What Should I Drink With Classic British Puddings?

The perfect tipple with your favourite dessert – is there anything that hits the spot more? There are plenty of differing textures, flavours and of course, a lot of sweetness at play with British puddings and desserts, so a sip of the wrong drink can easily clash.

Of course, the right drink and every part of the experience can be enhanced. We’ve listed some of the drinks that work best with classic British puddings below, and as a general rule, you want your drink to be sweeter than the other dishes – especially when it comes to wine.

There are lots of other factors at play though, so scan for your favourite dessert in bold below and see what takes it to that next level.

White Wine

Riesling

We’re looking for two things – sweetness, and acidity, so that the wine doesn’t taste bitter, and so that there’s no overbearing cloying sweetness. Riesling is the most versatile food-friendly wine, and for any plain cheesecakes, it’s spot on. Also, lemon drizzle is a tough one to match with the central flavour being so bold, but a sweet Riesling works well. Lastly, if it’s a dryer Riesling with lots of citrus and green apple notes, then it will be able to slice into the sweetness of an apple crumble without clashing. This Dr. Loosen Riesling is from the Mosel Valley, which produce sweeter expressions. It also has pronounced fruits so it’s ideal.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8.5%
Find here: £8.20

DESSERT WINE

Muscat

Muscats provided a lovely golden sweetness, slight florality and spice, as well as a lot of fruits. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you get sip on Muscat with chocolate cake and other sweet chocolate puddings. The same goes for Bakewell tart and bread and butter pudding, which, if you’re a fan of the sweetness, you can pair with Muscat – though this might be a little too much for some. This Italian sweety is a good place to start.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10

Fortified Wine

Madeira

During its production process, Maderia wine is heated so there’s plenty of stewed fruits and burnt sugar notes, as well as nutty flavours. In fact, the nose often smells of fruit cake, so they make a heavenly couple. It’s also usually highly acidic. Madeira generally works well with chocolate cheesecake, and particularly if there are any nuts involved too. It’ll also take on the intense rich sweetness of sticky toffee pudding for a dreamy marriage of indulgence. This one from Blandy’s is full-on and fruity.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19%
Find here: £14.99

Port

Tawny Port in particular is a great way to go, full to the brim with red and black fruits and like Maderia, those nutty flavours. It’s not as acidic as Madeira, but there’s still enough to cut through. Tawny Port provides a somewhat drier option for luxurious dark chocolate desserts, toffee/caramel cheesecakes, and sticky toffee pudding. Tawny Ports over 20 years old are also known to be complimentary with coffee cake, when the nutty nuances have really developed. This Kopke Tawny is lovely and rich, with velvety smoothness enriching any creaminess.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19.5%
Find here: £14.99

SPARKLING WINE

Moscato d’Asti

Sparkling Moscato tend to be low in alcohol and higher in sweeter than Prosecco, so pair well with a few desserts. Most trifles in the classic format will go nicely, with the bubbles breaking up any heavy custard and cream. Moscato d’Asti is also a good choice for lighter, spongier cakes without loads of intense flavours – so almond cakes, pound cakes and Victoria sponge.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.99

Cocktails

Kir Royale

A nice strawberry or raspberry liqueur topped up with Champagne works a treat for berry and meringue desserts – think Eton mess and pavlova. The cassis is an obvious dream pairing for the berries, complementing the flavour and sweetness, and the Champagne provides a pleasant acidic crunch, with those bubbles refreshing the palate.

Beer & Cider

Fruit Flavoured Beers like Belgian Fruli, Kriek, and Frambozen

Raspberry or cherry beers are plentiful in the Belgian style, and pair nicely with any berry cheesecakes. Also, if you’re enjoying a chocolate pudding on the lighter side, these kinds of beers go surprisingly well, particularly if those fruits are in it of course. You could also look to these beers for Bakewell tart and cherry trifles because they have a refreshing tartness that both matches and offsets the sweetness simultaneously.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 3.5%
Find here: £2.05

Apple Cider

You can probably tell where this is going. Part of the cider resurgence has been down to their sweetness, which makes them perfect for apple desserts – especially traditional apple pies and apple crumbles. Make sure it’s a bubbly cider, and the fizz and crispness marry the warm richness of the crumble deliciously.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 6.8%
Find here: £2.50

We’ve got a few pairings guides up on the site now, so for more sweet options specific to pancakes go here!

Your ABC guide to Sherry Styles

It’s Sherry week, so what better time to get to know this misunderstood and underated tipple? Sherry lovers around the world have been banging the drum for these unique, moreishly saline, food friendly sippers for years and finally, the message is getting through: Sherry ‘proper’ is not sweet! Read that again. Here’s why it’s time to reacquaint ourselves with this liquid treasure from the sun-soaked vineyards of southern Spain. 

Wine? Spirit? Liqueur? What exactly is Sherry?

In recent years, Sherry has experienced a renaissance, with younger generations discovering its charms and Sherry bars popping up in trendy neighbourhoods worldwide and restaurant lists boasting numerous offerings. But what is it exactly? In a nutshell, Sherry is a fortified wine that hails from a triangle of villages in Spain’s Andalusia and more often than not, it is bone dry. Yes, there are two types of sweet Sherry - naturally so or not so naturally so - but when wine lovers talk about authentic Sherry, it’s the dry stuff they mean.

It all starts with Palomino Fino grapes, which are grown around the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia. Being an ‘Old World’ (European, essentially) wine style, it takes its name from the place rather than the grapes and ‘Sherry’ is just a poor (in my opinion) English translation of ‘Jerez’. Wine is made by grapes here in the normal way, but just before fermentation ends, a splash of grape spirit is added to stop the process and fortify the wine. The historical reasons for doing this were many, but the key reason was to raise the wine’s alcohol content to make it less susceptible to spoilage, especially during transportation. After all, the Andalusian climate is warm and humid, so normal wine would go off very quickly in the days before air conditioning. 

What makes the dry styles of Sherry unique?

It’s what happens once the wine is fortified and put into wooden barrels that the Sherry magic happens: A small amount of space is left as the liquid ages and the region’s humidity causes a thin layer of yeast called ‘flor’ to develop on the top of the wine, which helps protect it from being completely oxidised. Whether this flor layer remains intact or not and how long it remains then defines the final style of the Sherry inside the barrel. Here’s a rundown of the five, stunningly dry Sherry styles and a cheeky, naturally sweet one to try:

Manzanilla (15-17% abv typically)

Manzanilla is the seaside cousin of the famous Fino and has an unmistakable maritime vibe. It can only be made in the town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda and has a characteristic chamomile note (manzanilla is Spanish for chamomile). It also tends to be a touch lighter and more saline than Fino. Picture sipping the sea breeze captured in a bottle with a delightful, fresh bread yeastiness. Great with savoury snacks and salty cheeses. 

Try: La Gitana Manzanilla, £9.75 from Tesco 

Fino (15-17% abv typically)

Fino is a similarly pale and bone-dry style that's as crisp as a newly ironed shirt. Unlike Manzanilla, it can be produced in any of the three towns within the Sherry Triangle and has more of a roasted, salted almond note with hints of crunchy apple. A great aperitif that also loves salty snacks and can cut through fried food like a blade. It’s also awesome with tonic. Incidentally, the famously sweet ‘cream’ sherries that Granny loves are often Finos with added concentrated grape must or grape syrup. 

Try: Tio Pepe Fino, £13 from Sainsbury’s, Morrisons 

Amontillado (17-22% ABV typically)

While both Manzanilla and Fino are made with wines where the flor layer has stayed intact, Amontillado is what you get when flor is removed. Starting life as a Fino, it spends  time ageing in barrels before having a slosh of brandy for fortification. This spirited wine then moves to a new barrel, where it begins its journey into oxidative ageing, resulting in a darker, amber colour with notes of roasted nuts, tobacco, spice and dried fruit, all the while keeping  a tangy saltiness. Amontillado can also have a bit of PX (see below) added for sweetness.

Try: Gonzalez Byass Vina AB Amontillado £16.50 from Ocado 

Oloroso (16-20% ABV typically)

Made deliberately without any flor from the start and subjected to extensive ageing, Oloroso is the darkest dry Sherry style and is full-bodied, concentrated and complex. Silky smooth and intensely nutty in character, it has wonderfully Christmassy notes of dried raisins, figs and salted caramel. Stunning alone but it also loves mature cheeses and can handle game too. 

Try: No.1 Emilio Lustau Dry Oloroso, £13.49 from Waitrose 

Palo Cortado (17-22% ABV typically)

Palo Cortado is the style to ask for in a bar if you want to show off your Sherry skills. Made often unintentionally when the flor layer naturally dies away on wines destined to be Fino or Amontillado, PC combines the dryness of Amontillado with the nuttiness and body of Oloroso. Think tangy, salted almonds, hazelnuts, dried fruits, toffee, and vanilla oak. It’s what the Sherry hipsters are drinking!

Try: Very Rare Palo Cortado, £8.49 for 37.5cl from M&S and Ocado 

Something different:

Pedro Ximenez (PX)

PX, as it is affectionately known, is a sweet style of Sherry made with very ripe, white, Pedro Ximenez grapes, which are air dried on mats to concentrate sugars and flavours before being gently pressed. The lusciously sweet juice is then aged in barrels for a long time - sometimes decades, to achieve a thick, dark, treacley consistency and flavours of dried fig and baking spice. Stuff the chocolate sauce, pour this over your ice cream! Note: This is not the sweet ‘cream’ sherry beloved by elderly parents at Christmastime. 

Try: The Best Pedro Ximenez, £7 for 37.5cl from Morrisons 

Ultimately, there’s nothing at all wrong with these stalwart cream styles, especially the top names like Croft Original - and they still sell by the truck load during the festive season. It’s just not what the Sherry revolution is about. So, why do we all assume Sherry is always sweet? I blame onomatopoeia. And 1980’s trifle.

Where to taste Sherry this Sherry Week?

Check out www.sherryweek.wine to see all activities for Sherry Week 6th -12th Nov 2023

UK specific events here!

The Best Boozy Advent Calendars of 2023

It’s November which means that Christmas items have been slowly but surely popping up everywhere we look, and whilst the build up to Christmas can be stressful, there’s no reason it shouldn’t just be the kids that get all the excitement.

This year’s boozy advent calendars are being released, and aside from being a great surprise each day, they’re actually a brilliant way to explore a drink you’ve been meaning to try, with 24 miniatures giving you a taste of what’s on offer.

We’ve got something for everyone with our handy guide below identifying the best advent calendar for gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whisky, wine, cognac, and beer. Treat yourself!

Oh, and wine drinkers in particular, if you want to save yourself a bit of money then how about making your own DIY Advent with beautiful, canned wines? Take a look here!

The Best Gin Advent Calendar

Craft Gin Club Advent Calendar

The biggest gin subscription club in the UK is offering a 50ml bottle of craft gin behind each door, finishing on a special G&T on the big day itself. There’s a brand-new selection of gins picked out over the year, including seven exclusives like Tarquin’s Mince Pie Gin that you can’t get anywhere else. You also get expert suggestions for mixers and garnishes for every bottle, which you can buy as a separate bundle if you wish. We’ve had a sneak peek and we don’t want to give too much more away but gin lovers, you will not be left disappointed!

Find here: £94.95

The Best Rum Advent Calendar

The Whisky Exchange 24 Days of Rum Advent Calendar

Rum isn’t the most popular spirit for calendars, and we’re not sure why. It’s more popular for cocktails, but sipping rums are an exciting world once you find your favourite, and trying 24 different miniatures is the perfect way to do that. Not only does this calendar opens doors to every type of rum from all over – with Caribbean classics and lesser known gems from Scotland and Australia, but you also get full tasting notes to light the way and two glasses.

Find here: £84.95

The Best Tequila & Mezcal Advent Calendar

The Spirit Co Tequila & Mezcal Advent Calendar

Because of its association with shots, tequila is far from the first spirit people think of when it comes to boozy advent calendars, but despite the 30ml minis included, this is about exploring the diverse world of fresh, fruity tequila and floral, smoky mezcal. Blancos, Reposados, Añejos and Mezcals await behind each door of this lovely looking calendar, for you to truly explore a spirit dating back to the Aztecs.

Find here: £131.99

The Best Vodka Advent Calendar

Drinks by the Dram – Vodka Advent Calendar

Here’s 24 wonderfully varied 30ml vodkas to put a kick into your Christmas build up, focusing on unique blends from all four corners of the planet. Vodka is another spirit that some drinkers only have bad experiences with after trying a throat burner, so these tasters are a great introduction to what the spirit can be. Reputable brands like Chase and Cîroc are includes, as well Jaffa Cake Vodka, Brecon Five and an intriguing Chardonnay Vodka.

Find here: £89.95

The Best Whisky Advent Calendar

Master of Malt Whisky Advent Calendars

Master of Malt have a stunning selection of 14 different whisky advents, for newbies looking to get into it, seasoned dram drainers, and everything in between. The Whisky Explorer’s Edition is a great for adventures, That Boutique-y Company is for unusual independent releases, and there’s the Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar featuring some of the country’s best producers. If you’ve got the money, then there’s even the Old and Rare selection for £999, and for a Christmas you’ll never forget, there’s the Very Old and Rare calendar priced at £9,999!

Find here: £99.55-£9999.95

The Best Wine Advent Calendar

Virgin Wines Advent Calendar

One of the original players in the world of wine advents, Virgin Wines are one of the UK’s largest suppliers and this year they have premium boxes of 24 mini wines (mixed, red, or white) from across the world, with an extra special treat behind door 25 to wash down the Christmas dinner. Click the link, pick your box and you can see exactly what bottles are included.

Find here: £89.99

John Lewis Fizz

It’s not just their Christmas ad that’s the best because this bubbly bonanza is probably the best sparkling wine selection out there, with champagne, prosecco and six variations of Bottega wines. There’s a couple of Freixenet bottles and a Charles de Mignon champagne as the highlight. Christmas is all about the bubbles, and this makes every day in the run up a joy.

Find here: £140

The Best Cognac Advent Calendar

The Spirit Co Cognac Advent Calendar

After falling in love with Cognac and the release of The Three Drinkers in Cognac, we have to include this gem. Celebrating the Charente vineyards, every day brings you a touch of rich, velvety French luxury of various ages. They’re perfect for whipping up Cognac Cocktails, or sipping to find your favourite.

Find here: £200.39

The Best Beer Advent Calendar

John Lewis Beer & Snacks Advent Calendar

Christmas is the season for snacks, so why not combine them with beer in this festive box, with 14 glass bottles and 10 accompanying snacks. Lager, craft lager, pale ales and iconic pub snacks are all thrown in to bring all the pub vibes to your celebrations.

Find here: £80

If you want to save yourself a bit of money and make your own calendar, then we’ve given you 12 Canned Wines to get you on your way!

Perfect Canned Wines for Your DIY Advent Calendar

It’s been a joy to witness the journey that canned wine has gone on, from the early days where pretty much anything you picked up was disappointing, to now, with diverse varietals, solid as a rock stalwart wines, and even English producers.

They’re also some of the most gorgeous designs in all the drinks world, and being between 187ml-250ml, they’re a joy to open each day on the build up to Christmas. Why should kids have all the fun?

There are a few different ways you can make your own DIY advent calendars, such as this guide using wine boxes, and this using tubes, or just make your little advent bags. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy making your own, then we’ve assembled the best Boozy Advents for 2023 here!

We’ve got you covered for 12 of the 24 days below, all beautiful inside and out.

WHITE

Vinca Organic Bianco

Vinca pride themselves on environmentalism, using 73% recycled aluminium for their cans, and only sourcing wine that was made from organic grapes. They have a Sicilian Rosé, a juicy red and this Sicilian Catarratto white, and they’re all full of fresh fruit, with a crisp and clean feel. One to prove the can snobs wrong.

Size: 187ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £4

Hun Vegan Sauvignon Blanc

The branding my be minimalist but the wine inside packs a punch, providing easy drinking on the go South African Sav. For the money especially, there’s plenty of that tropical, juicy profile, refreshening salinity and balanced acidity.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £3 (but often 2 for £4!)

Most Wanted Pinot Grigio Fizz

Most Wanted usually back up their name, and for around £2, a can of this bubbly Pinot goes down easy. It has a fairy neutral expression, with pleasant crispness and semi-aerated fizz. Don’t get us wrong, it isn’t going to blow your mind with its elegance or depth, but as a decent sipper or palate cleanser, it does the job.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £2.20

Canned Wine Viognier White

Gone are the days of simple reds and whites being the only canned wine options because there are now brands like Canned Wine Co. focusing on single varietal and carefully sourced wines shooting for quality and hitting the mark. They have a really exciting selection, but their Viognier is the star, with sunny peach, aromatic jasmine and soft buttery mouthfeel. Their cans are also some of the best looking out there.  

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £5.50

ROSE

Nice Pale Rosé

Nice have become a shelf stalwart since launching in 2019, building a reputation as one of the most reliable canned wine brands going. Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc are also offered, but it’s their Rosé where their light, natural fruits really shine. Ripe peach and sweet strawberries linger behind that rose petal colouring for a real Cote d’Azur drinking experience – and top notch value too.

Size: 187ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £2.35

Djuce Bibich's Rosé

This Syrah Rosé catches the eye from the off and continues to raise eyebrows. It’s fully organic, from Croatia and if you go into it with an open mind and don’t expect Provence style Rosé, you’ll be in for a treat. It’s a real red berry explosion, with fine spritz bubbles, unusual woody spice, and plenty of rose petal and delicate orange peel. A little pricey but it would be a welcome change in a boozy advent calendar.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.99

SPARKLING

Canvino Bianco

Another charming design and within is one of the best sparkling whites you can pick up in the supermarket. Like all of Canvino’s output, it’s from Lombardy and the Bianco is in the mould of a Prosecco, a blend of Chardonnay and Trebbiano grapes producing real zing and simplicity over a gentle fizz.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 10.5%
Find here: £2.50

The Uncommon English White Wine Spritzer

The Uncommon focus on the specialist wines of southern England, which just get better and better. Their entire range is beautiful inside and out and would make a lovely advent opening. This Bacchus and Chardonnay spritzer is light and fresh, blended with sparkling water and elderflower and cucumber botanicals.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 5.5%
Find here: £4 (usually more!)

RED

Château des Moriers Miss Vicky 'O Joie' Fleurie

From Château des Morier by wine innovator Anne-Victoire Monrozier comes this seductive canned Beaujolais cru with 100% Gamay grapes, showing just how far canned wines have come. The Pinot-esque cherry scents are so inviting, and juicy acidity follows with a mouthful of crunchy, vivid red fruits. Herbal and spicy notes round everything off deliciously.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £4.95

Kiss of Wine Feisty Nebbiolo

Kiss of Wine are all about celebrating smaller, independent winemakers and packaging their wines in simple, charming ways. There’s the Smooth Loire Valley Chardonnay and the Zesty German Riesling to name two, but we adore their Feisty Nebbiolo because we never expected it in a canned wine – delicate, fruity acidity from Piedmont. You even get a pamphlet with your order all about the wine and producer. Check out their six varietals!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £5.90

Copper Crew Merlot

Yet more aesthetically pleasing cans here from Copper Crew in South Africa. They offer a Provence Rosé, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and a Chenin Blanc with a lot of zip, but their Merlot feels particularly luxurious for a can. It’s aged for 24 months in French oak to feel full and plush with red fruits.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £4

Lubanzi Red Blend

Named after a mysterious dog who followed the two founders 100 miles across the South African coast, Lubanzi is inspired by this experience and South African wine. This Red Blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvédre hits with spice and serious elegance for the money. And it’s all vegan, carbon neutral and Fairtrade certified too. And the design is gorgeous. The complete package.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £3.65

If you’d rather order a ready-made calendar then we’ve assembled the best Boozy Advents for 2023 here!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Morrisons October/November 2023

In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we look at the latest discounted top-notch wines and today it’s Morrisons. Reds, Whites, Bubbles and Port, we’ve picked out the bottes that we love and with the discount, they’re absolute must tries, so waste no time in picking up the bottle that takes your fancy (they’re all under £10 too, except one amazing bottle of English fizz that’s still a top deal!).

*Updated: 27/10/2023*

Morrisons Red Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Roodeberg Black Dark Red Blend

Predominantly Pinotage, this South African red was born from the flames of an unfortunate winery fire. Undeterred, the Roodeberg team created this easy-drinking gem, packed with dark fruits and blackcurrant, as well as a delicious smoky oak note. It’s velvety and rich too, and for a tenner an absolute steal.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £12.50)

Dynamite Factory Shiraz

This is another South African red that, for a Shiraz, really punches with the fruits. With intense flavours of cherry, plum, and a dash of peppery spice, soft tannins and comforting character, this is tremendous value, particularly for a well-rounded mid-week option.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

The Best Marques de los Rios Rioja Reserva

Made from hand-harvested Tempranillo grapes, this wine is aged for 30 months in oak barrels and then another 6 months in the bottle. It's a rich treasure chest filled with black fruit, hints of vanilla, a touch of spice and smoke, and all this flavour without being heavy or harsh in anyway too. And so smooth! There’s so much to love. Serve alongside a steak and it’s a dream.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Colpasso Nero D'Avola Appassimento

Everyone that tries this Sicilian Red seems to love it. The Nero d’Avola grapes are partially dried before the winemaking begins, resulting in intense flavour and serious punch. It’s as rich and soft as a luxury velvet robe, plush with cherry and plum, but also gentle wafts of smoke and cinnamon. There’s so much going on the for the money, and it easily outperforms wines double the price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £10)

Cidade Branca Tinto

This trio of Portuguese grapes is a full-bodied wonder and trophy winner. Especially if you let it breathe for a few hours, the dense plum, blackberry and blackcurrant shine with pepper and pleasant acidity too. There’s an edge to it that’s very moreish. It’s screaming out to be paired with food – think strong cheese but also hearty stews. Charming label too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.75)

Morrisons The Best Negroamaro

This Italian Negroamaro hits you from the off, with an up-front blackcurrant blast with cherries and plums following up. There are more complex and fuller-bodied wines sure, but for punchy fruit, flavour and balance, it’s wonderful for the money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £8.50)

Morrisons White Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Cuba Azul Alvarinho

This Portuguese revelation makes the very most of the Albariño grape which drinkers cannot get enough of right now. The acidity is lively, the blossom florality is aromatic, and all with a lovely lightness carrying lemony, peach notes as well as pleasant salinity. Utterly refreshing.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Zesty, tropical, tangy, and majestically smooth, this is top notch expression of Marlborough Sauvignon. The overwhelming feeling is of instant crispness and complete refreshment, and it should be a reliable go-to with many dishes, particularly fish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Morrisons Sparkling Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Martini Asti Sparkling Wine

Yes, it’s Martini but make no mistake this is a very different drink. Made in the uniquely Italian way with single fermentation, the 100% Moscato Bianco grapes are a joy. Light and lovely, melon, peach, green apple, and subtle brioche arrive in smooth and sweet waves, with refreshing effervescence and crisp acidity providing the perfect palate cleanser. Try with white choc and surprise yourself!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 7.5%
Find here: £7.50 (usually £8.50)

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

This is a terrific representative for the progress English fizz has made and where it’s headed. 8 years of ageing gives so much depth – plenty of fine bubbles rivalling Champagne, intense biscuity notes, crisp orchard fruits, vibrant citrus and a finish stretching far off into the distance. With £8 off, this is the perfect time to give it a go.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £19 (usually £27)

Morrisons Port Discounts October/November 2023

Cockburn's Special Reserve Port

Cockburn’s benchmark Port has been a comfort since its 1969 release, like a warm, fruity blanket. The rich tapestry of molasses, woody vanilla, prune, smooth caramel, and plum set the standard, with everything balancing out magically. A no brainer at £12.

Size: 1L
ABV: 20%
Find here: £12 (usually £19.50)

Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage Port

A mature and characterful deep ruby Port, Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage is packed with blackberries and cherries that feel rich and robust from the six years aging. Notes of chocolate, baking spice and liquorice lurk beneath the surface invitingly too. A smooth ride, and the perfect way to end an Autumn evening.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £11 (usually £18)

Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny

Taylor’s decade aged Tawny is also well worth a try, especially at this price. Mature prunes, plums and raisin combine with the charm of delicate woody notes, and the nuttiness has really come through too – tasty. Elegant, voluptuous and the aftertaste is to die for.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £19 (usually £25)

W.& J. Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port

This isn’t as thick as some Ports, but it packs a hefty punch of intense blackberry and fresh plum. The barrel comes through with the oaky vanilla and dried fruits, and welcome touches of spice. Those sweeter elements are reigned in a little too, by the edge of dryness that settles everything down nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £11 (usually £16.50)

Keep your eyes peeled if you do the weekly shop elsewhere, or if you’re too late for these offers, because we’re going to be out hunting all the latest bargains wherever you shop. Check out our Sainsbury’s offers here, updated regularly with the latest wine bargains.

What Does Pinotage Taste Like and What Should I Try?

What is Pinotage?

Pinotage crosses the Cinsaut and Pinot Noir grapes, the former of which was renamed Hermitage giving us the portmanteau Pinot-age. Despite an inconsistent reputation in the past, it’s absolutely flourishing now and is well and truly South Africa’s flagship grape, becoming a dream BBQ accompaniment.

What does Pinotage taste like?

The Pinotage grapes turned out to be extremely dark, creating bold wines high in tannin, with famously meaty, smoky, and rich profiles. The Pinotage of old was dismissed by some for being unrefined, and for good reason. Being such a good grower and so dense, its destiny was low-quality commercial wine and being stretched too thin. On top of that, it’s a volatile grape that when processed poorly, can go very wrong. Bad Pinotage is Bad Pinotage, put it that way.

However, if that’s what’s put you off in the past then give it another go, because Pinotage winemakers have got their act together since then and it’s come on leaps and bounds. There is now a host of delicious Pinotage bottles with that same inky density, as well as silky plum, blackberry, tobacco, and liquorice. Let’s explore some…

Which Pinotage should I try?

Tesco Finest South African Pinotage

Delicious, accessible, and modern red Pinotage that’s very much on the lighter and younger side of the grape. Think velvety bramble fruits and none of the burnt tar smoke from yesteryears. It’s a very drinkable midweek wine with your Italian dishes, and an easy way into bolder Pinotage.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.25

Kanonkop 'Kadette' Pinotage Rosé 2022/23, Stellenbosch

Perdeberg is the largest Pinotage block in the world, never mind just Stellenbosch, and that’s where this wine comes from. Given how robust Pinotage is, it’s innovative to make Rosé from it but the results are delicious. It’s vivid and refreshing, with aromatic summer berries and red apple, and goes to show how versatile this grape can be.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £14.99

Warwick Estate First Lady Pinotage 2020

An award-winning, highly praised Pinotage from Warwick brimming with dark cherries throughout, and backed up by dark chocolate, fine tannins, and a lovely oak spice to finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £11.95

Lanzerac Pinotage 2020

Masterfully put together Pinotage with underlying smoked oak and leather supporting smooth plum and butterscotch vanilla. It’s not as gamey as some Pinotage, and has wonderful complexity to explore on the lasting finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £13.99

Barista Pinotage 2021

The work of winemaking legend Bertus Fourie, this Pinotage, as hinted at by the name, draws on the coffee notes in the varietals. Joined by chocolate coated cherries on the nose, it unfolds presenting ripe blackberry and plum before an earthier tobacco on the finish. Incredible value and one for the fireplace we think.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.99

Mooiplaas Wine Estate, The Bean Coffee Pinotage 2020

Classic earthy, leather and smoke intertwining with lofty jammy, berries, softly integrated tannins, and mocha notes. Characterful and tasty to explore.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £12.25

Check out our favourite Cabernet Sauvignon here, and our Pinot Noir guide here!

Downton Abbey’s Highclere Castle : First Gin, And Now…

If you know of Highclere Castle, then it’ll probably be the dramatic tales of Downton Abbey coming to mind, with aristocratic grandeur a plenty. However, this stunning estate, nestled in Hampshire, has now added a new chapter to its story – a fully operational vineyard.

And one that in October 2023, harvested it’s first batch of grapes from across the 2.5 acres. Owners Lord and Lady Carnarvon embarked on this winemaking venture in 2018 after discovering that the estate's "old wall garden" offered the perfect chalky soil for grape cultivation.

The two grape varieties planted were Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. While the Chardonnay faced a bit of a challenge due to heavy summer rains, Pinot Noir grapes emerged beautifully, and the family are looking to get bubbly, producing a sparkling rosé under the name, ‘Chateau Highclere’, which they hope to make thousands of bottles of.

This isn’t actually Highclere’s first foray into the drink’s world, because their wines, once ready, will sit alongside their Castle Gin in the shop. This gin has picked up a lot of praise, known for infusing botanicals grown on the estate, including vibrant oranges from the Victorian Orangery.

For more information about the Highclere Castle Gin, go here. And if you were already a fan of Downton Abbey and have been meaning to pay a visit to the real life Grantham’s, then you’ve not got even more of a reason!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Sainsbury’s October/November 2023

In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we look at the latest discounted top-notch wines and today it’s Sainsbury’s. Honestly, even without the discount, these reds and whites are exceptional value, but when they’re on offer they’re an absolute must-try. Let’s dive in!

*Updated: 20/10/2023*

Sainsbury’s Red Wine Discounts October 2023

Santodeno Negroamaro

Santodeno Negroamaro, the "bitter black" grape that's anything but bitter. Hailing from the sunny heel of Italy's 'boot,' this wine is fantastically rich and moreishly inky, with a full orchestra of dark fruits and a welcome touch of spice. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Feuerheerd Reserva Douro Red

Aged in barrels that once cradled the precious nectar of Vintage Port, this deep ruby limited-edition Portuguese blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz grapes showcases deep, earthy flavours of cassis blueberry and blackberry as well as refined spice, all wrapped in a velvety finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £11.50)

Carnivor Zinfandel

This ticks all the Zinfandel boxes and more. Full of the robust, well-structured Zinfandel the Lodi, California region is known for, this is the ultimate carnivore companion. Dark cherry and blackberry jam ride smoothly with full-body and glorious richness. Top notch value.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

B. Ink by Grant Burge Red Blend

A black hole of ink-redible flavour, you can expect dark-chocolate coated raspberries, velvety tannins and intense fruit-froward jamminess. Cinnamon and vanilla provide surprising depth at this price too, in a wine that feels like a signature opulent Australian red.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Bosman Nero d’Avola

Easy-drinking personified, this South African red is bursting with plums, cranberries, and a clean spice. It’s modern, completely, and utterly food-friendly with tomatoey pasta or steak, and perfect for fans of fruit-froward, dark and delicious ripeness.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10 (usually £11.50)

Sainsbury’s White Wine Discounts October 2023

Freixenet Pinot Grigio

From the idyllic vineyards of Garda, this sip of Italian sunshine brings delicate fruity character and plentiful hits of citrus. Its crisp elegance matches the bottle, and the soft florality rounds the profile off wonderfully. Fantastic value Pinot.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Rocca Murer Pinot Grigio Rosato

This is an ideal midweek drinker that punches above its price tag. The initial bold bouquet settles into peach sweetness and crisp red apple, with perfectly poised acidity and structure. Stunning colouring too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

Sainsbury's Riverblock Marlborough Sauvignon

Easy-drinking New Zealand Sauvignon here, with zesty, tropical vibes. It’s impressively fresh and cleanses the palate wonderfully, with just enough body to wash down hearty meals too. There is perhaps not the body and depth of others, but for complete refreshment and fresh fruit, it’s great for the money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Lovely, light, and fresh, this Marlborough Sauvignon is alive with grapefruit citrus and plenty of acidic zing. We recommend serving it chilled and enjoying the clean refreshment, zest and smoothness of this wine, because the balance is stellar for under a tenner.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.75)

Sainsbury’s Rosé Discounts October 2023

Silver Moki Sauvignon Blush

Remarkable at this price, there is so much vibrance and fresh zest in this Sauvignon Blush. It offers the crispness of white wine and a citrusy punch, all while indulging your taste buds with peaches and strawberries. It’s so sophisticated that you’d never guess the price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

La Terrasse Rosé Pays d'Oc

It's like summer in a bottle, bursting with luscious red fruits and a crisp, zesty kick. This rosé is a masterpiece from the legendary Jean-Claude Mas, a winemaking wizard. Delicate, pale, and oh-so-crisp, it's perfect for those light dishes, grilled delights, or your favourite salads. With a dash of rich strawberry and a hint of rhubarb, it's like a refreshing, sweet cream finale to your day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Madame F Rosé Wine

This delicate yet fruity Rosé lives up to the glamorous bottle. A unique blend of vibrant Grenache and red berry Shiraz, the smooth strawberry sweetness is a total crowd pleaser. It’s food-friendly too, pairing wonderfully with seafood paella because of the citrus acidity included. Also, it’s a collaborative effort with Queer Britain, a charity dedicated to creating the UK's first LGBTQ+ museum!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8 (usually £9.50)

Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Île-de-Beauté Rosé

Delicate floral notes in the aroma lead to a palate bursting with ripe berries and soft peach, ending with a zing of pink peppercorn spice. This dry and crisp Rosé from the stunning Île-de-Beauté, France, offers the perfect balance of flavours. It’s even picked up a bit of a reputation for attracting red or white drinkers over to Rosé, because from the cork to the profile, it’s a classy affair.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon

This blush, with its delicate pink hue, is a real glass of happiness. Bursting with refreshing flavours of passionfruit and cranberry, it’s robust, fruity, and dry, with a food-friendly zing too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

*The below deals were available at the beginning of the month and have now finished.*

Sainsbury’s Red Wine Discounts EARLY October 2023

Santodeno Appassimento Sangiovese

Hand-picked grapes, slow-dried to perfection, go into this Emilia Romagna Sangiovese, resulting in a rich, jammy delight with a luxuriously long finish. There’s just enough acidity to cut through the super smooth blackberry and cherry too, making it ideal for heavy Italian dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Barossa Ink Shiraz

An opulent, intense, and unsurprisingly inky Shiraz from the heart of Australia's premium Shiraz playground. Think dark brooding fruits, with elegant mocha and dark chocolate notes from the oak ageing. Let it breathe for an hour to soften the tannins and enjoy it with a sizzling steak – delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Terre di Faiano Organic Nero di Troia

Terre di Faiano produce a number of great value belters, none better than this sumptuously elegant organic red from sunny Puglia. From the forest floor, dark fruits on the nose to the cherry, plum and baking spice palate, it’s an unbelievably smooth ride with plenty of fruit but no heaviness.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8 (usually £9.50)

Journey's End Spekboom Syrah

Spekboom is also known as the elephant bush in South Africa, and that’s what the Gabb Family committed to planting back in 2021, because they have a special ability to absorb CO2. The Syrah wine of this range is serious bang for buck, plush with spiced dark fruits and silky tannins but whilst also going deeper with notes of black olives, blackberry, and smoky oaky touches.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Porta 6 Vinho Regional Lisboa

From vineyards in the mountains north of Lisbon cooled by the Atlantic ocean, this rustic, light-bodied Portuguese red carries fresh fruits. Think blackcurrant and strawberry to fill out the mid palate, with a touch of acidity softening the finish. Let it breathe for a good while, and it’s dreamy easy drinking.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8)

Altano Rewilding Edition Douro

We love shouting out wines that give back and this one not only supports the conservation efforts of Rewilding Portugal, but would also be recommendation worthy without that. Altitude and attitude go into this wine, resulting in a superbly balanced, soft fruity-driven ruby red with an elegant richness throughout. Think plum and damson. Ideal with meat and pasta dishes too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Sainsbury’s White Wine Discounts October 2023

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

This win is one hell of an adventure. Grown sandwiched between wild oceans, ancient valleys, and towering mountains, it is finally bottled at the Villa Maria winery... located in the crater of a volcano. Once it reaches the glass, it provides signature Marlborough Sauvignon, with exceptional crispness and refreshment, zero bitterness and lots of flavour but lots of lightness too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.75)

The Ned Pinot Grigio

This might not be what you expect from a Pinot Grigio, but it’s a refreshing change. Different from most European Pinot, this Waihopai Valley, New Zealand wine arrives in salmon ink blush, with notes of quince, pear, nectarine and interesting minerality too. Relatively rich and full-bodied for this kind of wine so well worth trying.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.3%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Staying in New Zealand and in the Awatere Valley, where bees and butterflies flourish amongst the coastal vines. This Sauvignon brings a tropical touch, utterly smooth with mouthwatering notes of passion fruit, kiwi, grapefruit, lime, and mango, as well as pleasant minerality and vivid acidity. Well rounded and exceptional for the money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11.50)

Plaimont Côtes De Gascogne Colombard Sauvignon Blanc

Straight from the sunny slopes of Côtes De Gascogne is a perfect mid-week Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect alongside pasta, chicken or cheese, there’s plenty of signature acidity to cut through and refresh, but all softened by the Colombard grape. Bright, punchy and stacks of citrus to refresh – just lovely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.25 (usually £9)

Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc

This is a familiar Marlborough Sauvignon profile done really well. Fresh fruit, perfect crispness, and a zesty easy-drinking nature make it a delight. Tropical fruits like pineapple lurk amongst background apple notes and vibrant citrus, with a vein of mineral goodness for balance. Food-friendly and well-rounded, with generous depth for the money too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.75)

Keep your eyes peeled if you do the weekly shop elsewhere, or if you’re too late for these October offers, because we’re going to be out hunting all the latest bargains wherever you shop...