These have popped up over the last month or so, and are definitely worth attention. They are all very good value.
Whites
1 - Castello Banfi, Badalei Vermentino, Tuscany, 2023
£11.99 - Majestic - six mix
Banfi is known globally for the quality reds it creates in Tuscany, so this white Vermentino is a surprising, but delightful, addition to their stable. Vibrant flavours of limes and herbs on the nose, plus a superbly balanced palate with concentrated fruits, great texture and a warm roundness. Surprisingly long finish. If you were lunching with cauliflower cheese and cold meats, then this would work very well: the bright acidity would be a perfect match for the creamy baked cheese. Would also work superbly with an oozing Camembert. Apparently, there is more Vermentino planted in Southern France than Italy.
2 - d’Arenberg The Witches Berry Chardonnay 2023
£12.50 - Tesco
If you want a little more ripeness and fruit than a generic Mâcon-Villages, then this wine hits that button. An everyday Chardonnay with a pronounced, rich nose containing hints of lime and white stone fruits, light palate with a good balance between fresh acidity alongside well structured fruit. Reasonable length. d’Arenberg have an array of good wines around this price-point, mainly red and with some very fanciful names, so if you happen to be in a Tesco looking for a quick purchase, then they will all hit the mark. If you are ever in South Australia, then you have to visit this winery as their tasting room is an humongous rubic cube.
3 - Inama Vigneti di Foscarino Soave Classico 2021
£24.99 - Waitrose
Red apples, apricots and a touch of honey on the nose, with light tropical notes. The palate is very well constructed with flavours of stone fruits - apricots and peaches - combined with a richness that sits very comfortably. If there was ever a white wine to accompany pasta then this ticks every box: mushroom risotto, carbonara, chicken pasta bakes, spicy clam and kale linguine ….. the list goes on! Soave must be made from at least 70% Garganega, and this wine is 100%. The grape being introduced into the region around 2,000 years ago, and the Inama family have been making wine since 1948.
4 - Santorini Familia Assyrtiko, Hatzidakis Winery, Santorini 2023
£37.00 - Jeroboams
This came on the radar about four years ago when holidaying on the island of Meganisi. Dining in Margate a couple of weeks ago, it was on the wine list at Dory’s and it was a great reacquaintance. Winemaking in Greece has been transformed over the last couple of decades, particularly on the island of Santorini, where the Assyrtiko grape is an indigenous variety. Even in a hot climate it is able to retain acidity. There is a great concentration in this wine that gives it immense power but balanced by crisp acidity, and a lingering finish that seems to sit and sit. It is definitely a wine that needs food: something rich and fragrant. If you are only a white wine drinker then this could easily sit alongside a steak and kidney pie, a venison stew, or a rich béarnaise sauce accompanying a sirloin steak.
Reds
5 - Le Petit Caboche, Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2023.
£13.25 - Yapp
A very quaffable, very enjoyable Vin de Pays from the Vaucluse region in the Southern Rhône. Made by the Boisson family - who also create a great selection of Châteauneuf-du-Papes - think of this as a very well-made Côtes du Rhône, but delivering far more than your usual offerings at this price-point. Made from a blend of Syrah, Caladoc, Egiodola, and Marselan. Rich fruit on the nose, light tannins with ample fruit and softness on the palate. A perfect glass of red over lunch or an opening one for the evening.
6 - Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Famille Perrin 2021
£26.00 - Tesco || £26.00 - Sainsbury
If both Tesco and Sainsbury are selling a wine, then it would not be unreasonable to assume that it is good value. Classic, spicy Grenache flavours on the nose, and savoury, black cherry notes on the palate with an excellent rounded characteristic. Great with game, beef stews and ample cassoulets. A very classic Châteauneuf. The Perrin family make one of the most prestigious domaines in this region, Château de Beaucastel, as well as the finest Gigondas (in my opinion), Domaine du Clos des Tourelles. They became business partners with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to create the very successful Miraval Rosé from Provence. It is believed that Angelina sold her stake in Miraval to Brad for $54.5m in 2023.