Supermarket Wine Bargains: Morrisons October/November 2023

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

*Updated: 27/10/2023*

Morrisons Red Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Roodeberg Black Dark Red Blend

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

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

Dynamite Factory Shiraz

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

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

The Best Marques de los Rios Rioja Reserva

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

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

Colpasso Nero D'Avola Appassimento

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

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

Cidade Branca Tinto

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

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

Morrisons The Best Negroamaro

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

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

Morrisons White Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Cuba Azul Alvarinho

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

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

Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

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

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

Morrisons Sparkling Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Martini Asti Sparkling Wine

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

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

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

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

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

Morrisons Port Discounts October/November 2023

Cockburn's Special Reserve Port

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

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

Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage Port

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

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

Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maestro Dobel Celebrates The Day of the Dead 2023

With 11 generations of tequila mastery behind them, Maestro Dobel has become one of Mexico’s fastest-growing high end tequila brands. They tend to put their all into the iconic Day of the Dead celebrations, and 2023 is no different as they celebrate the creative geniuses and rule breakers no longer with us… in our favourite way – cocktails.

To pay homage to innovators who really left their mark on the world, they asked people to vote for their favourites, throwing up names like Picasso, Warhol, and Coco Chanel. Then they focused on what makes cocktails special – the experience, partnering up with top astrophysicist Professor Charles Spence from Oxford University to elevate every aspect.

You can see what they’ve done and try these, ‘Celebrate Brilliance’ art cocktails at 45 Park Lane Hotel in London throughout the month of November, but you can also give them a go at home. Professor Spence has suggested some psychological tips and tricks that are proven to enhance the cocktail drinking experience, and you’d be surprised at how much of a difference they can make!

First, aesthetics and aroma (the ‘eat with your eyes’ phrase works with drinks too, and the first flavours arrive via the nose, so they have to be spot on). Secondly, despite what anti-Instagram folks might say, take pictures! Simply taking the snap helps you to recall the flavour experience, but it’s important that you put the phone away after because that hinders the tasting. Thirdly, stick some tunes on. More specifically, music that matches the profile of your drink – in this case some Mexican vibes. Next, make sure your surroundings are how you like them, with touches of class and elegance feeding into the sensations of the cocktail. Texture also plays a role, not just in the drink but with the table – silky tablecloth actually makes the drink feel smoother believe it or not. Lastly, and most importantly – drink in good company!

Below are a few of the cocktails from the Maestro Dobel Celebrate Brilliance collection and how to make them - Feliz Día de los Muertos!

Andy Warhol and the Campbell Soup - A classy twist on the Bloody Mary.

Ingredients:
40ml Maestro DOBEL Humito Tequila 
10ml Dry Sherry
30ml Carrot Juice
2/3 drops of Lemon Juice
Salt and Pepper

Method:
Pour all the ingredients in a shaker, including salt and pepper.
Shake for 10/15 seconds and double strain in a Nick & Nora Glass.
Garnish with Roquito peppers.

 Pablo Picasso - Inspired by innovative painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”

Ingredients: 

40ml Maestro DOBEL Humito 
10ml Green Chartreus 
10ml Cointreau
15ml Lime Juice
Dash Agave Nectar

Method: 
Pour all the ingredients in a shaker and fill up with ice.
Shake for around 10/15 seconds and double strain in a rocks glass. 
Garnished with Preserved Lemon.

Coco Chanel  - Celebrating the fashion designer’s sweet/ sweet bitter personality.

Ingredients:
45ml Maestro DOBEL Diamante
10ml Dry Vermouth
10ml Grand Marnier
3d Chocolate Bitter

Method:
Pour all the ingredients into a glass and gently stir for 10/15 seconds.
Strain in a Nick & Nora Glass.
Garnished with Candied Orange.

What Does Pinotage Taste Like and What Should I Try?

What is Pinotage?

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

What does Pinotage taste like?

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

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

Which Pinotage should I try?

Tesco Finest South African Pinotage

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

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.25

Kanonkop 'Kadette' Pinotage Rosé 2022/23, Stellenbosch

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

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

Warwick Estate First Lady Pinotage 2020

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

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

Lanzerac Pinotage 2020

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

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

Barista Pinotage 2021

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

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.99

Mooiplaas Wine Estate, The Bean Coffee Pinotage 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 Easy Halloween Drinks Recipes

No Halloween party is complete without drinks, and it’s not as much effort to make them a central part of the night as you might expect. With a few simple ingredients and ghoulish garnishes, you can make Halloween Drinks that look horrifying whilst tasting delicious.

Dark abyss’, evil lab potions, blended bodies, swamp juice and brain gloop are all to come, but first take a look at our easy-to-make Halloween Garnishes, and remember that extra special effects like LED ice cubes and dry ice will blow guests away too! Onto the elixirs...

THE BLACK WIDOW

Black cocktails are a must for Halloween, making an instant, creepy yet alluring impact on the eye. There are a few options, most involving Cola, but we think The Black Widow is the best. This sinister elixir is devilishly sweet, with blackcurrant liqueur, a sturdy vodka spine and the fizzing spice of ginger beer. The eerie black hue is courtesy of activated charcoal, creating a wickedly tempting abyss to stare into and sip!

Ingredients
30ml Crème de cassis
40ml vodka (black if you have it)
25ml ginger beer
0.5tsp activated charcoal (optional)
Black food colouring (optional)
Blackberries (garnish)

Method
For extra darkness, use black vodka if you have it, The same goes for black food colouring, but make sure you use the activate charcoal because that creates the darkest black. Ideally use all three! Shake everything, top up with ginger beer and skewer a blackberry to finish.

Jelly Brain

All the effort with this one is in buying the mould. You can find loads of brain moulds for Halloween in the shops, and all you’ve gotta do is fill it with your jelly mix (a pink/red colour mix) and mix in the vodka before setting. Once it’s done you’ve got a wobbling vodka jelly brain that you can plate up or drop into another horror cocktail.

Ingredients
Vodka (amount depends on volume)
Jelly mix
Brain mould

Method
Pour your vodka into your mix and stir thoroughly before leaving it to set. You might need to leave it more time than usual because of the vodka remember! For extra decoration, feel free to add some red syrup for extra brain gloop and extra horror points.

DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON

If you can get your hands on some green absinthe, then this is a super easy cocktail to pull together at the last minute. Mixed with the champagne, you get a sparkly, green evil lab vibe that looks incredible with dry ice if you have it.

Ingredients
40ml green absinthe
90ml Champagne
Dry ice (optional)

Method
Add your absinthe and then top up with Champagne for a luxurious experiment gone wrong. Complete the look with an eyeball garnish which you can find at the link above!

SWAMP JUICE SOUR

Any other time of year and the hue of Swamp Juice wouldn’t be one we’d recommend, but of course it’s perfect for Halloween. Whiskey and cider combined for not only gorgeous Autumnal richness, but also the perfect murky colour, while lemon juice jolts you to life. The perfect touch for that silky sliminess is the egg white and bam, you’ve made the best tasting swamp around.

Ingredients
45ml bourbon
45ml apple cider
Juice of 1 lemon
15ml syrup
1 tbsp egg white
0.5tsp of green food colouring (optional)

Method
This is a swamp so there’s no need to be delicate – just throw the lot into a cocktail shaker with some ice. Strain over the glass with more ice to finish and drink up! Each cider and whiskey have different colouring so if you want more a pungent green, use food colouring too.

BLOODY MARY

You’ve gotta have a Bloody Mary at a Halloween party. The shocking blood red is perfect, and you can go wild with garnishes from gouged out eyeballs, to severed finger celery sticks, to dripping blood. Also, if you like you can up the spice with extra Tabasco and spices for more fiery concoction.

Ingredients
35ml vodka
100ml tomato juice
1tsp Worcestershire sauce
Tabasco (to taste)
Juice of half a lime
Pinch of salt and pepper

Method
Shake everything with ice and pour into a glass and then comes to the fun bit – the gruesome garnishes for that blended body effect. Lychee eyeballs, dripping blood, fake fingers... go all out!

Pumpkin Martini

This one might not be as spooky, but no one can deny that any pumpkin drink deserves a place at the Halloween table. With robust vodka at the heart of it, this Martini is pumpkin pied up with sweet syrup, vanilla, cream, pumpkin spice and of course the crunch of biscuit. Bewitching!

Ingredients
50ml vodka
15ml cream
10ml syrup
2tbsp pumpkin puree
¼ tsp of pumpkin pie spice (optional)
¼ tsp of vanilla extract
Crushed biscuit (garnish)

Method
Grab a load of ice and shake everything until it feels cold to the touch. Before pouring, rub the rim with a light coating of maple syrup and add crushed biscuit around it. Finally, strain into your chilled Martini glass and enjoy the taste of Halloween’s most famous symbol.

A gruesome garnish really takes a Halloween cocktail to the next level, and we’ve got 8 here that work perfectly for the above drinks.

Sloe Gin – What Is It and What Should I Try?

What is Sloe Gin?

Sloe Gin is a quintessentially British creation that uses high-proof gin and sloe berries, along with a touch of sugar to create a liqueur. Thanks to all the sloe berries decorating British hedgerows, it’s beloved here but if you ate them on their own, they’d be quiet tart. When worked into a Sloe Gin however, they add a warm richness that’s incredible for the colder seasons.

Making your own DIY Sloe Gins is a big thing, and you can find our handy guide on that here, as well as more information about this delicious liqueur. But, if you want to leave it in the hands of the experts and try some ready-made concoctions, these are some of the best to try.

The Best Sloe Gins to Try

Sipsmith Sloe Gin

Sipsmith’s London Dry is tremendous, and to make this Sloe Gin, they leave hand-picked Autumn sloes to rest with it for 4 months, bottling once optimum flavour is achieved. It’s not overly sweet, and instead smacks of quality, with velvety redcurrants, cassis and soft cherries.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 29%
Find here: UK £23.95 / US $42.99

6 O'clock Sloe Gin

With an abundance of handpicked sloes from Gloucester, this tried-and-true recipe is perfect for drinking at anytime because the sloe to gin ratio is high. It’s very dry, with intense fruit flavour and warming spice, but enough bittersweet notes to retain appeal all night (or day).

Size: 700ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: £24.66

Hayman's Sloe Gin

Winner of the top award in 2019, the yin and yang of sweetness and tartness is perfected here, with sloes steeped for months in their stellar London Dry. You get all that plum flavour, without overbearing sweetness, as well as complementing notes of almond and richness. A splash of tonic and an orange slice is delicious with this.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: UK £25.49 / US $29.99

Plymouth Sloe Gin

The bartender’s buddy and many Sloe drinkers’ go-to, Plymouth Sloe Gin is adored for its value and natural depth. It’s an explosion of natural berries, with none of the sugar overload. The touch of tartness is perfection, and the thick, luxurious mouthfeel is to die for.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: UK £26.99 / US $33.99

Foxdenton Estate Sloe Gin

Another absolute gem, Foxdenton picked up the top award at the 2016 Gin Masters for this Sloe. This is a far cry from poor quality toothache-inducing sloe gins, with the perfect touch of smooth jammy fruits but a bitter, pale dryness and juniper integrity that doesn’t get lost. A glass of quality, best enjoyed neat.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 27%
Find here: £29

Wrecking Coast Honey Sloe Gin

Like so many gins, Wrecking Coast Honey Sloe Gin is divinely bottled. Inside? These Cornish producers have crafted a jammy, honey-kissed concoction that's equally at home in a hip flask on a chilly day or as the star of a summery spritz. It's an innovative collision of locally picked rich slows, Cornish honey, and a pinch of spice for a luxurious mouthfeel and moreish earthy warmness.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 34.5%
Find here: £30

Elephant Sloe Gin

What do you get when you combine award-winning Elephant London Dry Gin with wild sloe berries? A rich, nutty, slightly sweet, and oh-so fruity Sloe Gin, that’s what. Totally distinct, from the spice to the nutty notes to the blackberry sweetness, not only does Elephant Sloe Gin deliver a completely rounded Sloe Gin experience, but they also donate 15% of profits to elephant conservation.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 35%
Find here: UK £31.45 / US $54.99

Sloe Gin is delicious neat, if you find that a little too intense, try one of the above as a G&T for a refreshing yet rich red fruits delight. Check out our perfect tonics here!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Sainsbury’s October/November 2023

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

*Updated: 20/10/2023*

Sainsbury’s Red Wine Discounts October 2023

Santodeno Negroamaro

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

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

Feuerheerd Reserva Douro Red

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

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

Carnivor Zinfandel

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

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

B. Ink by Grant Burge Red Blend

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

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

Bosman Nero d’Avola

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

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

Sainsbury’s White Wine Discounts October 2023

Freixenet Pinot Grigio

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

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

Rocca Murer Pinot Grigio Rosato

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

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

Sainsbury's Riverblock Marlborough Sauvignon

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

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

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

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

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

Sainsbury’s Rosé Discounts October 2023

Silver Moki Sauvignon Blush

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

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

La Terrasse Rosé Pays d'Oc

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

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

Madame F Rosé Wine

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

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

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

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

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

Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon

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

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

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

Sainsbury’s Red Wine Discounts EARLY October 2023

Santodeno Appassimento Sangiovese

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

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

Barossa Ink Shiraz

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

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

Terre di Faiano Organic Nero di Troia

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

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

Journey's End Spekboom Syrah

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

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

Porta 6 Vinho Regional Lisboa

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

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

Altano Rewilding Edition Douro

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

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

Sainsbury’s White Wine Discounts October 2023

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

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

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

The Ned Pinot Grigio

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

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

Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

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

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

Plaimont Côtes De Gascogne Colombard Sauvignon Blanc

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

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

Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc

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

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

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

8 Halloween Garnish Ideas

As the nights close in, Halloween looms, and that gives you the perfect opportunity to make some of the best themed cocktails of the year. Hosting a haunted gathering? Want to get into the spirit at home? Or maybe you just want an excuse to knock up a cocktail? These Halloween garnish ideas are pretty easy to make but add the perfect chilling touch to your boo-zy potions.

Orange Peel Jack-o’-lanterns

Start your Halloween celebration with a burst of pumpkin-themed flair. Cut a small piece of orange peel, shape it into a classic wicked grin or a sinister face with a small, sharp knife, and clip it to the rim of your glass, or skewer it, or simply drop it in. Now, your beverage looks like it's sipping from its very own jack-o'-lantern.

Lychee Eyeballs

This is a classic because they look so good. Take a lychee and after removing the pit, insert a blueberry into its hollow centre. Add a few drops of red food colouring to give it that bloodshot look. Now, let your eerie eyeball float in your drink, watching your every sip. Or, if you want a more gruesome look, skewer the eyeball!

Strawberry Bloody Hearts

Add a dash of romance (or something much gorier) to your horror-themed drink with strawberry hearts. Simply slice strawberries into heart shapes and skewer them on toothpicks. You could also add some edible blood/dyed red syrup for extra special effects. Attach these crimson hearts to the rim of your glass, giving your drink a touch of macabre love.

Kiwi Frankenstein

Channel your inner mad scientist with a Kiwi Frankenstein. Slice a kiwi into thirds, preserving one part for its helmet-like-hair. Using cake decorations for eyes and a dash of black food colouring for a mouth, bring Frankenstein to life. Now for the bolts, which you can recreate by piercing with a cocktail stick.

Pineapple Bat Wings

Give your drink an eerie ambiance with pineapple bat wings. Carve out bat wing shapes from pineapple slices and perch them on your glass. It can be added to make tropical beverages adhere to the Halloween theme, but this sorts that right out.

Apple Witch Hats

Stir some witchy charm into your potion with apple witch hats. Grab a cookie cutter, ideally star shaped, and slice your apple in half. Attach these apple hat shapes to your glass, and you'll be spellbound.

Bloody Rim

This is another idea that’s so simple but effective. Dip the edge of your glass into a syrupy mixture dyed red with food colouring. Let it ooze and drip down the glass and for an extra touch of wickedness, add red or black sugar crystals to complete the look.

Spooky Spider Web

For an intricate and spooky garnish, use a spider web stencil to decorate your drink with ingredients such as cocoa powder, cinnamon, or powdered sugar. You could even try to make an Espresso Martini with cocoa powder web dusting and decorate the coffee bean garnish as a trapped fly!

But it’s not just garnishes where you can have spooktacular fun – pop these on our Easy Halloween Cocktails and you’ll blow guests away.