Supermarket Fine Wines | What to buy in UK supermarkets | Tasted and reviewed

Описание: In this week's episode of The Wine Down, Rosamund Hall, wine columnist for ‪@theindependent‬ discusses all things fine wine, and how to find them in the supermarket.

Follow Rosamund on Instagram @rosamundhall_

M&S Delacourt Brut Champagne, France, NV, 12.5 percent
In-store at M&S or online via Ocado £25
This is a great value Champagne that doesn’t compromise on quality. It’s made by partnership between M&S and Castelnau, a well regarded cooperative in the region. I love the aromas of soft apple puree, butter-biscuits, and a touch of honey and orange blossom – the gentle bubbles give a lovely feeling in the mouth, and the flavours keep rolling through long after I’ve taken a sip.

Sainsbury's Chablis Vieilles Vignes, Taste the Difference, France, 2022,
12.5 percent, Sainsbury's £17.50
A great example of a high quality own label ‘fine wine’. Made by one of Chablis’ most internationally respected growers, the vielles vignes (old vines) come from vines aged between 30 - 60 years old, but what does that do? In a nutshell, it makes the grapes more concentrated as they are not as vigorous in their volume of production. This Chablis delivered lemon curd, soft peach, and a racy zip of citrus too – all wrapped up with gorgeous mouth watering acidity, and a persistent long refreshing finish. Vibrant, bright and makes me feel rather fine.

Beaujolais Villages, Dominique Piron, France, 2021, 12.5 percent
Waitrose £14
Burgundy is a classic region for fine wine, but that traditionally meant wines from the pinot noir grape. Instead I’ve chosen a gamay from a fourteenth generation, family run estate located in the southern Burgundian area of Beaujolais, in eastern France. Made from fifty year old vines, this perhaps simpler than many fine wines, but it still delivers layers of flavour: there’s red cherry, ripe plums, violets and a twist of peppery spice too. This medium bodied wine is fresh, balanced, and lingers happily for a long time.

Château La Garde, Pessac-Leognan, France, 2017, 13%,
In-store Aldi (from beginning of April) £19.99
A perfect example of a wine buying team unearthing a little treasure. Pessac-Leognan is a sub region in the area of Graves, in Bordeaux, this is where some of the most expensive red wines in the world come from. Château La Garde is regarded as a rising star in this region, and this plush, ample and completely-ready-to-drink-now wine shows why. Think blackcurrant, dark cherries, tobacco smoke, autumnal forest floor all layered together with silky tannins and a loooong finish. Truly fine wine under £20? Yes please.