Own Label Gems
Supermarkets, take a bow. Striking the balance between offering slam-dunk crowd pleasers and riskier wines with more strident character takes guts – right now, the high street is rising to the challenge. I’d urge you to pick a less familiar bottle, which doesn’t necessarily mean a bigger spend. Instead of a Rioja, try a Spanish Garnacha. Rather than your regular peachy white, pick a Fernão Pires. Usually sip Sauv Blanc? Go for an Austrian Grüner Veltliner. You’ll find your pounds will stretch further and I reckon you’ll find a few new favourites, too.
OLLY’S PICK OF THE BUNCH
SPECIALLY SELECTED AUSTRIAN GRÜNER VELTLINER 2020 (12.5%), £6.99, Aldi. Fresh and cutting as kite-surfing on an apple slice, this is a dazzling sofa sipper.
LOVED & FOUND FERNÃO PIRES 2021 (12.5%), £6.99, Waitrose. A peach, pineapple and pear fruit-fest of a wine. Bright brilliance from South Africa.
FOUND NERELLO CAPPUCCIO 2020 (13.5%), £7, M&S. Firm, spicy splendour without resorting to heaviness – sublime with beef.
FINEST STELLENBOSCH PINOTAGE 2020 (14%), £7.50, Tesco. Imagine a mysterious cross between Pinot Noir and Rioja. This delicious red delivers the goods!
This article was originally published in YOU Magazine, Mail on Sunday, 23rd January 2022 – Prices, stockists and vintages correct at time of publication.
