Can you snag a great supermarket wine for under a tenner? Absolutely.
There’s often a misconception that you have to spend a lot of money in order to drink great wine, but as a wine writer and expert, I love finding affordable, quality bottles that punch above their price. Here are few that are definitely worth adding to your trolley.
Extra Special Mas Miralda Cava Brut
£7.50 at Asda
Toast life’s joyous moments with this vibrant Cava, featuring apple and biscuity notes and a mouth-watering, bright finish – a fab choice for impromptu celebrations. Just add some simple salty snacks or fancy canapés.
Finest Valle De Leyda Chardonnay
£8.50 at Tesco
From Chile’s cool coastal region comes this easy-going, round yet refreshing Chardonnay that’s a great partner for roast chicken on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Offering subtle stone and tropical fruit flavours with a touch of oak, a Chardonnay to please many palates.
Athlon Assyrtiko
£7.99 at Aldi
Assyrtiko, hailed as the Chablis of Greece, delivers juicy citrus and a mineral, shell-like bite. I discovered this gem of a grape during a trip to Santorini a decade ago and I’ve been hooked ever since!
A A Badenhorst The Curator White Blend
£9.99 at Waitrose
Entry-level wine from a top South African producer, offering a sophisticated sip without breaking the bank. Made from a blend of primarily Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Viognier, this wine gives creamy peach notes and a hint of white pepper.
Thörnicher St Michael Feinherb Riesling
£5.29 at Lidl
This off-dry Riesling pairs impeccably with spicy dishes – who doesn’t love that sweet chilli combo? – combining ripe honeyed apricots, white flowers, and a zesty finish. A stellar match for Pad Thai or green curry.
La Vieille Ferme Rosé
£8.50 at Sainsbury’s
Move over Whispering Angel – there’s a new favourite feathered friend in town. This viral wine, affectionately called ‘chicken wine’ for its label, offers a tasty sub-£10 rosé from a top Rhône producer.
Irresistible Solo Pale Spanish Rose
£8.50 at Co-op
This quaffable, pale rosé could easily be mistaken for a Provence at double the price. With strawberry and delicate florals, it’s the kind of wine that will bring sunshine on a grey day – remember rosé is not just for summer!
The Best Chinon
£9 at Morrisons
Chinon, the spiritual home of Cabernet Franc, offers this charming red with cherry, violet, and a hint of bell pepper. I love serving it with charcuterie or light herby meat dishes – it’s the perfect way to elevate a casual dinner into something chic.
M&S Expressions Garnacha
£8.50 at Ocado
This light Garnacha from central Spain has a translucent ruby hue, a silky texture, juicy wild berries, and inviting sweet spice. It’s a wine to unite white and red wine lovers – serve it chilled and generously.
Alamos Malbec
£9.50 at Tesco
Textbook Malbec that’s fitting for a crowd, with a plush texture and bold berry fruit. It’s a comforting hug in a glass – and a sumptuous pairing with homely grub like lasagne or a takeaway pizza.
An expert’s guide to buying cheap wine
Look beyond the classic regions
- Regions like Rioja and Douro in Spain and Portugal offer far more bang for your buck than Bordeaux, Burgundy, or Barolo.
- In France and Italy, the Loire and Languedoc offer delicious, well-priced wines, while southern regions like Campania and Puglia deliver rich wines with excellent value.
- For bargain fizz, consider French Crémant or Spanish Cava as an alternative to Champagne.
- Further east, Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria are producing impressive, budget-friendly wines.
- Beyond Europe, South Africa and Chile are my go-tos for wines brimming with character without the hefty price tag.
Try a lesser-known grape variety
- Partial to Chardonnay? The underrated Chenin Blanc and Assyrtiko grapes offer bright acidity with peachy, citrusy notes, often at a better price.
- Love full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon? The often-overlooked Aglianico and Cabernet Franc grape varities share a similar profile, but with floral and herbal freshness and a slightly lighter body.
- Adore an elegant Pinot Noir? The Gamay and Cinsault grams both of deliver light-bodied, silky reds without breaking the bank.
Charlotte’s book Wine: Taste Pair Pour is out now. To order a copy for £17 until 15 September go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937
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