It’s an all too familiar scene: 6pm on a Saturday night and you're at the local supermarket staring at the never ending rows of wine bottles, scanning the price tags for something in your budget. With little knowledge, navigating the extensive range of grape varieties and regions is a total minefield and it’s more than likely you’ll just play it safe with a Sauvignon Blanc and
arrive at your superior friend's door feeling a bit immature when they pop your bottle in the fridge and offer you a heavenly glass of light, dry white that they "got from the local" (what?! where?!)
If you never to be that guest at the dinner party again, follow these tips from three supermarket wine buyers.
Lisa Rogerson, Beers, Wines and Spirits technical manager at Sainsbury’s
It’s not all about Prosecco
"Cava is actually made by the same method as Champagne and aged in the bottle for at least six months, making it an excellent sparkling wine choice. Prosecco may be trendy but Cava is probably better value."
Cork bottles doesn’t necessarily equal better wine
"Screw caps are just as good for the quality of the wine, and in fact can be better for fresh wines which are meant to be drunk young."
Look for own-label
"Retailer own-label ranges are usually very consistent, and can offer great value for money and a much wider, interesting choice and options from lesser known regions."
Top 3 under £10
Taste the Difference Vintage Cava £9
Anne Jones, Category Manager for Waitrose Wines, Beers and Spirits
Do your region research
"For red wines the best value comes from the south of France or southern Italy. Whereas for whites, southern Italy wins again, but also Spain (Albariño offers amazing value for the price) and don't forget Grüner Veltliner – refreshing, full of flavour and often amazing value."
Look for something different
"Choose new and unusual grape varieties such as Albariño and Grüner, or look out for Pignoletto (an Italian sparkling wine) – it’s tipped to be the next Prosecco!"
Top 3 under £10
Ed Betts, Buying Manager at ASDA
Spend at least between £5 and £7
"It’s a truism in wine that the more you spend the better the wine, if you consider that around £2.50 from every bottle is in tax the higher you go above this the more you're spending on the quality of the wine in the bottle. It is possible to get good wines below £5 but I’d always look between £5 & £7 if you're on a budget."
Pair with food
"With fish and light chicken dishes I would suggest Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as it's crisp and refreshing, or for beef, lamb or richer pasta sauces I’d go for a Reserva Rioja."
Look to new growing regions
"Argentinian Malbec and crisp dry Provençal style Roses are growing fast and offer excellent value."
Top 3 under £10
Extra Special Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at £5.75
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