different cheeses. The traditional pairing of cheese with red wine, particularly during the colder months, is recommended, with a focus on medium-bodied reds known for their soft, smooth tannins. Suggested favourites include mellow Rioja Reservas, Côtes du Rhônes and Malbecs with a year or two of bottle ageing. Beckett advises matching the wine with the region of the cheese’s origin. Classic combinations like goat’s cheese with Sauvignon Blanc and Comté with a Jura Chardonnay or Savagnin are highlighted. Champagne and similar sparkling wines are…
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Finding Good Value
Victoria Moore, a wine correspondent from the Telegraph Newspaper, discusses the impact of inflation on wine prices in her recent article (article might be behind paywall by the time you read this). She notes that British shoppers are typically thrifty when buying wine, often seeking the best deals, particularly in supermarkets. Moore acknowledges the challenge in assessing the value of wine due to three main factors: general inflation, the increased cost of materials like glass and a significant duty rise on wine. It is suggested that to maintain the same quality of wine as 18 months ago, consumers should expect…
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Reviving the Riches of Australian Shiraz
Fiona Beckett from the Guardian Newspaper has an article on Australian Shiraz. In the 1990s, her favourite red wine was Australian shiraz, admired for its voluptuous, ripe and smooth qualities. However, tastes evolved and these wines became known as too sweet and jammy. However, recently, at a wine tasting, Fiona was impressed with the quality and reasonable pricing of mid-priced Shiraz noting their superiority over Malbecs in the same price range. The abundance of Shiraz in Australia, a result of an oversupplied market since China imposed import duties in 2020, has benefited the markets such as the UK, Australia’s top…
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Top 100 Winners
The Wine Merchant Magazine runs an annual competition where a selected panel of independent merchants blind-taste their way through more than 1,000 wines. The result is a great list of wines (also available as a magazine supplement) which arguably is the best of the best. Here are the value wines from the list: Best Value Red Trophy: Zuccardi Los Olivos Malbec, Mendoza 2020 (£12.90, Hatch Mansfield)Best Value White Trophy: Wildeberg Wild House Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2022 (£8.99, Boutinot)Best Value Sparkling Trophy: Global Wines Portugal Cabriz Espumante Brut 2017 (£16.50 Marta Vine) These wines are stocked by many independent specialist…
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White Castle Vineyard Triumphs at 2023 Welsh Wine Awards
The Welsh wine industry celebrated the 2023 Welsh Wine Awards, held at the Llanerch Vineyard Hotel in Hensol on 6 November, 2023. The awards, marking their most successful year yet, were organised by the Welsh Vineyards Association (WVA) . In a year that also commemorates WVA’s tenth anniversary, the competition saw a record-breaking entry of 50 wines from 12 different Welsh vineyards. The wines encompassed a diverse range, including white and rosé sparkling wines, followed by still wines in the rosé, white, and red categories. A panel of expert judges sampled each entry, organising the tasting into five distinct flights.…
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Good Housekeeping’s German Rieslings
The Good Housekeeping Institute’s annual Wine Awards panel, consisting of 10 WSET-accredited experts, sampled various bottles to identify the Best German Rieslings, for 2023. German Riesling wines are renowned for their sophisticated flavours, intricate depth, and invigorating zest. These wines offer a spectrum of tastes, from exceedingly dry to delightfully sweet, and usually feature a lower alcohol content, around 8-11% ABV. Apart from one from Laithwaites, they are all from supermarkets. Gunderloch Riesling Dry QbAABV: 12%Price: £17Available at: OcadoThis dry Riesling is a favourite among connoisseurs, offering a burst of green bell pepper and citrus zest. It’s an ideal companion…
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The Evolving Advice for UK Wine Buying
The UK’s wine market is undergoing a transformation, influenced by factors like the cost of living crisis, Brexit and new alcohol duty regulations. David Williams, a wine writer for The Guardian newspaper, has some advice for navigating this shifting landscape. David says the new baseline for a good, everyday bottle is £8 rather than £5.99. The range that offers the best value for your money has also changed. While it used to be between £8 and £12, the new sweet spot is £12 to £15. In this price range, you’re not just covering the costs of duty, VAT and logistics…
Pick Lists
Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20
Did You Know?
Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More
Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More
People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More
In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More
UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More
For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More
Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More
Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More
A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More
Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More
In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More
In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More
In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More
Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More
Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More
In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More
Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More
8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More
Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More
Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More
Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More
Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More
During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More
In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More
In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More
In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More
In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More
In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More
In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More
Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More
In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More
In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More
In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More
The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More
Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More
Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More
In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More
The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More
90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More
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