Supermarket Wine Bargains: Sainsbury’s September/October 2024

Sainsbury’s shoppers and wine aficionados, get ready for some of our all-time favourite supermarket steals available this September going into October. We’ve meticulously reviewed every bottle on offer until 8th October, and these are our top picks for unmatched value. Each bottle has been recommended for its consistent quality and exceptional price. Whether you’re after reds, rosés, or whites, all priced under £10. Let’s dive into a world of wine bliss!

Sainsbury’s Red Wines September/October 2024

Mucho Mas Vino Tinto

This Spanish red is as red as it gets—juicy, jammy, and full of character. Think ripe plums, figs, and berries with a cozy dash of vanilla and a warm peppery kick. Easy-drinking and dangerously gluggable, it's a real find, especially at £7. Perfect for those midweek moments when you just need a no-fuss glass of vino.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.50)

Greasy Fingers Luscious Red

This Aussie blend of Shiraz and Grenache is as smooth as it gets! The Grenache brings a lovely sweetness, while the Shiraz loads it up with juicy cherry and strawberry goodness. It’s the perfect wine for sharing, whether you’re grilling red meats or serving up Italian dishes. Popular for good reason, it's super easy to find at most UK supermarkets—and even easier to drink!

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

19 Crimes Dark Red The Banished

Rich, bold, and full of history, this dark red blend is a tribute to the Australia’s early convict settlers. Ripe, dried berries meet dark chocolate, cloves, and a hint of vanilla in every sip. With a smooth, plush finish, it’s got a distinct sweetness that’s balanced by just enough acidity. It carries that intensity that the rest of the 19 Crimes portfolio does. Delish.

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

Santodeno Sangiovese Appassimento

A real gem from Emilia-Romagna, this Sangiovese is a steal for its price. Hand-picked and slow-dried, the grapes create a jammy, rich red with intense blackberry, cherry, and a hint of vanilla. It’s smooth and easy-drinking, yet still has a refreshing streak of acidity. Ideal for pairing with Italian dishes, this is midweek perfection in a bottle.

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

Sainsbury’s Rosé Wines September/October 2024

Freixenet Italian Still Rose

Delicate yet still packed with fruity charm, this still Rosé is just as refreshing as its sparkling counterpart. A blend of Glera and Pinot Noir, it offers floral aromas, crisp apple, and juicy red berries, all wrapped up in a beautifully light body. Whether you're pairing it with seafood or sipping solo, this elegant Italian rosé is sure to please.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

Castillo De Ibiza Rosé

With its eye-catching curvaceous bottle, Castillo De Ibiza Rosé doesn’t disappoint. This Spanish Garnacha and Tempranillo blend delivers a refreshing burst of citrus and crisp minerality, balanced by a subtle hint of strawberry sweetness. It’s light, tart, and perfect for those sunny afternoons or as a pairing with fresh, summery dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10 (usually £12.50)

Sainsbury’s White Wines September/October 2024

Rocca Murer Pinot Grigio Trentino

This straw-hued Pinot Grigio from Trentino sets itself apart with crisp citrus, juicy peach, and intriguing grassy notes. There’s also a lovely mineral touch that adds surprising complexity to each sip. Light, easy-going, and extremely food-friendly, it’s perfect for pairing with shellfish, mushrooms, or mellow vegetarian dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.25 (usually £8.25)

Plaimont Côtes De Gascogne Colombard Sauvignon Blanc

This vibrant blend from the sunny Côtes De Gascogne offers incredible value. The Sauvignon Blanc delivers zesty acidity, while the Colombard adds a softening touch, resulting in a refreshingly crisp wine. Perfect for cutting through mid-week meals, it’s a real winner for the price.

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

Greasy Fingers Big Buttery Chardonnay

A Supermarket Wine Bargains favourite, this rich and creamy Chardonnay has quickly become an Aussie favourite, living up to its ‘big and buttery’ name. The first sip delivers a punch of oaky vanilla, followed by luscious orchard fruits. The velvety, buttery texture takes centre stage, balanced by a dry finish that keeps it refreshing. Perfect for pairing with indulgent, greasy foods.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Sainsbury's Riverblock Marlborough Sauvignon, Taste the Difference

Marlborough Sauvignon fans, you’re in for a treat. This crisp and zesty wine from Marisco Vineyards bursts with tropical notes like passion fruit, lime, and gooseberry, all backed by a clean, mineral freshness. It’s not just refreshing—it’s got enough body to hold its own with heartier dishes. A standout in Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range, it’s perfect for any occasion.

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

* The wines featured below this point may no longer be on offer *

Sainsbury’s Red Wines September 2024

Feuerheerd's Anchor Wine Reserva Douro DOC

Feuerheerd's Anchor Wine Reserva Douro DOC is a refined gem straight from Portugal's Douro region, boasting an impressive depth and complexity thanks to a unique 12-month finish in Vintage Port barrels. Expect a captivating blend of elegant black fruits and refined spices, balanced beautifully with a silky, lingering finish. It's a bold yet nuanced red that delivers exceptional quality for its price. At just £10, it’s hard to find another red that combines such robust flavour with such elegant restraint. Perfect for a cozy evening in or impressing dinner guests.

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

Santodeno Negroamaro

Santodeno Negroamaro is a luscious, inky red that thrives in the sunny heel of Italy's boot, making the most of the “bitter black” grape that’s anything but bitter. This wine bursts with intense richness, showcasing a symphony of dark fruits like plum, blackberry, and blackcurrant. A subtle hint of oaky spice rounds off the palate, adding depth and elegance. Soft, fruity, and remarkably good value, it offers ripe berry aromas, a juicy black fruit core, and a long, satisfying finish. A real favourite with us.

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

Barossa Ink Shiraz

Barossa Ink Shiraz is an opulent delight crafted from grapes sourced throughout the Barossa area. This bold red boasts intense notes of dark, brooding fruits like blackberry and plum, enriched by decadent mocha undertones from oak aging. It’s a natural match for hearty dishes like flame-grilled steak or game. To fully appreciate its complexity, decant and let it breathe for an hour—this simple step softens the tannins, unveiling layers of rich and refined flavours that make every sip a true pleasure. Another fave of ours we love to feature.

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

Bosman Nero

Bosman Nero is a standout South African red made entirely from Nero d’Avola grapes, originally from just two surviving Sicilian cuttings planted in 2004. This light-bodied gem is brimming with juicy cranberries and strawberries, complemented by a gentle kiss of clean spice. With its modern, elegant feel, it’s the epitome of easy drinking—perfectly suited to dishes like tomato-based pasta or steak. The fine savoury tannins and brisk acidity make it a refreshing choice for fans of fruit-forward, approachable wines with a touch of dark, delicious ripeness.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10 (usually £11.50)

Sainsbury’s Rosé Wines September 2024

Silver Moki Sauvignon Blush

Silver Moki Sauvignon Blush is a must-try for those who find typical Rosés too sweet. This elegant blend takes the crisp, razor-sharp citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc and softens them with a delicate hint of juicy peach and subtly sweet strawberry—far milder than your usual Rosé mix. The result is a beautifully balanced wine that retains the vibrant zest and freshness of a white, but with a silky twist of floral fruitiness. It's sophisticated, fresh, and feels like it should cost much more. Perfect for those seeking a refined Rosé that stands out from the crowd.

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

Rocca Murer Pinot Grigio Rosato

Rocca Murer Pinot Grigio Rosato is your go-to for easy-going midweek sipping that overdelivers in every way. This light, breezy Rosé unfolds with a charming bouquet of sunny peach sweetness and the crisp bite of red apple, all elegantly balanced. The subtle pink hue comes from vineyards nestled at the foot of the Dolomites, adding to its allure. With its poised tang and gentle sweetness, this wine brings a refreshing, fruity vibe that punches well above its price tag. Perfect for casual evenings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t skimp on sophistication.

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

La Terrasse Rosé Pays d'Oc

La Terrasse Rosé Pays d'Oc is a delicate and crisp Rosé that encapsulates the essence of summer with every sip. From the acclaimed Domaines Paul Mas, this elegant blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault dazzles with notes of luscious red fruits, a whisper of rhubarb, and a zesty finish that’s light yet satisfying. Its pale hue and refined profile make it a versatile pairing for light dishes, seafood, or anything with tomatoes. With its subtle spice and orange peel hints, this is the quintessential French Rosé—sophisticated, stylish, and simply delightful.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.25)

Madame F Rosé

Madame F Rosé is a showstopper both inside and out, boasting a glamorous bottle and a vibrant blend of Grenache and Shiraz. This stylish Rosé dazzles with smooth strawberry sweetness, ripe pear, aromatic honeysuckle and a refreshing citrusy acidity that makes it the perfect match for seafood paella or light alfresco fare. But there’s more to love than just the taste—Madame F partners with Queer Britain, supporting the creation of the UK's first LGBTQ+ museum and celebrating LGBTQ+ artists through the Madame F Queer Britain Art Award.

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

Sainsbury’s White Wines September 2024

Freixenet Pinot Grigio

Freixenet Pinot Grigio is a sparkling gem hailing from the sun-soaked vineyards of Garda, Italy. Known for their iconic bottles, Freixenet brings the same elegance and finesse to this still wine, making it a must-try. This Pinot Grigio offers a beautifully balanced profile with soothing notes of pear, crisp apple, and zesty citrus, all wrapped in a delicate florality and a hint of aromatic honey. Crisp, dry, and effortlessly elegant, it’s a true sip of Italian sunshine that pairs beautifully with light meals or stands confidently on its own. A top-notch choice that dazzles both in taste and presentation.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

Mud House New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Mud House New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a standout in a crowded field of Marlborough Sauvignons. This vibrant expression offers an intense burst of crispness and refreshment, with a delightful tropical tang and a luxuriously smooth mouthfeel. Renowned for their zingy and fresh wines, Mud House delivers a textbook example of Marlborough Sauvignon, making it a reliable choice for pairing with seafood or simply enjoying on its own. Simple excellence.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

Most Wanted Regions Sauvignon Blanc Rueda

Most Wanted Regions Sauvignon Blanc Rueda sets a benchmark for Spanish Sauvignon Blanc from Castilla y León. This vibrant wine opens with an aromatic nose of green apples and fresh grass, leading to a palate bursting with gooseberry and a hint of kiwi. The finish is marked by a delightful citrus acidity that adds a refreshing kick. A stellar example of Rueda’s dry and aromatic white wines, it combines creamy fruitiness with a clean, fresh character that’s perfect for a wide range of dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7 (usually £9.50)

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Why Unfiltered Wine is The Hottest Discovery of 2024!

The team at DRINKLUSIVE have teamed up with the wonderful people from Fattoria La Vialla, a gorgeous family owned and operated, organic-biodynamic farm based in Tuscany, Italy. The team at the farm follows the motto of Nonna Caterina “Metti bon, cava bon!” which translates to “Put good in, get good out!”.

And good is indeed what these guys get out! The farm boasts an incredible portfolio of wines and on top of that, a rich selection of olive oil, cheese, sauces, pastas, vinegars, honey, biscuits and various antipasti!

As the world around us becomes increasingly fast-paced with a focus on mass production and profit margins, Fattoria La Vialla offers a refreshing reprieve with a strong focus on small batch, high quality wines and organic produce.

With consumers becoming more discerning day by day, turning their heads to sustainable, biodynamic produce, the portfolio of the farm is a great option for those who want to feel closer to the place their food and drink is coming from, and their unfiltered wines shine through as the star of the show!

What is Unfiltered Wine?

Without oversimplifying it, unfiltered wine is exactly what it says. Large batch, commercially produced wines often go through a double filtration process, the first run straining off lees and other particles, and the second “absolute” one to remove any yeast and microorganisms.

This does not mean, however, that unfiltered wine is always cloudy. Unfiltered wine is bottled in two ways: either the wine is bottled with its yeast, as is often the case with white wine, and the particles of sediment are willingly moved from the bottom of the tanks with a “battonage” before being bottled with the wine, or, for a clear, transparent “look” to the wine, which is often the case for red wines, instead of filtering, the wine is left to rest in tanks or oak barrels to allow the sediment to naturally settle at the bottom before it is “racked”, or syphoned, into a fresh vessel without disturbing the sediment, thereby removing the majority of the sediment in the wine. Racking a wine may seem like a complex process but it is deceptively simple and is a common practice for many a home brewer.

But what difference does not filtering a wine make? Scientifically, the remaining yeasts naturally protect the wine from oxidation, which gives the winemaker the ability to significantly lower the amount of added sulfites to keep the wine stable. In addition, not filtering leaves all the flavor components in the wine as the aromas are also not being filtered meaning the less you filter the more you taste. Finally, and as is more so the case when bottled “cloudy”, the yeast increases the wine’s body and smoothness, and the remaining mannoproteins create a ‘sweeter’ sensation. While this is what science dictates, how often does the human palate listen to science?

I personally found the unfiltered wines from Fattoria La Vialla to be more rich, complex, and layered when compared to their filtered counterparts from the same winery - not to say one is superior to the other, but they achieve different goals. In fact, the unfiltered wines in their portfolio always seemed to strike a perfect balance of zingy fresh notes and the more moody and complex flavours of nuts, leather, and mushrooms.

The omission of the filtration process may not remove yeast and microbacteria, but it as it prevents flavour compounds from being sifted out in the process, it definitely results in more robust, expressive wines.

While unfiltered wines are a great option for the discerning drinker, it is a slightly riskier game to play than imbibing on the filtered options. The reason is the lack of filtration itself. While racking the wine removes the majority of the sediment and often results in beautiful crystal-clear wines, racking cannot remove the micro-bacterial particles that the second run of filtration does, and hence can increase the risk of spoilage within the bottle.

Wineries can undertake various measures to ensure that this is prevented. Hygiene and extra care are paramount to making a clean unfiltered wine. An additional option is to subject the wine to a second fermentation, called Malolactic fermentation, in which winemakers can add, or as in La Vialla’s case, rely on the natural presence of, a bacteria called Oenococcus Oeni, which alongside other strains will eat the malic acid in the wine and transform it into milder, softer lactic acid in the process.

This might sound complicated, but it is quite simple to understand. Malic acid is primarily found in granny smith apples, peaches, and other orchard fruit, which enhances the zingy fruity flavours in wines. While lactic acid is found in creams, butters, cheeses, and soy products which generally have a more creamy, buttery profile.

This process often results in a change in flavour profile of the wine in accordance with the acid basket in the wine, going from bright and zingy, with notes of fresh apples, peaches and pears to almost notes of nuts and dried fruits.

The other option to prevent in-bottle spoilage for unfiltered wines is to dose the wine with sulphites as a stabiliser, but high levels of sulphites come with the risk of headaches and alienating those sensitive to sulphur. The organic biodynamic winemakers of La Vialla add the bare minimum necessary, keeping the amount of sulfites way under the Demeter requested limits, but enough to still enable the wine to be nice to drink in a couple of years.

How do you drink unfiltered wines?

As the majority of unfiltered wines are already clear at the time of bottling, you can drink them the same way you would drink your usual grape-based tipple. A nice trick a mentor informed me of is what she calls “the 20/20 rule”. Keep reds in the fridge 20 minutes prior to serving and remove whites and bubbles from the fridge 20 minutes before serving.

In the event of an unfiltered wine still having sediment (often by design), there are a couple of options: in the case of a white wine, if the sediment is very fine, lightly shake the bottom of the bottle to mix the yeast with the rest of the wine and enjoy the wine with its rich yeast. However, if the sediments are not that “smooth”, as is often the case with red wines, mixing them in the wine can lead to a slightly unpleasant texture to those not used to it. A great option, as old as time, is to decant the wine before serving. Pouring the bottle slowly into the decanter should allow the sediment to remain caught in the shoulder of the bottle, and then again, pouring slowly from the decanter into the glass should allow any residual sediment to remain in the decanter.

If you are planning your unfiltered wine drinking in advance, you can also leave your bottle upright for between 1 and 48 hours to ensure any sediment settles to the bottom of the bottle.

What food can you pair with unfiltered wines?

Pairing food with natural unfiltered wines, takes a slightly different approach to the traditional method. Unfiltered wines normally come with a spiked dose of acidity and more pronounced tannins, and these need to be accounted for, because as delicious as these characteristics can be, they can also serve as an obstacle when considering food pairings. Think of this not a hindrance however, but as an exciting challenge to try something unique, and to learn something new while you imbibe

When looking at pairing food and wine, or even just flavours in general, a good rule of thumb is what grows together, goes together. And what better winery to use this approach with than Fattoria La Vialla! Offering so much more than just wine, utilising their array of edible options to pair with their wine is a no-brainer!

On top of seasonality and locality allowing for flavours to complement and contrast each other excellently, I have always enjoyed the grows together goes together approach as it gives me a much deeper sense of closeness to the place from which I am eating and drinking produce!

When accounting for boosted acidity and tannins, one must look towards foods that balance out these elements. High acidity and tannic wines often pair brilliantly with foods high in acidity, and/or fattiness and creaminess. Good examples of this are the Casa Quaranta 2020 with its rich smooth tannin, which pairs beautifully with a hearty ragu pasta dish, or a slow cooked beef stew, and the Barriccato Bianco I.G.T. 2022 with its medium high acidity pairing incredibly well with pan fried fish, or even a rich spicy curry! (More on these very shortly!)

Great examples of unfiltered wines

Now that we have broken down what unfiltered wines are, what they taste like compared to their filtered companions, and why they taste different, we can focus on answering the really important questions, such as, which bottles should I get for myself?

Well, look no further! All of the wines that come out of this stunning farmland are knock-your-socks-off delicious, but here are my top picks!

Barriccato Bianco I.G.T. 2022

A mix of Chardonnay and Viognier, this wine was the first unfiltered wine by Fattoria La Vialla and is aged in oak with its yeasts, which make it all the way into the bottle. This golden-yellow wine has a rich nose, with aromas of fruit preserve, lingering tropical fruits such as passionfruit and pineapple, and all seasoned with vanilla. There is also a champagne-esque biscuity-ness to the nose which makes me imagine the most delicate fruit tart when sipping on this wine!

On the palate you are welcomed with a rich creaminess and full-bodied flavours reminiscent of a granola and yoghurt breakfast! This is a very well-rounded wine which is as delicious on its own as it is paired with a dish!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Price: £11.25

Torbolino Non Filtrato 2023

This bottle is a peach smoothie in a wine glass! What’s not to love? A beautiful straw-yellow that looks even better in the sunlight with a moody rust-orange colour the closer you get to the bottom of the bottle where the lees are sitting

The nose boasts peaches & cream on a summer day, with a hint of grassiness. There is also the trademark nuttiness and creaminess of the aforementioned malolactic fermentation. With a grape blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc, imagine a nose halfway between a Sauternes and an Amontillado.

On the palate, you are almost punched in the face with creamy peach, the ever-so-slightest touch of acidity and an essence of sweetness coming from the residual yeasts in the bottle.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Price: £9.55

Casa Quaranta 2020

Being the largest, and most expensive bottle on this list, it is one to keep for an occasion, or to use as an excuse to host a dinner party!

This special bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is fermented in terracotta amphoras for 22 days with occasional manual crushing before being racked and undergoing malolactic fermentation. After this, it is then aged for 24 months in new oak barriques, then blended and bottled in magnums unfiltered

This wine reaches your glass in a deep just off opaque ruby red colour with a hint of purple you would see in a moody sunset. On the nose, the fresh oak offers a hint of vanilla which seasons a beautifully rich and complex bouquet. Sweet baking spice, stone fruits, and dark fruits dominate the aromas with hints of vegetality. The alcohol and cherry aromas marry together to remind me of whisky soaked cherries.

The palate has a little bit of a kick to it from the alcohol, but is balanced out by its silky texture, and smooth tannic finish. It lingers on the tongue almost stubbornly.

Size: 1500ml
ABV: 15%
Price: £46.80

Pinot Nero Casa Rossa I.G.T. 2017

Want a red that does not need a meal in accompaniment? This is your bottle! A beautiful clear, yet deep garnet colour with all your typical Pinot Nero aromas cranked up to the nines with extra surprises. Pronounced maraschino cherry, plum jam, and liquorice woodiness, with a bonus tahini earthiness and a mix of light vanilla and smoke that is reminiscent of very light tobacco.

The palate is super soft but creeps up on you the more you sip, with each sip being more expressive than the last! This can be attributed to its super-mild tannins and lingering quality, almost like it has not even left before it comes back again.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Price: £24.95

Barriccato 2020

If the Pinot Nero Casa Rossa was a wine to drink on its own, this Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon mix is one that shines its brightest when paired with a meal. This deep, rich, grippy wine comes out a deep purplish-red and moves in the glass almost like a syrup, with legs that look like raindrops trickling down a car window

The nose is a rich mix of cinnamon and clove spice, vanilla, and dark berry jam, and hugs the palate as you sip. The palate offers so much that a bite of a hearty dish in between sips even offers a reprieve! The rich tannins dry out your mouth amplifying the profile of the wine, with an aftertaste lingering so long that it feels like a guest that you do not want to leave as you are enjoying their company just that much!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Price: £12.75

Casal Duro I.G.T. 2019

This wine is one that I would serve to a large group of varying levels of experience in wine. Approachable enough for the novices to enjoy, with enough complexity for the intermediate to experts to unravel as they sip.

The wine sits in the glass clear at the top and opaquer as you look further towards the base of the glass. The nose opens up with a blend of spices you would find in subcontinental desserts, before moving into a green bell pepper vegetality and a lingering fruitiness of dark berries.

The palate is tannic and rich, but elegant at the same time. The body is well-structured, and a slight hint of oak just takes it up that extra notch. This wine would benefit from decantation and would not be out of place in the middle of a table atop which a Sunday roast beef is displayed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Price: £16.55

If you’re looking for some ‘what grows together, goes together’ wine-food pairing ideas, look no further than these stunning wine and pasta pairings!

By Fowwaz Ansari

Ditch the Guesswork: Unveiling the Ultimate Pasta and Wine Pairings

Wine and pasta might just be one of the earliest earthly delights - timeless, classic, and infinitely delectable. It’s not hard to envision why for almost as long as we’ve been conscious of our palates and had the ability to make wine, we’ve been using it to enhance, complement and complete our most delicious dishes. To the uninitiated, the question of “which wine should I pair with my dish?” might be a daunting one! As with all things wine, there are layers of complexity. Your personal favourite wine is a wonderful place to start, but there is such a wealth of fantastic food and wine in the world and discovering them is so rewarding. 

Where do you begin?

Fortunately, we have teamed up with the phenomenal multi award-winning organic and biodynamic farm, Fattoria La Vialla, to find out the ultimate pasta and wine pairings.

What is Fattoria La Vialla?

Fattoria La Vialla not only make award winning wines but also specialise in making healthy food that tastes exactly as if it has just been freshly cooked by an Italian “nonna”. The beautiful, family-run, organic-biodynamic Farm and Wine Estate is situated near Arezzo in the Chianti region. It was already a farm over 200 years ago and was saved from ruin by the Lo Franco family in 1978. Since then, they have used biodynamic and organic farming practices to cultivate 1600 hectares of land and produce a wide range of delicacies including wine, cheese, pasta, olive oil and even cosmetics! They ensure the shortest possible journey and maximum freshness for their delicious offerings by cutting out the middleman and selling products directly from their website.

What exactly does it mean to be an organic, and biodynamic farm? Organic agriculture promotes the soils natural fertility without the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser. It guarantees crop rotation, as well as periodic rest of the soil and the choice of selected varieties of plants. Organic also means GMO (genetically modified organism) free and ensures that farm animals have a great quality of life, free from the use of hormones, with ample space to graze which safeguards the dignity of the animals that thrive on the farm.

Biodynamic agriculture improves the biodiversity and fertility of the soil, the terroir. Consider, if you will, the idea that a farm is a single organism. The land, plants, animals and people live in a tight closed cycle. Fattoria La Vialla produce their own natural, biodynamic preparations and concentrated compounds to spray periodically on crops. The cultivation, production, recycling, and composting techniques used are those that were perfected long ago by their agricultural ancestors who proved it is possible to produce high quality products without the need for waste or chemicals. All of this work ensures the highest possible quality of goods for consumers.

Let’s talk Pasta

We can’t talk about the perfect pasta and wine pairings unless we talk about the perfect pasta. For the dishes below, we used organic pasta from Fattoria La Vialla which is made from organic farm-grown durum wheat semolina and dried incredibly slowly at the lowest temperature possible (about 35-37°C) for between 44 and 48 hours. There are no added substances, and the simplicity of its creation preserves the nutritional properties of the pasta. Paying close attention to the water’s purity and properties, as well as the quality of the cereals to make the semolina, right through to the soil in which the wheat grows is vital to making delicious pasta – a practice that Fattoria La Vialla follow scrupulously. This attention to detail makes for restaurant quality pasta at home that is perfect for impressing your guests!

There might be some pasta styles that you’re yet to be acquainted with, so here’s a brief rundown of the pasta featured below.

Fusilli - This classic shape can be found everywhere in Italy. La Vialla’s Fusilli is deeply intricate with tight coils that bind to any sauce! Particularly excellent in veggie dishes. 

Pici – A thicker spaghetti type pasta, deeply texturally satisfying and excellent with any rich red sauce. Patience is key here, with a twenty-minute cook-time that is oh-so worth it. 

Mini Farfalle - One of Fattoria La Vialla’s “mini pasta” shapes, that are every bit as firm and fresh as the full-sized pasta. Super doughy and perfect for pasta salads. The “mini” range all has the same cooking time, so you can even mix and match.

Tagliatelle - A staple at any good Italian restaurant, tagliatelle is wonderfully long, thick and accompanies almost any kind of sauce. It’s extra special with egg-based sauces. Be sure to stir delicately when cooking to avoid breaking! 

Spaghetti - By far the most popular pasta shape in and outside of Italy. Fattoria La Vialla’s Spaghetti is made in the traditional shape and size and is the ultimate Carbonara baseline. 

How Do You Pair Wine and Pasta? Top Tricks and Tips

Let’s keep this simple. Heavy sauce? Heavy wine. A super intense red sauce with red meat? Then a bold, tannic red wine, such as Sangiovese or even a Cabernet Sauvignon. Drop down in intensity, perhaps a lighter herbaceous tomato sauce? Try a Pinot Noir or a Merlot. Light, vegetable-heavy dishes pair beautifully with lighter wines that won’t dominate the intricate flavours of the dish, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a tantalising Riesling. 

For a truly perfect pairing, there might be more to consider. We’ve got you covered with five tips for the ultimate pasta and wine pairings.

• Compare - Consider the ingredients and your dish and match it to the flavour profile of your chosen wine. Most wines list their tasting notes if you aren’t sure or are trying something new.

• Contrast - Some of the best food combinations contrast rather than compare. Consider sweet against bitter, umami against sour. You can apply this logic to wine pairing.

• Terroir: “If it grows together, it goes together” is the old food and drink industry saying. Put simply, local wine will pair beautifully with regional dishes. 

• Acidity: As a general rule of thumb, a wine should be more acidic than your dish, but not so much it’s overpowering. Balance is key.

• Trust yourself. Often, the best wine pairing is just your favourite wine with your favourite dish. Have fun! 

To kickstart your adventure into the delightful world of pasta and wine, we’ve selected seven perfect pairings for the next time you’re cooking to impress (or just for you, we won’t judge). 

The Best Pasta Dishes for Red Wine

Eat: Tagliatelle with Porcini Mushrooms and Pecorino
Drink: LeccioMoro Maremma Toscana Rosso D.O.C. 2022

Ingredients (Serves Four)
350g Emmer tagliatelle 
300g porcini mushrooms
50g crustless stale bread
40g shelled hazelnuts
1 shallot
7 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3-4 sage leaves
2 tbsp grated aged pecorino cheese
1 tbsp chopped parsley
salt and pepper (to taste)

Method: 
Clean the mushrooms and slice thinly, then set aside. Dice the shallot, sauté in a heavy bottom pan with 4 tbsp olive oil. Once translucent, toss in the mushrooms, add salt, pepper and torn sage leaves, then cook on medium for 10-15 minutes. Toast the chopped bread and hazelnuts with 1 tbsp olive oil. Boil the Tagliatelle until al dente and then strain - make sure to save some pasta water! Combine the pasta with the mushroom sauce and add a generous 2 tbsp of pecorino cheese, along with a spoonful or two of pasta water to help everything blend. Top with the toasted bread and hazelnuts and serve immediately with a drizzle of raw olive oil. Enjoy! 

The wine: This beautiful blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah bursts with berry fruits. The deep crimson colour hints at the wines’ age time - 12 months in oak, aiding the abundance of tannic properties you’ll find on the palate. Expect hints of spice and vanilla with a powerful berry punch.

The combination: This super umami, savoury, nutty pasta dish contrasts beautifully with the bold, jammy, fruity red wine. Absolutely perfect.

ABV: 14.5%
Size: 750ml
Find here: £9.90

Eat: Fusilli with Rosalina Sauce
Drink: Casa Conforto Chianti Riserva D.O.C.G. 2019

Ingredients (Serves 4) 
300g fusilli
500g bombolini cherry tomatoes
200g fresh ricotta
2 tbsp pecorino cheese
2 cloves of garlic
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
fresh basil
salt, pepper/chilli pepper to taste

Method: 
Lightly fry diced garlic in oil, then add tomatoes and season generously with salt. Cover and cook at a medium heat for 10 minutes and then remove the lid and squash the tomatoes with a fork (this is the fun part). Cook another 2-3 minutes until thickened and then blend. Add torn basil leaves, the fresh (mash with a fork for the best texture) ricotta and pecorino cheese, then season with salt and chilli pepper. Once mixed, remove from the heat. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water, then strain and add, still hot, to the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and tuck in! Top Tip: for an easier date night, Fattoria La Vialla actually batch up this delicious sauce - you can find it here!

The wine: 2019 was an odd year for Fattoria La Vialla. An extra rainy spring followed by an extra hot summer made for the ripest, juiciest grape yield for this decadent red blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo. Aged for 24 months, this full-bodied wine boasts fantastic aromas of plum and blackberry. It’s bold, dry and endlessly sippable. 

The combination: If you love your dishes salty, cheesy and decadent, this one’s for you. Paired with Casa Conforto Chianti Riserva, the bold, dry red wine cuts through the rich cheese of the dish for a match made in heaven!

ABV: 14.5%
Size: 750ml
Find here: £14.50

Eat: Pici Pasta with Etruscan Sauce
Drink: Sangiovese 100% I.G.T. 2022

Ingredients (Serves 4-5)
400g Pici pasta
60g La Vialla style sun-dried cherry tomatoes
40g aged pecorino cheese
30g boiled eggs
30g black olives 
parsley
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic 
1 hot chilli pepper
½ tbsp pepper, salt

Method:
Add the tomatoes drained from the oil, egg, olives, parsley, garlic, chilli and the pecorino into a food processor and blend. Place the mixture into a bowl and carefully mix one tbsp of oil at a time and season to taste. Boil your pasta then strain saving 3 tbsp pasta water. Combine the pasta into the bowl with the Etruscan sauce. It’s simple and delicious. For those wanting to ‘cheat’, use this delicious, light and creamy Salsa Etrusca instead.

The wine: 2022 was the 20th harvest of this 100% Sangiovese wine. It’s full of personality with deep aromas of red forest fruits, gentle spice and slightly herbaceous notes. Expect a tannic, surprisingly sweet, intensely fruity red wine followed by the urge to pour another glass… 

The combination: A surprisingly light and creamy sauce with plenty of complexity, just like the red wine it's paired with, the easy-going, delicious summer-berry goodness of this Sangiovese works in perfect harmony with the pasta dish.

ABV: 14%
Size: 750ml
Find here: £9.40

The Best Pasta Dishes for White Wine

Eat: Mini Pasta Salad
Drink: Vermentino di Maremma Toscana D.O.C.

Ingredients (Serves 4)
350g mini farfalle
300g fresh green beans
250g cherry tomatoes
200g diced fresh pecorino cheese 
1 jar Pasticcio di Olive
1 bunch chives
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt 

For the sauce: 
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp Balsamico Bianco
1 tsp Pesto al Finocchietto

Method: 
Wash, top and tail the green beans, then boil in a large pot with salted water. Remove the beans after twenty minutes (keep the water) and chop in half. Cook the pasta in the same water and strain once al dente. Transfer to a large bowl, dress with 2 tbsp of olive oil and set aside. In the meantime, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes and chives. 

Now for the sauce! In a bowl, add the olive oil, Balsamico Bianco and Pesto al Finocchietto and stir until smooth. Now simply combine all ingredients into a large bowl and mix well! Season to taste. Rest for half an hour and tuck in!

The wine: Grown just off the coast in the Tuscan Maremma, to preserve the delicate wildflower aromas of this wine made from 100% Vermentino grapes, the bunches of grapes are pressed immediately upon harvesting, right at the vineyard. It’s a beautifully sunny yellow wine that just pops with breezy floral aromas and is endlessly refreshing on the palate with plenty of minerality, and notes of citrus and green apple.

The combination: This is the perfect summer dish - the fennel and olive punch are devilishly moreish, and the refreshing white wine will keep your palate cleansed and ready for more. A must-try for the hottest days of summer! 

ABV: 12.5%
Size: 750ml
Find here: £8.65

Eat: Pici Pasta with Pesto and Peppers
Drink: Torbolino Non Filtrato 2023

Ingredients (Serves 6)
500g pici
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper 
100g basil
50g pine nuts
50g shelled walnuts
1 clove of garlic 
100g grated pecorino cheese 
8 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
coarse salt

Method: 
Preheat the oven to 200’c (400’F). Whole roast the bell pepper for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside in a food-safe container for a few minutes until cool enough to handle. Remove the core and stem and cut into strips. Add washed basil leaves, pine nuts, walnuts, garlic, olive oil and half of the pecorino into a food processor and blend into a pesto sauce. Cook the Pici in salted water and strain when al dente, keeping some pasta water, then tip into a bowl. In the bowl, add the pesto, peppers, 2 tbsp of the pasta water, and the rest of the pecorino cheese. Garnish with a drizzle of oil and serve up! Bon Appétit!

The wine: A delicate and dry unfiltered ‘Torbolino’, this impressive blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc come together beautifully to craft a buttery smooth wine. Expect a little sweetness from the unfiltered slowly stirred lees, very little acidity and notes of orchard fruits. 

The combination: The sweet, mellow unfiltered wine enhances the delicate flavours of the dish, marking this perfect ten up to an eleven. If you’re not too sure about unfiltered wine, there is an equally beautiful, filtered version of this Torbolino wine that would pair perfectly with the dish too.

ABV: 13%
Size: 750ml
Find here: £9.55

Eat: Spaghetti with Baked Cherry Tomatoes
Drink: Pinot Grigio I.G.T. 2022 Unfiltered

Ingredients (Serves 5-6)
500g Spaghetti
1.2kg “Pachino” cherry tomatoes, firm and well ripened
2 thick slices (2-3 cm) of homemade bread, 2-3 days old
12 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
150g aged pecorino cheese
2 cloves of garlic
1 sprig of basil leaves
1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh chopped parsley, according to taste) 
salt and pepper

Method: 
Halve the cherry tomatoes and arrange them in a single layer in an oven dish, greased with 3 tbsp of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then layer four more tablespoons of oil on top. In a separate bowl, grate the pecorino and bread, add the basil, garlic, oregano and salt and pepper and mix well. Sprinkle the mixture over the tomatoes and top with the remaining oil. 

Cook in the oven for 40 minutes at 180’c (350’F). At the same time, boil your spaghetti until it’s perfectly cooked, then drain and add straight into your roasted tomato mixture and serve as it is. Aromatic and decadent, bellissimo!

The wine: An unusual (but delicious) Pinot Grigio. It’s made from 100% Pinot Grigio grapes, but the interest here lies in the sourcing of these grapes, in that they come from two vineyards with vastly different terroir, climate conditions and even age. The two grapes balance delicately into a wine that has the fragrance of a well-kept orchard with layered notes of camomile and peach. On first sip, expect a lighter wine with floral and dried fruit notes.

The combination: This dish has been paired with a stunning, light, fruity and almost sweet Pinot Grigio. It’s low acidity contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and tomato offering on your plate for a match made in heaven!

ABV: 14%
Size: 750ml
Find here: £9.60

The Best Pasta Dishes for Sparkling Wine

Eat: Spaghetti with Basil Pesto and Confit Cherry Tomatoes
Drink: Cuvée Rosé Millesimato Brut 2019, Traditional Method, Unfiltered

Ingredients (Serves 4-5)
500g spaghetti
500g cherry tomatoes
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
25g sugar
1 clove of garlic
10 sprigs of thyme
1 tsp oregano 
salt and pepper

For the pesto:
100g basil 
60g parmigiano 
40g aged pecorino cheese 
50g pine nuts 
1 clove of garlic 
½ glass extra virgin olive oil 
1 tsp salt

Method: 
Wash and halve the tomatoes, place cut-side-up in a lined baking tray and season with salt and pepper. Peel the garlic and finely chop the thyme sprigs along with oregano. Mix and season each tomato with the herb mix. On each tomato, add a pinch of sugar and a drizzle of oil. Place in the oven and cook at 140’c (275’F) for two hours - patience is key. While it’s cooking, prepare your pesto! Crush the pine nuts until smooth, then chop the garlic, pecorino, parmigiano and toss with salt. Combine with the pine nut mixture and add the oil, a little at a time until thick. Cook the spaghetti al dente and save the pasta water. Once strained, add the spaghetti and pesto sauce to a frying pan on a very low heat. Add a spoonful of pasta water and toss until everything is mixed. Serve immediately, garnished with the beautifully slow cooked confit tomatoes! 

The wine: This sparkling rosé, produced in the same way as champagne, is 100% hand-picked Pinot Nero, and it is so, so aromatic due to its unfiltered nature. The colour in the glass evokes a picturesque sunset and there’s even more romance to be found when you try it. On the nose, there are crisp raspberry aromas and a savoury note that will remind you of freshly baked brioche. There’s more where that came from on the palate; dry, red berries and a hint of dark chocolate. If you’ve not been sure about sparkling rosé in the past, this might just change your mind!

The combination: Caramelised tomatoes are a real labour of love and patience - just like this sparkling rosé, which was aged for 40 months in the bottle! The dish is surprisingly low acidity, which is perfect because you’ll get all you need from this top-quality sparkling rosé wine.

ABV: 12.5%
Size: 750ml
Find here: £21.95

Now you know how to pair wine and pasta, and have some great recommendations on where to start, what are you waiting for? Jump in the kitchen, get creative and above all, enjoy delicious wine and pasta! For many more tasty pasta and wine pairings, look no further than here and for anyone who is vegetarian, you can easily make and enjoy the above wine and pasta combinations by swapping out the cheese for a vegetarian variety. Saluti!

By Miley Kendrick

With thanks to Fattoria La Vialla for providing the images used in this article.

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose September 2024

Hello, Waitrose shoppers! August has delivered a fantastic selection of wine deals that you won’t want to miss. Their superb range of reds, whites, and rosés are all priced under £10 but offer the quality you'd expect from wines twice the price. You’ve got until September 24th to snap up these bargains, so let’s dive into some irresistible reds to kick things off...

Waitrose Red Wines September 2024

Terre Di Faiano Primitivo Organic Puglia

Terre Di Faiano Primitivo Organic Puglia. This Italian beauty greets you with a rich blackcurrant aroma and follows through with a full-bodied palate bursting with dark fruits and berries. The wine is organic and delightfully mellow, with a smoothness that’s enriched by hints of oaky vanilla and chocolate. Perfect for sharing with friends over pizza or pasta, this Primitivo from Puglia is all about deep, ripe fruit flavours.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £8.99)

Ed Edmundo Malbec

25% off this one! It’s a top-notch Mendoza Malbec from Argentina, delivering all the essentials and more. Expect rich waves of blackberry and plum, underscored by tobacco and leather notes, and a finishing touch of earthy pepper. Soft, fairly dry and incredibly easy drinking, it’s the perfect companion for a hearty red meat dish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £11.99)

Summer Road Old Vine Grenache

Crafted from Australia’s treasured old Grenache vines, this red is all about depth and complexity, thanks to the small yield of these ancient roots. It benefits from a lengthy decant, but after that it’s a joy. The bouquet offers a subtle berry hint, but it truly comes alive on the palate with a burst of red fruits, balanced acidity, and just a whisper of smoke. It’s a beautifully rounded wine with sun-kissed, fruit-driven character and a soft integration of its generous alcohol—so easy to enjoy but go easy!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.49)

Paul Mas Reserve Languedoc Rouge

From the famed Jean-Claude Mas vineyards in Languedoc, this mellow, spicy red blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan is a delightful, easy-going sipper. It offers a pleasing mix of red and black berries, with subtle notes of oaky vanilla, dark chocolate, and a touch of minerality that adds just enough depth. While not the most complex, it’s perfect for pairing with midweek meals, especially Italian dishes, thanks to its dry profile and kiss of spice.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £9.99)

Waitrose White Wines September 2024

The Ned Pinnacle Sauvignon Blanc

Pinnacle' truly embodies the top-tier selection of The Ned range, showcasing wines that have hit the peak of flavour and balance. From a standout block in the Waihopai Valley’s Leefield Station, this Sauvignon Blanc dazzles with complex aromas of zesty citrus, ripe white peach, and a hint of sandalwood spice. On the palate, it bursts with juicy intensity and classic Marlborough acidity, finishing with a refreshing grainy citrus zest that adds remarkable texture and length. This is quintessential New Zealand Sauvignon at its finest – and all for a tenner!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

Cave de Beblenheim Pinot Gris Reserve

Cave de Beblenheim Pinot Gris Reserve is a standout Alsace Pinot Gris that’s a cut above your typical supermarket find. Refreshingly light yet intriguingly complex, this white wine bursts with honeyed flavours of pineapple, pear, melon, and a touch of elderflower, all rounded off with a rich, creamy mouthfeel. As beautiful as the village it comes from, and food-friendly too. Amazing bargain.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £11.99)

Morande Terrarum Semillion

Morande Terrarum Semillon is a testament to the revival of one of wine's forgotten heroes. This Chilean gem is crafted from century-old vines, delivering a dry white that's anything but ordinary. Expect a luxurious waxy texture with layers of vibrant citrus, delicate floral undertones, and a whisper of sweet honey. Adding to its complexity are subtle herbaceous green hints that keep you coming back for more. Semillon may have been overlooked in the past, but with wines like this, it’s clear that it's back in style and here to impress

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £9.99)

De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc

De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc is a South African delight, capturing the essence of its stunning Table Mountain surroundings in every sip. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Elzette du Preez, this vibrant wine offers a lively blend of passion fruit, peach, and ripe fig, underpinned by subtle vegetal notes and a refreshing acidity that lingers. Grown in a cool microclimate, the grapes imbue this Sauvignon Blanc with a zesty and crisp character that makes it exceptionally food-friendly. Delicate pale straw in colour with a hint of green, it's a wine that impresses both on the palate and in the glass.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £11.99)

Waitrose Rosé Wines September 2024

La Carezza Pinot Nero Veneto

La Carezza Pinot Nero Veneto is a beautiful expression of Pinot Noir from the scenic volcanic hills near Vicenza. This Rosé delights with a pale pink hue and a bouquet that brims with delicate red fruits like red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, intertwined with floral notes of violet and rose petals. On the palate, expect vibrant red cherry, cranberry, and wild berry flavours, complemented by hints of clove, black pepper, and an earthy undertone reminiscent of forest floor and mushroom. Harvested in the cool early morning to preserve its freshness, this wine is an elegant choice, especially when chilled on a warm evening.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £11.99)

Champteloup Rosé d'Anjou Loire

Champteloup Rosé d'Anjou from the Loire Valley is a charming and well-balanced French rosé that effortlessly marries sweetness with a refreshing zing. Crafted by the talented oenologist Serge de Bucy, this wine exudes a delightful bouquet of strawberry, cherry, and melon, with subtle hints of green apple, peach, and honey. On the palate, it’s buttery smooth with a pleasing acidity that lifts each sip. Certified bargain.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £8.99)

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

The Best Supermarket Budget Friendly Rosé

The sunshine is here (sort of) and that calls for a generous splash of pink. The risk with cheaper supermarket Rosé is being burnt by a watery liquid with none of the ‘delicate’ notes you were promised, or a cloying sugar bomb. These incredibly well-rated supermarket gems on the other hand, provide all the fruity and elegant seduction without breaking the bank.  

The Best Budget Friendly Rosé at ASDA

Voga Italia Rosa

A proud winner of a Decanter World Wine Awards Bronze in 2024, this sparkler made from Pinot Gris grapes strikes the perfect balance between dry and sweet. With tart strawberry on the nose, a hint of spice, and a zesty finish with herbal notes, it’s got just the right amount of complexity. Plus, it's an absolute delight to drink and comes in a bottle that’s as stylish as the wine itself. Cheers!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.75

Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rosé

Kylie Minogue's Prosecco Rosé is as stylish and sparkling as the pop icon herself. Crafted in the picturesque Gambellara hills by Zonin, this elegant rosé blends Glera and Pinot Noir grapes for a burst of strawberry and raspberry flavours, with a touch of floral blossom. It’s crisp, fresh, and balanced, despite a little extra sweetness. The pale pink hue and the charming heart design on the bottle make it a star at any summer gathering. Kylie’s wine collection just keeps delivering hits.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £8.50 (usually more!)

The Best Budget Friendly Rosé at Tesco

Maison Castel Rose D'anjou

Maison Castel Rosé d’Anjou is a delightful Loire Valley gem that’s perfect for warm evenings. Behind its pale pink hue, you'll find an inviting burst of citrus and red fruits on the nose, leading to a beautifully aromatic palate. The balance between refreshing dryness and lingering strawberry sweetness with a hint of melon makes it a top-notch sipper. Ideal for those summer nights, and at under a tenner, it’s a bargain that’s hard to resist.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £9 (£8 Clubcard Price)

Cupiolo

Cupiolo Italian Pinot Grigio Rosé is a refreshing twist on the classic Rosé style. Made from Pinot Grigio grapes grown in the high-altitude Alto Adige region of Trentino, it offers a delightful medley of soft peach, zippy lime, and a touch of bitter orange. It’s light, citrusy, and packed with crisp acidity, making it a perfect match for seafood. With mellow citrus tones and ripe red berries, it’s a proper summer garden Rosé that grows on you with every sip. One of the best options around that crucial tenner mark.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £10.75 (£9.50 Clubcard Price)

The Best Budget Friendly Rosé at Waitrose

Champteloup Rosé d'Anjou Loire

Champteloup Rosé d'Anjou from the Loire Valley is a beautifully balanced Rosé that masterfully combines sweetness and freshness. Crafted by oenologist Serge de Bucy, this wine offers a fragrant mix of strawberry, cherry, and melon, all dancing together in a light, drinkable style. The aroma brings hints of green apple, peach, and honey, while the taste is buttery with just the right touch of acidity. With its rich character leaning more towards red than white, it’s a classic French Rosé perfect for any occasion.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £8.99

La Cerisa Rosa Pinot Grigio Rosé

La Cerisa Rosa Pinot Grigio Rosé is a delightful Italian Rosé from just south of Milan. With its inviting pale coral hue and delicate red berry aromas, it’s a real treat for the senses. Produced in the rolling hills of the Provincia di Pavia, this Rosé boasts a crisp, dry profile with a lovely balance of acidity. Expect flavours of strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of peach, all wrapped up in a smooth, refreshing finish. The pleasing after taste is a stand out actually.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.99

The Best Budget Friendly Rosé at Sainsbury’s

La Terrasse Rosé Pays d'Oc

This is as delicate and crisp as superb supermarket Rosé gets. La Terrasse Rosé Pays d'Oc is like capturing the essence of summer in a bottle. Crafted by the legendary Jean-Claude Mas, this Rosé is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, offering a burst of luscious red fruits with a crisp, zesty finish. Pale and elegant, it pairs perfectly with light dishes and grilled fare. The little kiss of rhubarb is a perfect addition too. And the bottle – gorgeous. What’s not to like?

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10.50

Madame F Rosé Wine

Madame F Rosé is as stylish as it is delicious, with its glamorous bottle and vibrant blend of Grenache and Shiraz. This Rosé bursts with smooth strawberry sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s also wonderfully food-friendly, pairing perfectly with seafood paella thanks to its citrusy acidity. Beyond the wine itself, there’s plenty to applaud—especially its collaboration with Queer Britain, supporting the creation of the UK's first LGBTQ+ museum. A snazzy frog, a worthy cause, and a delightful Rosé – yes please.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £9.50

We almost always feature a couple of Rosés in our regularly updated Supermarket Wine Bargains, so if you’re after the best discounts each month head over there and find your shop!

Why Do You Decant Wine?

Decanting wine might seem like a fancy ritual reserved for sommeliers and posh dinner parties, but there's more to it than just looking impressive. Whether you're a budding wine enthusiast or someone who just enjoys a good glass of red after a long day, understanding why and how to decant wine can make your drinking experience that much better. After all, the painful part is spending money on the bottle – you may as well get the most out of it after that. Plus, it may give you an excuse to whip out that beautiful decanter you’ve been eyeing up!

Why should I decant wine?

In a nutshell, the main reason for decanting wine is to enhance its flavour and aroma, making your sipping experience more enjoyable. By transferring the wine from its bottle to a decanter, you’re allowing it to breathe, which means it gets exposed to oxygen. This exposure softens harsh tannins, particularly in younger reds, and helps to release the wine's bouquet—think of it as letting the wine stretch its legs after being cooped up in a bottle for years.

The same thought process can also be applied to pieces from a broken cork, so this is a handy way to save wines cursed by this.

Additionally, decanting can help separate the wine from any sediment that might have formed, especially in older vintages, ensuring you don’t get a gritty surprise in your glass.

When should I decant wine?

Not every wine demands the same decanting treatment. Generally, bold red wines like Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Bordeaux benefit the most from a good dose of oxygen. These wines are often tannic and structured, so giving them some time in a decanter can work wonders in softening their edges.

However, it’s not just about the big reds. Some white wines, particularly those with complex structures like Chardonnay, can also benefit from a quick decant. It’s less common but can make the flavours more expressive. Just don’t overdo it; whites are more delicate and can lose their freshness if left exposed for too long. And not just whites, but all wines deteriorate once excessively oxidized.

On the other hand, there are times when you should avoid decanting. Delicate, older wines—especially ones over 15-20 years—might fall apart quickly once exposed to air. If you do decant these, it’s best to do so gently and serve them soon after to enjoy the fleeting but magical moment they offer.

There may be the rare occasion when you wish to evaporate away the pungent aroma of a sparkling wine and a gentle decant can soften aggressive bubbles, but as a rule we suggest avoiding it because it’s not that beneficial, and you run the risk of killing off all the bubbles.

How to decant wine?

Decanting wine is simpler than it sounds, but it isn’t as simple as uncorking and allowing a small amount of air to flow into the bottle. First, stand the bottle upright for a few hours before you plan to decant, especially if it’s old, to allow the sediment to settle at the bottom. Then, slowly pour the wine into the decanter in a steady, slow stream, aiming to avoid disturbing the sediment - you want this to remain at the bottom.

If you’re feeling particularly cautious, you can use a light source, like a candle, under the neck of the bottle to see when the sediment is getting close to the mouth. You might not want to waste a drop, but leaving a tiny bit of liquid in the bottle is essential for leaving sediment behind. Once the wine is in the decanter, let it sit for the desired time—or dive straight in if you’re impatient!

Do I need to buy something to decant wine?

If you’ve got an interest in wine gadgets, you’ll have seen decanters in various forms because they certainly draw the eye; swan, duck, cornett and standard are all common shapes. If you want to get specific about it, you can adapt your decanter to the wine. For example, a fuller-bodied red needs lots of oxygen contact, but a lighter one only requires a smaller decanter. You could also just adapt this by increasing and decreasing the time exposed to air though.

Another option is the aerator, which attaches to the end of a wine bottle and allows you to pour wine directly into a glass while introducing air into the wine. These can be very small and vary a lot in how they work and the effect they have on your wine.

If you always thought decanting was just for show, then now you know! Next time you uncork a juicy red why not give it a whirl? If you want to know how your glass can affect the liquid, try this guide!

The Best British Summer Wine and Cheese Pairings

Food and Drink in Britain have been intrinsically connected for over two thousand years since the Romans turned cheesemaking into an industry to complement their belief that wine was a daily necessity. Historically it’s become widely accepted that cheese and wine go together as one of the ‘Greatest Of All Time’ (G.O.A.T) food and drink pairings. 

SUMMER LOVING 

Last month the UK celebrated National Cheese & Wine Day. Yes, we love the combination so much, that we have a national day for it - in summer. Traditionally the average Brit racks up the lion’s share of their annual cheese and wine consumption around Christmastime. Most often when we shop for cheese in December we’ll pick out a selection of familiar favourites including French soft cheeses and a generic fuller-bodied red wine to go with it. Or if we feel lazy we’ll opt for a cheese selection pack from the supermarket for our Christmas table. Forget for a moment your winter-time ‘Port and Stilton’ mindset and let’s take this duo al fresco for summer. Think picnics, opulent seaside snacking and sipping, proms in the park, music or food festivals or any other outdoor grown-up gathering with or without kids around. 

For this article I connected with DRINKLUSIVE mentor, Cheese and Wine Connoisseur Jessica Summer from mouseandgrape.com. Mouse & Grape has been featured in top publications, on BBC Saturday Kitchen and BBC Radio London thanks to Jessica’s ability to demystify wine and cheese pairings with her engaging storytelling. Beyond her media presence, she collaborates with brands and serves as a judge in cheese and wine competitions. I asked her: 

“What are some of the best British wines to drink with cheese for a summer picnic?”  

In this article, I share five of Jessica’s pairing recommendations from different regions of the UK and add some additional suggestions to include in your picnic hamper. Jessica’s rule of thumb when it comes to British cheese and wine pairing is “what grows together goes together”.

It seems, contrary to common belief, red wine does not always make the best companion for cheese. The UK boasts such a wealth of artisan cheeses (750 different varieties compared to France’s 400) we should perhaps refrain from reaching for something French de rigueur, and instead see our nation’s craftsmanship as an opportunity to Buy British, try new varieties and support our cheesemaker’s businesses in the process. If travelling in the UK this summer, do make sure to taste the local cheeses and wines whilst you’re away too. According to Jessica, the unique terroir of each region is expressed in their cheese and wine, weaving together a fascinating story of their origin. Terroir refers to how the environment, including soil, climate, and other natural factors, influences the taste and characteristics of cheese and wine. It gives them a distinct sense of place and identity. 

The British wine scene is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity, particularly in the realm of sparkling wines. “An astonishing 79% of medals awarded to English wine are granted to sparkling wines. A remarkable 30 British Vineyards have been recognised and celebrated in recent years for their contributions to the world of wine. In a similar vein, British cheeses have been causing quite a stir on the international stage with an impressive tally of awards at the World Cheese Awards.”

HAMPSHIRE 

Hampshire’s temperate maritime climate and diverse soils create favourable growing conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot grape varieties allowing for several sparkling wines to be produced on various vineyard estates across the county.

The region’s agricultural traditions and local expertise combine with the nutrient-rich and diverse Hampshire pastures where dairy cows graze and produce exceptional milk for cheesemaking. 

Jessica’s Top Hampshire Selection: 

Hampshire Cheese Co Winslade and Hambledon Classic Cuvée NV 

Winslade is a cross between a Vacherin and Camembert encircled by a spruce strip to impart a delicate woody aroma. The cheese is matured and sold when it’s fully ripe, rich, silky smooth and gooey. Its flavour is full, fruity and complex but not overpowering. It has a floral earthiness. 

Find here: £9.50 (230g)

Hambledon Classic Cuvée NV is a heavenly, multi-award-winning sparkling wine produced exclusively on the Hambledon estate on the southeast-facing chalk slopes of Windmill Down in the South Downs National Park. It has quintessential British aromatic blossom characteristics and tasting will elegantly unfold to reveal layers of floral and stone fruit aromas. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £26.99

If picnicking, remember to pack a mini chopping board and paring knife in your hamper before you set out because we reckon this duo will be best served with freshly cut wedges of Granny Smith apple to counterpoint the creamy Winslade. Charcuterie and cornichons also recommended. 

SOMERSET

Somerset’s clay, limestone and loam soil provide diverse conditions for several grape varieties to thrive in the region’s climate which allows for a wider range of flavour profiles of wine. Vineyards mainly focus on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.

Nestled in the heart of the Westcountry are lush pastures and world-renowned expertise in cheesemaking that yields high-quality cheese to reflect the unique flavours of the local terroir. Cheddar, of course, takes its name from the village in Somerset of the same name where it originated, but as cheddar cheese has no Protected Designation of Origin it can be produced all over the world.

Why not try something different to Cheddar, from the same terroir?

Jessica’s Somerset Pairing Recommendation: 

White Lake Dairy Driftwood

Driftwood is a beautifully creamy and soft-textured cheese made from unpasteurised goat’s milk. It’s an ash-coated, young, fresh and zesty cheese with a pleasing saltiness which perfectly complements the elegant and aromatic nose of Wraxall’s Bacchus wine, also produced in Shepton Mallett.

Find here: £12.50 (215g)

Wraxall Vineyard Bacchus Reserve

Delicate and floral with flavours of ripe orchard fruits and spring blossom, it has a lovely richness from 20%-barrel fermentation in neutral oak. This still white wine is supported by a bright mineral core and a long, persistent finish which beautifully accentuates the citrusy notes in the cheese, while the wine’s fruity qualities shine, creating a delightful symphony of flavours. This pairing is delicious with a little dollop of chilli jam.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £22

NORFOLK & SUFFOLK

The region’s diverse soils, ranging from sandy to loamy and clay, accommodate various grape varieties, each adding distinct characteristics to the wines. Combined with the skill of local cheesemakers, this fertile landscape yields a variety of top-notch cheeses that authentically reflect the region’s flavours imparted by its soil and vegetation. 

Jessica’s Top Norfolk/Suffolk Combination: 

Fen Farm Dairy Baron Bigod

Fen Farm’s Baron Bigod is a stunning brie-style cheese, with a rich, full, earthy flavour and a lingering finish. It’s made by Jonny Crickmore from the milk of his own herd of Montbeliarde cows in Suffolk. 

Find here: £9.50 (250g)

2022 Flint Vineyard Charmat Rosé

Flint’s iconic Charmat Rosé blends the grapes of England (11 varieties matched to Flint’s Norfolk terroir) with the production method of Prosecco making it the perfect sparkling rosé aperitif for a summer evening. Beautiful pink hues and lifted fruit aromas, the 2022 vintage exudes the essence of Summer Fruit Pudding and has a satisfyingly thirst-quenching finish to complement the creaminess of the cheese. The earthy flavour contrasts with the fruity cheese and brings out the wine’s strawberry and cream flavours. For this reason, as well as your cheese and local breads, you might as well include some fresh juicy strawberries and grapes in your hamper too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £24.75

OXFORDSHIRE & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire have diverse soil types, including limestone-rich soils in some areas, which offer excellent drainage for vineyards. Other parts have clay and loamy soils, suitable for different grape varieties. 

Both regions experience a temperate climate with moderate summers and mild winters, creating favourable conditions for grape cultivation and fertile pastures for grazing. 

Jessica’s Top Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire combination:

Nettlebed Creamery Bix

Though technically not from the same county, the vineyard and farmhouse dairy are just 30 minutes apart (across the boundary) so this irresistible combination simply couldn’t be overlooked. Made in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, Nettlebed Creamery’s Bix, is a soft cheese with a luxurious, evolving texture from crème fraiche to clotted cream, ultimately transforming into a creamy, rich delight.

Find here: £5.95 (100g)

Harrow & Hope Blanc de Noirs 2018

It pairs perfectly with the superb brioche and berry-fresh English fizz from Henry Laithwaite’s trophy-winning Harrow & Hope vineyard in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. This ensemble embodies all the winning flavour elements of the classic British strawberries and cream – a truly quintessential English experience!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £42

DEVON

The region’s milder winters and warmer summers allow for a longer grape-growing season, resulting in wines with distinctive regional characteristics. With a mix of sandy and clay soils, South Devon cultivates various grape varieties, while its nutrient-rich pastures support high-quality milk for cheese-making. The skilled cheesemakers and fertile landscapes contribute to a variety of high-quality cheeses, reflecting the terroir’s influence and establishing Devon’s reputation as a notable destination for wine and cheese enthusiasts seeking distinctive and outstanding products. 

Jessica’s Top Devon Combination:

Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve

Set in a south-facing bowl and overlooking the River Dart, Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham wine, produces outstanding English wines just 9 miles away from Sharpham Dairy. Their ripe and fruit-driven white wine showcases stone fruit notes of white peach, while the rounded palate features sweet apricot and subtle spice.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £16.49

Sharpham Ticklemore Goat

Pair it with Ticklemore Goat, a stark white cheese with a delicate texture and mellow, herbaceous flavour. This perfect pairing elevates the creamy character of the cheese and enhances the peach flavours in the wine, making it an ideal choice for a delightful summer indulgence.

Find here: £6.50 (220g)

So there you have it. Five new cheeses to try matched with a quality English wine from a vineyard of the same region. By embracing our rich culinary heritage and exploring the unique terroir of each region, we can truly appreciate the magic that happens when cheese and wine come together. So, the next time you plan a cheese and wine gathering, whether in or outdoors (and whatever the season) remember to follow Jessica Summers’ “what goes together grows together” rule.

And don’t just default to buying French wines and cheeses, remember to explore the many award-winning hidden gems of Britain. If you still wish to retain a little French in your life, try spending more of your disposable income on good quality food like the French do, and eat cheese for breakfast like they do on the continent. It’s healthy, it fills you up and has loads of nutrition. Yes, it has fat, but we all need a bit of that. And next time the occasion arises to buy a special gift for a cheese lover or you just want to indulge yourself, check out The Ultimate Rosé Cheese Hamper from Mouse & Grape for £75. There’s an option to add blue cheese to your order, as well as truffle honey and a corkscrew. Ooh la la. What’s not to love about that?

By Robbie Jerram

Around the World in 12 Pinot Noir

Image credit: Deutsches Weininstitut

Pinot Noir

The Diva or ‘heartbreak’ grape from Côte d’Or in Burgundy owes its French name to the black pine cone shaped clusters. It is thought to originate from the first century and predates Cabernet Sauvignon by at least a thousand years. Not many grapes could claim Hollywood theme as seen in the 2004 cult film ‘Sideways’; in which Miles (played by Paul Giamatti) ruminated why he is so obsessed with Pinot Noir:

“It’s a hard grape to grow. It’s thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. It’s not a survivor like Cabernet which can grow anywhere. Pinot needs constant care and attention … they can only grow in these specific tucked-away corners of the world; and only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it … only somebody who takes the time to really understand Pinot’s potential can then coax it into its fullest expression … its flavours are just the most haunting, brilliant and thrilling and subtle and ancient on the planet.”

The early ripening Pinot Noir is extremely sensitive to terroir (both geography and micro-climate). So much so at a parallel tasting of two 2014 Hirsch Vineyards Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast in California (East Ridge vs West Ridge), they couldn’t be more different.

Planted somewhere hot, it will ripen too fast and lose all the intricate flavours and nuances Miles is mesmerised with. When done right, Burgundian Grand Crus still set the benchmarks of excellence. Pinot Noir is rarely blended for still wine, except in champagnes with chardonnay and its cousin Pinot Meunier. 

Image credit: Vins de Bourgogne

Due to the scarcity of land across Burgundy suitable to grow Pinot Noir, and a distinctive constraint in maintaining high quality with low yields on the slopes, many top growers produce very little Bourgogne and good co-operatives are rare. In Burgundy it is the vineyards that have been classified, not the producers as in Bordeaux. The classification is broadly very accurate which divided the land into four ascending grades, Bourgogne, village, premier cru and grand cru with sky-high prices to match.

A tip is to follow the grower, not the Appellation.

A fine Burgundy red is distinctive with its light ruby appearance, that unique raspberry and earthy bouquet, tarty acidity with low tannins, and refreshing lightness when served at the right temperature. Yet, it can be difficult to know what to expect. Etienne Grivot suggests that terroir is like a music score and the grower is like the conductor, with many and varied interpretations possible.

The 2015 vintage of Musigny, produced by the renowned Domaine Leroy, will set you back £175,000 a bottle before duty and tax. It is hard to find a decent entry level Burgundy red for under £15 in the UK. It might even be more challenging to decipher the complex labels and keep up with the vintages. Fortunately, growers in Germany, New Zealand, Oregon and the coolest corners of California, Australia and now England are developing their own authentic styles as we shall explore below.

Food Pairing

When it comes to food pairing, Pinot Noir is the perfect match for duck, game, roast beef, lamb or pork, and steak tartare. With its relative high acidity and natural earthiness, it complements mushroom and tomato based dishes. It will feel at home with Japanese cuisine such as teriyaki and yakitori.

Whites are naturally served with fish, but a lightly chilled Pinot works wonders with monkfish or seared tuna steak. And if you like cauliflower cheese, a simple red Burgundy with its acidity cuts through the super-rich and creamy cheese sauce, turning a simple meal into elevated pleasures. Or how about the more fanciful Beef Wellington? A Pinot from the Willamette Valley in Oregon is just the ticket.

A less obvious gastro affair revealed in Victoria Moore’s ‘The Wine Dine Dictionary’ suggested by Nigel Greening of Felton Road, Central Otago, New Zealand is sipping Pinot with potatoes roasted with thyme; or udon baked with cream and black truffle!

Image credit: Will Wong

International Pinot Noir Day: 18 August

Shrouded in mystery, no one seems to know for sure why 18 August each year is designated to honour the Diva grape. But that should not stop us from tasting around the globe, with a range of Pinot Noir from twelve regions across nine countries; from Australia to Wales. Seat belts are entirely optional!

They share the fundamental characteristics of Burgundy but that’s also where the similarities end. No two are alike. We travel from the UK High Street to specialist independents offering value-for-money alternatives; including a few organic and biodynamic unfined and unfiltered options.

Above all else, Pinot Noir should be served on the cool side between 14-16ºC. In high summer or even indoors during winter, it’s best to chill the bottle for at least 30 minutes before serving. It is not one to bake in the outdoor sun whilst cooking your favourite BBQ on the patio. Beyond 20ºC, it is very likely to lose its pronounced bouquet, tasting flat if not lifeless. Very few reds will so demonstrably be resurrected when lightly chilled before serving.

AUSTRALIA

Giant Steps Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2022, Victoria

Image credit: Will Wong

Australia is best known for its legendary Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra or Margaret River, or Shiraz from the Barossa Valley. Much lesser known is her first great cool clime Pinots from the Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne in the state of Victoria. The landscape here with its gullies, folds, hillsides, and valley floors undulates so unpredictably that vineyards face all points of the compass. Most of the valley enjoys cool nights, with the nearby Southern Ocean evening out the differences between day and night temperatures. 

Giant Steps was founded by the Australian wine industry pioneer Phil Sexton, who ventured from Margaret River to Yarra Valley to find the ideal site to cultivate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of purity and finesse. Phil found his holy grail near Gruyere in the Sexton vineyard, which he planted in 1997 on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges. A mad jazz fan, Phil named the winery after John Coltrane’s album and fitting metaphor “Giant Steps.”

The 100% hand-harvested 2022 fruit was high quality but low yield. Winemaker Mel Chester favours low-intervention, using wild fermentation with eight months in 10% new French oak. The wine was bottled by gravity without fining or filtration.

Darker than some of the other Pinots on our flight, this is a medium-bodied wine of substance. Sour cherries dominate its nose. Robust with medium cellaring potential. More suited as a gastro wine and extremely moreish. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £30.00 London End Wines

CHILE

De Martino Reserva Legado Pinot Noir 2022, Limarí

Image credit: Will Wong

In just two decades, Chilean Pinot Noir plantings grew exponentially from around 400 hectares in 1997 to over 4000 today. The grape being notoriously difficult, quality has also improved substantially. Valle del Limarí north of the capital Santiago is right by the Pacific coast. Its limestone soils convey a chalky and mineral expressions in the Pinot.

This is from a selection from the famous Talinay Vineyard, planted around 2008 on the calcareous hills of the Coastal Range in the Limarí Valley, about 13 kilometres from the sea. It spent 12 months ageing in barrels, resulting in a very pale crimson cherry juice with fine tannins and a medium finish. Serve with charcuterie or roast chicken.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £12.99 Waitrose Cellar

ENGLAND

Riverview Crouch Valley Pinot Noir 2021, Essex

Image credit: Will Wong

Crouch Valley in Essex, southeast England is hot wine property. Here, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir flourish and ripen beautifully to turn into premium still wines. The River Crouch occupies a shallow valley between two ridges of London clay, and it is the combination of this deep and very particular London clay, the steep south-facing vineyards and the protected microclimate of this partially enclosed, tidal estuary that come together in creating this sweet spot as Tamlyn Currin observes.

From Brick Lane to River Crouch

Riverview Crouch Valley is the heart and soul of young husband and wife team Umut and Katie Yesil, who left their flat off Brick Lane in East London for rural Essex. In 2018, they converted 4 hectares /11 acres of family arable land on gentle south-westerly slopes in the village of Hullbridge facing the River Crouch into a vineyard. They make only single varietals: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as premium still wines; with Pinot Meunier in sparkling wines. 

At the end of 2023, Umut and Katie released their first 2021 Pinot Noir, along with their 2021 Chardonnay featured here. In 2024 they will be launching their first sparkling wine, a 100% Pinot Meunier from 2021.

Probably the most mercurial amongst the twelve Pinots here. Never judge a wine by its colour in the glass. Its pale ruby defies the actual substance of their debut Pinot Noir, aged in French oak for 12 months. Dark cherries on the nose with high tart acidity and low tannins. Somewhat Burgundian in character and complexity that pairs beautifully with mushroom risotto. 

Very sensitive to temperature change. Must serve cool (14-16ºC) to savour its freshness. On the hottest day of the year in England to date (34ºC on 12 August 2024), the last third warming up in the decanter was poured back into the bottle and quickly re-chilled. The wine was resurrected after 15 minutes. Try it.

This is one wine that should further develop in bottle over the next 3-5 years if stored correctly. Grab a few out of the 900 bottles produced, and report back in 2027!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £36.00 Riverview Crouch Valley

FRANCE

Burgundy - Definition by Majestic Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2020

Image credit: Will Wong

The Definition range brings the world's greatest wine styles to Majestic customers. A new addition to the refreshed range, this Bourgogne is made by Doudet-Naudin, one of the oldest local and well-respected Maison, founded in 1849 by Albert Brenot in Savigny-lès-Beaune.

Winemaker Christophe Rochet blends grapes from two large plots in the south of the Côte de Beaune, using traditional methods to make a wine with unmistakable Burgundian charm. Aromatics of ripe blackcurrant and cherry are followed by flavours of fruit and spice, and velvety tannins. A natural match for poultry or meats, including sausages, veal escalope, mushroom dishes and pâté. Accessible and good value for a Bourgogne. Oh là là!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £19.99 or £17.99 Mix Six, Majestic

Jura - Marie-Pierre Chevassu-Fassenet Côtes du Jura Pinot Noir 2023

Image credit: Will Wong

To the east of Burgundy where France rises towards the Alps bordering Switzerland lies the tiny and remote region of Jura, not to be confused with the Scotch whisky. Côtes du Jura is renowned as a gastronomic locus for food and wine pairing. Welcome to the bijou region for organic and ‘natural’ wines in eastern France. With high demand and low supply, Jura wines are rarely seen on supermarket shelves. 

Mother of three, Marie-Pierre Chevassu-Fassenet is one of the few female winemakers in the Jura. She took over her family’s wine estate in 2008 and manages her 4.5 hectares from vine to cellar door herself. Located in Château-Chalon, the most traditional part of the Jura, her reds are carefully sorted at harvest and manually de-stemmed before going into CO2-filled tanks to avoid using SO2 at bottling. No oak is used, resulting in a deliciously full-fruit flavour with a touch of CO2  that disappears with some aeration.

She is very keen to keep the estate small, so she can take care of the vineyards personally, and everything is worked in a sustainable way. The atmospheric cellars at the farm are full of old wood from large foudres down to fûts and feuillettes.

Besides its signature bottle shape with JURA embossed across the shoulder, this Pinot is super-fresh when lightly chilled. For such a young wine, its medium body retains a firm structure with soft tannins. Layers of subtle minerality with a long savoury finish. Excellent with Parma Ham and Peaches with a dash of Balsamic Vinegar. Summer in a bottle.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £28.10 Les Caves de Pyrene

GERMANY

Pfalz - Walt Pinot Noir 2020

Image credit: Will Wong

Situated to the south-east of Frankfurt, the Pfalz is Germany’s second-largest wine region: a long stretch of vineyards north of Alsace in France forming the Deutsche Weinstrasse, the most famous of all German wine routes along the sunniest and driest part of the country. With the region sheltered by the Haardt mountains to the west, the climate is very similar to that of Alsace. Although Riesling dominates here, we are exploring the sublime yet underrated Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir in German).

Back in 1897, in Wiesbaden, the firm Walter S. Siegel GmbH was started by its eponymous founder. Having acquired vineyards in Westhofen in Rheinhessen, the company was formed to sell his own wines, as well as various prestigious estates in other regions. In 1937 Herr Siegel’s son, Hans, formed Walter S. Siegel Ltd., in London with England Test Cricketer Ian Peebles through which they imported wines from Germany and France.

Light garnet in colour, this easy-drinking Pinot Noir opens up with beautiful aromas of baking spice, strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry. Hints of forest floor and earthy mushrooms. The palate has layered flavours of hearty berries intermingled with savoury notes of spice and minerality. The structure creates an interesting texture that finishes with hints of anise. Pairs well with richer chicken dishes, soft cheeses or tomato-based pasta dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £12.99 Adnams 

Württemberg - Schnaitmann Steinwiege Pinot Noir 2017

Image credit: Will Wong

Despite being Germany’s fourth-largest wine producing region, Württemberg is much lesser known abroad. It has a continental climate that constraints where best to plant vines.

Known as the "Prince of Württemberg”, Rainer Schnaitmann is one of the most respected Pinot Noir producers in Germany. Founded in 1997 with a simple vision, Weingut Schnaitmann is a family-owned winery known for crafting precise and high-quality wines that express the unique terroir of Württemberg. This commitment to detail and sustainability defines their winemaking philosophy.

Organic and Biodynamic, it has a distinctive Burgundian earthy nose revealing sour cherries, blueberries and cassis. For a change, serve this a little on the warm side (16°C). On the palate, it is a little savoury and smokey with silky tannins, suggesting further cellaring potential. Smooth with a long finish. Perfect with German pork knuckle or Black Forest ham with sauerkraut. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £29.99 The General Wine Company

NEW ZEALAND

Framingham Nobody’s Hero Pinot Noir 2020, Marlborough

Image credit: Will Wong

A small country in terms of population and relatively isolated geographically, New Zealand (NZ) has become a global wine trade export powerhouse in just fifty years. There are many small-scale vineyards with no wineries of their own. Contract winemaking is big business here. 

It was Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough on the northern tip of its South Island that put NZ wines on the world map. Pinot Noir is the most important red wine grape that is mostly planted in Martinborough on the North Island, and Marlborough, Canterbury and Central Ortago on the South Island.

The original vineyard was established in 1981, by Wellingtonian engineer Rex Brooke-Taylor who took the name ‘Framingham’ from his ancestral home town near Norwich, England. This Marlborough winery takes pride in doing things a little differently. Their approach to winemaking is inspired by those who step out of the mainstream, be it music legends, artists or winemakers.

Framingham hosts an outdoor rock concert every year, the Framingham Harvest Concert with an audience of 450-odd people. Up and coming bands from New Zealand take to the stage, including Renwick Nudes the local winery band. Originally a wine cellar and wine library, “Framingham Underground” is now home to pop-up gigs, art exhibitions and a band room where Renwick Nudes practise.

Sour cherries on the nose with intense fruits. First sip: this is bold! Best served lightly chilled and decanted an hour ahead. It took time to open up. Good structure with hints of chocolate mid-palate. Pair with seared tuna steak.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £17.99 or £12.99 Mix Six Majestic

ROMANIA

Încânta Pinot Noir 2022

Image credit: Will Wong

Despite its Soviet legacy, Romania shares closer cultural affinities with France than its neighbours. Its Pinot Noir was popular abroad in the 1980s and 90s; but did not appeal to Romanians themselves, who prefer their reds big and dark.

In 1988, three families decided to revive the former state-owned 700 hectare Cramele Recas Estate with a 20 million Euro investment. Today, Englishman Philip Cox and his Romanian wife, Elvira co-own this state-of-the-art winery that over-delivers. 

Produced for Majestic UK, Încânta is the Romanian verb meaning to enchant, charm or delight. This value-for-money Pinot punches way above its price point – and the 2020 vintage was awarded 90 points by Tim Atkin MW. Serve straight out of the fridge. No need to decant. Enjoy this light and ready-to-drink summer beauty with notes of fresh black cherry, raspberry and cinnamon. Try its juicy flavours with a classic charcuterie board.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.99 or £7.99 Mix Six, Majestic

UNITED STATES

California - Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir 2022, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County

Image credit: Will Wong

Over 80% of all North American wine is grown in California (CA), more wine than in any country outside Europe. Across swathes of the huge CA state, summers are much drier than in Europe. Rainfall is concentrated in the early months of the year; topping up the reservoirs essential for summer irrigation. As autumn rains are unusual, the long ripening season contributes to the potency of CA wines in both flavour and alcohol level. 

Whilst CA is famed for the bold and long-ageing Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, Pinot Noir thrives in the cooler coastal vineyards north and south of San Francisco. Up to 80% of the Pinot grapes in this Kendall-Jackson wine were sourced from Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties. 

Founded in 1982 by Jess Jackson (1930-2011), a San Francisco lawyer and billionaire wine entrepreneur, Kendall-Jackson’s Chardonnay won the first-ever Platinum Award for an American Chardonnay at The American Wine Competition. He was also one of the first winemakers to introduce varietal-specific wine to America, raising public awareness on wine and making it more affordable.

Since then, Kendall-Jackson has been championing environmental sustainability from energy efficiency to waste management and conservation. In 2019, together with Familia Torres of Spain, Kendall-Jackson co-founded the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) to decarbonise the global wine industry. 

Barrel aged in French oak for 8 months, this Pinot Noir has expressive hints of toast, vanilla, and cedar aromas. This dark garnet wine delivers bright cherry, strawberry and raspberry aromas with cola and mild spice accents. Pair with fillet mignon, a stacked burger or cheeseboard.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £19.99 or £17.99 Mix Six. Majestic

Oregon - Sokol Blosser Estate Pinot Noir 2019, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley

Image credit: Will Wong

If there is a corner in the Pacific Northwest that resembles Burgundy’s climate, it is the Willamette Valley in Oregon. The Coast Range to its west acts as a buffer, letting Pacific clouds and humidity wash across the vineyards in cool summers and damp autumns. These micro-climate influences lead to earlier maturing Pinots compared with their European counterparts, but earthier and often more complex than those grown in other New World regions.

Their story began in 1971 when Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser planted their first vines in Dundee Hills. This 128-acre site is blessed with a high altitude and warm nights, and red-tinged volcanic soil with good drainage, and exposure to rainfall and light crucial to optimum ripeness in cloudy Oregon. At the time, there was no wine industry in Oregon. There are now over 900 wineries and more than 37,000 acres of planted vineyards. Today as second generation growers, Alex, Alison and Nik Sokol Blosser continue to shape the ever prominent Oregon wine industry through their commitment to sustainable viticulture and winemaking. Sokol Blosser is a certified B-Corp. 

After an inviting black cherry nose, the first sip suggests this is a gutsy organic Pinot with a bold personality. Complex with savoury spice. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and light oak (17 months in French barriques), its structure will continue to develop over the next three years with careful cellaring. Perfect match with roast duck, mushroom risotto or salmon fillet glazed with Dijon mustard; when served lightly chilled (14-16ºC).

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £36.40 Les Caves de Pyrene

WALES

Ancre Hill Pinot Noir 2020, Monmouth 

Image credit: Will Wong

While English wines have been gaining their well-deserved recognition over the past two decades, there is much to shout about Welsh wines. Their hidden gems are rarely available on the UK High Street. From rural Monmouthshire in the southeast corner of Wales on the border with England, Ancre Hill Estates is Demeter certified biodynamic and organic with minimal intervention in their winemaking. 

This magical place and their philosophy enticed winemaker Jean du Plessis to relocate from South Africa with his partner and Max, the black cat on the label to endure quarantine before he was allowed to enter Wales. 

With skin maceration, whole bunch pressing and carbonic maceration, fermentation was finished in oak and stainless steel for ageing on gross lees for a minimum of two years. No filtration, no fining. It throws a little sediment so best stand the bottle upright for an hour in the fridge before decanting.

This super-light organic and biodynamic Pinot at 11% ABV is perfect for the summer. It is just so so fresh. Utterly moreish and quaffable when lightly chilled. With no insecticides, pesticides or herbicides from grape to bottle, it’s not cheap but you will taste the difference.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £34.20 Les Caves de Pyrene

BEFORE WE GO …

We hope the above discovery world tour has inspired you to try the different styles beyond Burgundy and New Zealand. If you are new to Pinot Noir, its inherent earthiness sets it apart from most other reds.

The Diva grape is not born for the bargain booze trade. With Burgundy prices on the rise, better value is found in say, Languedoc in the south of France. 

The early ripening Pinot is facing serious challenges from climate change and global warming. If freshness and a sense of place are what appeal, look for cool clime Pinots from England, Wales, Germany, Tasmania and perhaps Oregon (US). Quality comes with a price and these regions could not compete with Chile or South Africa on volume or their much lower costs of production. 

And if you remember what Miles said in the film ‘Sideways’, that most haunting and ancient flavours on the planet await. Merlot is altogether a different story and sour grape for him.

By Will Wong