In September 2024, I had the opportunity to attend a Tesco Autumn Winter Tasting event, where I got to look at the exciting changes in their wine selection. Tesco has just completed its most significant update to their wine range in 15 years, introducing 130 new products. Notably, there’s been an increase in the number of premium wines on offer.
These changes come against the backdrop of a downturn in wine sales across the industry. However, Tesco has chosen to see this challenge as an opportunity. Many wine producers who previously avoided supplying supermarkets are now more open to doing so, which is reflected in some of the new premium wines I’ll mention. Also, at the more affordable end of the spectrum, some producers have found themselves with surplus stock, allowing Tesco to offer some high-quality wines at very competitive prices.
As the largest wine retailer in the UK, supplying 1 in 4 bottles sold in retail, Tesco’s immense buying power has clearly allowed them to navigate these industry challenges and secure a diverse and impressive new wine selection.
Press tastings are usually held during the day, but on this occasion, I arranged a bit late and instead was offered an evening slot, something new that Tesco is experimenting with. The format was slightly different from the usual, with themed tables showcasing around 40 wines. However, the full daytime selection of 161 wines was available nearby for anyone who wanted to try them and, of course, I did!
Surprisingly, the other, few, visitors stayed in the themed area, which meant I had the entire selection of 161 wines to myself for the whole evening, as you can see from the photo below. It was a surreal experience and I doubt it will ever happen again. On top of that, it was great to have the chance to chat with the Tesco wine, beer, and spirits team, which added a personal touch to an already unforgettable event.
These are the wines that particularly caught my eye:
Tesco Finest Vintage Champagne Brut 2017 (12.6%) is a standout in the premium range, produced by Union Champagne. This exceptional champagne is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards, ensuring the highest quality. With 84 months of ageing on lees, it offers a depth of flavour and complexity that is hard to find at the £30 price level.
Joel GOTT Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (14.5%) is already one of my favourite wines from Tesco’s selection. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from Napa Valley, California, this wine is aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak, which imparts a rich complexity. It has an inky appearance, an intense aroma and is full-bodied. On the palate, you’ll find ripe dark fruit notes of black plum, blueberry and blackcurrant, all leading to a long, satisfying finish. At £35, it’s a premium wine that delivers exceptional depth and character.
Margaux 2019 (13.5%) is another past favourite of mine from Tesco, produced by the renowned Château Boyd Cantenac. This elegant Bordeaux blend is made up of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It is matured in oak barrels for 12 to 24 months, resulting in a full-bodied wine that is rich, ripe and beautifully complex. The palate is filled with notes of black fruit, cherries and subtle spices. It has received notable recognition, including an IWC Silver medal and 90 points from the IWSC. Despite pricy for Tesco, at £24, it’s worth the money.
Tesco English Sparkling Brut NV (12%) is an impressive English wine, produced by the Balfour winery in Kent. Made from a blend of 55% Chardonnay, 27% Pinot Noir, 14% Pinot Meunier and 4% Pinot Blanc, it spends 12 months on lees, which adds a lovely complexity. The wine has vibrant apple and citrus flavour notes, complemented by rich brioche. It has been recognised with an International Wine Challenge (IWC) Award, as well as an IWC Award for great value. At £21, it’s a great, affordable, English sparkling wine.
Saint Clair Prospector Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (13%) is a new addition at Tesco and I’m thrilled to see this wine now available in their range. I’ve been fond of Saint Clair wines for a long time and this wine does not disappoint. It’s aromatic, vibrant and intensely flavoured, with bold notes of passionfruit and gooseberry, leading to a lengthy, refreshing finish. Unlike some intense Sauvignon Blancs, it remains fresh without any musky tones. £16.
Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir 2021 (14%) is a new and exciting addition to Tesco’s wine range. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this wine beautifully combines vibrant New World fruit with traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques. It features enticing notes of cherry and strawberry, with subtle hints of leather and tobacco in the background. The result is a smooth, elegant wine that has earned a Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) and 92 points from the IWSC. £18.
Château Balestard La Tonnelle St Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2014 (14%) is a new addition to Tesco’s premium wine selection. This blend consists of 67% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. The name ‘Balestard’ refers to a canon of the Chapter of Saint-Émilion, while “La Tonnelle” honours the historic 15th-century watchtower that stands prominently in the vineyard. This wine has bold aromas of blackberry with subtle woody notes. On the palate, you’ll experience rich flavours of plum and blackberry, layered with oak, tobacco and a hint of chocolate. It’s a bold, rich and intense wine with a smooth finish. With a 4.3 rating on Vivino, it has been well-received, and at £30, it’s a fantastic choice for lovers of quality Bordeaux.
Bodegas Care Garnacha Nativa 2022 (14.5%) is a Spanish wine now available at Tesco. The name ‘Care’ harks back to the Romans, who used it to refer to the town of Cariñena, near where this wine is produced. The grapes come from some of Bodegas Añadas’ older vines, over 40 years old, growing on the slopes of Sierra de Alairén. After 8 months of ageing in second-use American oak barriques, the wine develops rich aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant with flavours of dark cherries and coffee beans. It’s smooth on the palate and offers excellent value at just £11.
Vista Castelli Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2022 (12.5%) surprised me at such an affordable price. While I was initially sceptical, it turned out to be perfectly enjoyable. Aromatic with notes of black cherries, blackberries and a hint of spice, this wine even offers a slight touch of tannin, adding some structure. It has been commended by the International Wine Challenge (IWC). At only £5.50, it’s a solid choice for a budget-friendly wine that still delivers on flavour.
La Masseria del Borgo Primitivo Manduria 2023 (14.5%) is a new addition to Tesco and was already a favourite of mine. It has wonderful aroma of blackcurrants and black cherries, with those same rich fruit notes carrying through to the palate. The wine is balanced with gentle oak and soft tannins, making it rich, but with a natural fruit sweetness rather than an overly sugary profile. The finish is long and satisfying, making it an excellent value at just £12.
Peumo Carmenere 2022 (14%) is another existing favourite of mine from Tesco. Sourced from Chile’s central Cachapoal Valley and produced by the renowned Viña Concha y Toro, this wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels, adding depth and complexity. This new vintage is just as impressive, with vibrant notes of wild herbs and chocolate, complemented by dark berry and plum flavours. It has an oaky, smoky character that is both round and aromatic, making each sip enjoyable. At £8.50, it offers excellent value for a wine of this quality.
The Alta Yari Gran Corte 2022 (14.5%) is a new arrival at Tesco, from Argentina’s Uco Valley. This blend consists of 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a herby aroma, while the palate offers smooth flavours of plum and cherry, making it both rich and approachable. This wine has already earned a prestigious IWC Gold medal. Priced at £22, it’s a standout choice for those seeking a premium Argentine red.
Tesco has introduced some fantastic new wines at the premium end of their range, while continuing to offer amazing quality at affordable prices for those on a budget. It’s also great to see some of my favourite wines from other retail channels now available at Tesco.
Keep in mind that not all wines are available in every store and prices can fluctuate, even dropping significantly during Tesco 25% off promotions.
