In April 2024, I had the opportunity to attend a press tasting hosted by Waitrose in London, featuring new lines and vintages. The event presented just under 100 wines, of which I sampled the majority.
Among the highlights were the new additions to the own brand ‘Loved & Found’ range, which originally launched in 2019. This collection, priced under £10, encourages both winemakers and customers to explore lesser-known grape varieties. These Loved & Found wines not only offer a taste of the unusual but also support the innovative efforts of winemakers who embrace the challenge of creating something different.
There were many great-tasting wines but these were the ones that particularly stood out for me, in most cases for also being different in some way:
Valdo Elevantum Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore NV Veneto, Italy 10.5%, £13.99
New to Waitrose, this is a DOCG Prosecco that elevates beyond the usual DOC Prosecco experience. Crafted from 100% Glera grapes by winemaker Gino Cini, this Prosecco distinguishes itself with a more robust body and an enhanced mouthfeel that sets it apart from its DOC counterparts. The wine undergoes an aging process, resting for at least two months in the bottle. It has a floral aroma that beautifully complements the pronounced fruitiness of pear and apple. This DOCG Prosecco offers an interesting alternative for those who find the standard Prosecco too light-bodied, providing a richer, more textured experience.
Éminence de Bijou 2023 Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 12.5%, £14.99
This is a new vintage of this Rosé. Composed of 60% Grenache, 35% Cinsault and 5% Rolle, this wine originates from two parcels of low-yielding bush vines planted in the calcareous clay-limestone soils of Coteaux de Béziers. The grapes were harvested in the early hours of the morning to take advantage of the cooler temperatures, a technique that helps maintain balanced acidity levels in the wine. Adding a touch of complexity, 15% of the Grenache was fermented in French oak, lending an elegant structure to the final blend. This wine has sophisticated flavour profile of fruity notes of raspberry and redcurrant merging with zesty citrus undertones, creating a lively and refreshing palate.
Susumaniello Rosato Organic IGP Puliga, 12.5%, £7.99
New to Waitrose is an unusual Rosé from the sun-drenched region of Puglia in Italy, a 100% Susumaniello, crafted by winemaker Alessandro Michelon. Susumaniello is a lively and deep-coloured grape variety, renowned for its vibrant hue and rich flavour profile. The Susumaniello grapes are picked relatively early in the season. This early harvest, by hand, helps to retain the grape’s natural elegance and balance, ensuring that the wine does not become overly robust or lose its delicate character. This rosé stands out for its refreshing yet smooth palate, offering ripe berry flavours that evoke the essence of summer. Part of Waitrose Loved & Found range.
Seifried Gewürztraminer 2023 Nelson 12.5, £13.99
Waitrose has introduced a new vintage of this Gewürztraminer which is from New Zealand rather than, more typically, the French Alsace region. This white wine is a blend of 85.5% Gewürztraminer, 8% Grüner Veltliner and 6.5% Würzer, cultivated in Seifried’s unirrigated Redwood Valley vineyard. The vines, aged between 10 and 30 years, contribute to the complexity and depth of the wine. Winemakers Chris Seifried and Heidi Seifried-Houghton allow the grapes to rest on their lees, enhancing the wine’s textural qualities and depth of flavour. This medium-bodied wine exudes aromas of apples, ginger and spice, creating an inviting and aromatic profile. The natural sweetness of the wine beautifully complements the concentrated fruit flavours, offering a rich and harmonious experience. The fragrant and layered character might even be said to surpass that of traditional Alsace Gewürztraminer.
Bodegas La Val Gran Anada Albariño 2019 Galicia, 12.5%, £29.99
A new wine to Waitrose which is a limited parcel dry white wine. This 100% Albariño is selected from the finest plots along the Miño river, known for producing grapes of exceptional quality. The grapes for this exclusive vintage were carefully hand-harvested. Winemaker José María Ureta has expertly guided the ageing process of this Albariño, which was conducted partially in 500 and 600 litre French oak barrels and partially in tanks on its fine lees. This method enhances the wine’s complexity, adding layers of texture, richness and weight that elevate it beyond the typical Albariño profile. I think this wine is ‘Albariño on steroids’ as it has an intensified flavour and mouthfeel. It boasts floral aromas with citrus and peach taste and a refined minerality balanced by notes of stone fruit. The lees ageing and oak treatment contribute significantly to its enhanced character, making this Albariño a more robust and flavourful experience than you might expect. This wine is a must-try for those familiar with Albariño and looking for something that pushes the boundaries.
Gelber Muskateller 2023 Niederösterreich, 12%, £8.99
New from 22 April 2024, is this Austrian wine which I think is a great find. This dry-style Muscat wine, specifically using the Gelber Muskateller grape variety, an old and ancient type, predominantly sourced in this case from the Weinviertel region in Austria. Winemaker Thomas Mantler has crafted this wine from Guyot-trained vines that are about 20 years old. The grapes were harvested early in the morning at very cool temperatures, a technique specifically employed to retain as much of the fruit character as possible. This has resulted in a wine that is very aromatic, featuring a floral nose with Elderflower and Apricot notes responsible for the vibrant flavour profile. It finishes with an elegant, zesty freshness that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Part of Waitrose Loved & Found range.
Aglianico Rosato Organic IGP Puliga, 12.5%, £8.99
New from 22 April 2024, is a fresh take on a usually red-wine grape. Aglianico grapes, which are typically used to produce rich and robust red wines, have been masterfully crafted into a fresh and fruity rosé by winemaker Alessandro Michelon. This wine is made from 100% Aglianico grapes that were hand harvested. This rosé is filled with red berry fruit flavours. Its freshness and fruit-driven profile make it a perfect choice for those seeking a vibrant Rosé wine. Part of Waitrose Loved & Found range.
Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2016 Rioja, 14.5%, £36.99
Waitrose now has this excellent Rioja wine on its shelves, featuring a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano. This carefully crafted wine involves manual harvesting of the grapes. The harvest begins with the Tempranillo grapes, followed twelve days later by the Graciano, ensuring that each varietal reaches its optimal ripeness. The selection process is rigorous, with only the highest-quality grapes chosen in the vineyard, and later, only the best lots are selected for ageing. It’s aged in American oak barrels with an average age of 4.5 years. Julio Saenz, the winemaker, has produced a wine that is very aromatic and well-rounded. It offers a rich and intense flavour profile, marked by fruity notes that lead into a smooth, silky finish. It was easily my favourite wine at event and is now in my picks, even though it is relatively expensive.
Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune 2019 Burgundy, 14%, £38.99
This is a new vintage and branding from one of the most respected Burgundy houses. 100% Pinot Noir was harvested by hand in small open crates, a method chosen to preserve the integrity of the fruit and ensure it arrives at the winery in pristine condition. Under the guidance of winemaker Véronique Boss-Drouhin, the wine was aged in oak to infuse it with extra complexity and a hint of spice, enhancing its natural flavours and adding depth to its profile. On the nose, it offers delicate and fruity aromas of strawberry and redcurrant, leading into a medium-bodied palate that continues the theme of fruitiness. The tannins are well-balanced, adding a nice roundness to the body without overpowering the flavours.
Prices are subject to change and there were actually some great reductions from the above prices at the time of writing this. Please note that not all wines are in all stores but they can always be ordered online at waitrosecellar.com and there’s also next day click and collect from any Waitrose shop, excluding Jersey and Guernsey.
