In early October, I was invited to Sainsbury’s Autumn Winter press tasting in London. This time, the venue was different, previously held in their head office food labs, which had quite a sterile feel. Wine always benefits from being served in surroundings that allow for a bit more atmosphere.
This time, it was a warehouse-style space with lots of room, background music, and somewhere to sit, which made it a much nicer place to linger and take time over the 78 wines being shown.
Sainsbury’s is picking up on some new trends, including what they refer to as ‘Textured Whites’, richer, more layered and expressive styles. There’s also a noticeable rise in the ‘home bar’ trend, with people choosing to drink at home rather than out, to save money. Another area of growth is in what they’re calling ‘No-low Noel’, with a 12% increase in the no- and low-alcohol category, driven mostly by Gen Z and Millennial drinkers.
Here are the ones I thought particularly worth noting:
Blanc de Blancs Brut, No 49 2024 11.5% £12.00
A new addition and part of the Discovery range, this is made by Jerome and Fabien Hachet in the Muscadet region of the Loire. The Discovery range is made up of limited-edition, small-parcel wines that showcase different grape varieties. This one is made in the same way as Champagne, with 15 months on the lees and uses Melon B (40%), Grolleau Gris (40%), and Chardonnay (20%). It has a lovely brioche aroma, apple flavours and a touch of sweetness. Excellent value for the price.
Coolwater Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2024 9.5% £8.75
This is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, produced by Yealands, a producer I’ve long admired. It’s a new vintage of a wine I’ve selected before. Even with the lower alcohol, it still carries the tropical character, intensity and long finish that define New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Slightly sweeter than the standard Yealands and other Sauvignons. The price has come down since last time, making it a real bargain.
Roussette de Savoie 2023 12.5% £14.00
Another new French wine in the Discovery range, made from the Altesse grape, also known as Roussette. Left on the lees to add texture. Expect an exotic, citrussy apricot and herby aroma, with pear and stone fruit on the palate and a honeyed finish. Great mouthfeel, lots going on, something a bit different.
Ellercombe English Sparkling Wine NV 12% £22.00
Another past favourite. This is a blend of 55% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir and 3% Pinot Meunier, produced by Rolling Green Hills, commonly suspected to be Nyetimber. The wine is rich and layered with pastry, apple, butter and a touch of citrus. There are a few Rolling Green Hills options in supermarkets, but I like this one as it’s not too sweet.
Pinot Grigio Friuli Blush 2024 12.5% £9.00
From Friuli, Italy, made by Massimo Marasso. It’s 100% Pinot Grigio and comes in a stylish ribbed bottle. There’s an inviting pear drop aroma with a lovely ripe raspberry character on the taste.
Baron de Guers Piquepoul Rosé 2024 12.5% £10.00
New to Sainsbury’s. Made from 75% Piquepoul and 25% Grenache, from France. A brilliant example of substance over style. No flashy bottle, label or indeed colour, just an excellent wine. The colour is quite pale but the floral aroma is very intense, with strawberry and ripe fruit flavours. It feels sweet but technically isn’t. One of the best rosés I’ve tasted this year.
Penfolds Bin 8 Shiraz Cabernet 2023 14.5% £26.00
New to Sainsbury’s. A blend of 71% Shiraz and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon. Leather aromafrom the Cabernet, with cherry and plum flavours and a touch of spice from the Shiraz. More tannins than expected, so likely to pair well with food. Slightly lighter than other Penfolds ‘bin’ releases, but still medium to full bodied. Available from 12 October.
Gran Reserva Rioja 2018 13.5% £16.00
Another returning favourite, though slightly different this year, more tannic and a bit lower in alcohol. Produced for Sainsbury’s by CVNE Winery. It’s made from 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo. There are cherry and oak aromas, with a fruity and tannic structure. I came back to this one later in the tasting and it had opened up nicely, so I suspect it would be a great day-two wine.
I was especially taken by the fizz and the rosé. It’s also great to see Sainsbury’s expanding the Discovery range and the Roussette de Savoie is a real gem. As always, prices are subject to change, sometimes even downwards by as much as 25% during the buy-six promotions.
