{"id":984,"date":"2025-08-09T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/?p=984"},"modified":"2025-08-13T15:29:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T15:29:16","slug":"im-a-drinks-writer-this-4-85-supermarket-white-wine-is-a-delicious-bargain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/2025\/08\/09\/im-a-drinks-writer-this-4-85-supermarket-white-wine-is-a-delicious-bargain\/","title":{"rendered":"I\u2019m a drinks writer \u2014 this \u00a34.85 supermarket white wine is a \u2018delicious\u2019 bargain"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t\t\"Bottles\t<\/div>
There are some great white wine options in the supermarkets right now (Picture: Metro)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019m a repeat offender… guilty of overlooking white wines in favour of ros\u00e9 <\/a>and chillable reds<\/a> in summertime.<\/p>\n

Yes, when the sun comes up, I stampede (can one person stampede?) to the ros\u00e9 aisle like it\u2019s the last call for boarding on Ryanair<\/a>. <\/p>\n

But it looks like I might be in the minority, as white wine is steadily taking over from red as the world\u2019s preferred style. In France<\/a>, sales of white wine are now overtaking those of red, ros\u00e9 and orange. That could partly be down to Taylor Swift<\/a> mentioning white wine 19 times in her albums, but also to changing tastes and the popularity of lighter cuisines, such as South East Asian.<\/p>\n

According to the latest data from SOWINE\/Dynata Wine<\/a> & Drinks Barometer, here in the UK, we’re actively seeking out Sauvignon Blanc when we buy French wine (31% of the 1,000 UK adults surveyed), followed by Merlot (29%), then Chardonnay (26%). <\/p>\n

Even more surprisingly, 89% of those surveyed said they drink<\/a> white wine compared to 81% who drink red, which must have red wine producers feeling a bit chaud under the collar.<\/p>\n

See, red wine has dominated global wine guzzling for more than 30 years, so this white wine renaissance is causing a bit of a stir. Even red-wine-producing powerhouse, Bordeaux, has included new white grapes like Spanish Albari\u00f1o in a surprisingly non-traditional move. <\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"Two\t<\/div>
It’s white wine’s time to shine (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And it\u2019s not just the fresher styles people are after, either. <\/p>\n

Nope, there are still some of us that are closeted lovers of unapologetically big, bold, rich and fruity whites but we keep our traps shut in fear of being shamed by the low-flavour, low alcohol movement that\u2019s happening around us. I\u2019m talking Chardonnay in particular.<\/p>\n

Back in the 90s, buttery Chardonnay from Australia in particular became a lightening rod for cancellation. The ABC Club (Anything but Chardonnay) was joined by millions, and it was also unkindly labelled as \u2018cougar juice\u2019. That\u2019s as outdated as Prosecco once being known as \u2018lady diesel\u2019 (never by me, just to be clear). And although it\u2019s unlikely that those oaky, buttery, 15% abv behemoth whites will land back in our good books, I\u2019m thankful that people are looking for well-made white wines with more pronounced flavour and texture again.<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for something new to try, here are 10 delicious wines you can buy from the shops right now, all for under a tenner…<\/p>\n

Chevalier de Fauvert Chardonnay, France, \u00a34.85, Lidl<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Chevalier\t<\/div>
This one is a delicious bargain (Picture: Lidl)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is proof that Chardonnay no longer tastes like it\u2019s been made by a carpenter, or put together by a Lurpak dairy farmer. It\u2019s light, unoaked, fresh, bright and deliciously peachy, think orchard fruit with squeeze of lemon and you\u2019re in the ballpark. A weekday wonder at under a fiver.<\/p>\n

Le Manoir du Baron Viognier, France, \u00a34.94, Asda<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Le\t<\/div>
Don’t discount this one (Picture: Asda)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Don\u2019t discount this budget viognier. Why? Because it doesn\u2019t need a discount, it\u2019s already under \u00a35. Plus, it punches above its price with a pillowy texture and flavours of apricot and honeysuckle. There\u2019s more than a whiff of waxy florals on the nose, think walking past a blooming jasmine plant while you’re on holiday.<\/p>\n

Espartero, Tempranillo Blanco, Spain, \u00a35.50, Asda<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Espartero,\t<\/div>
Zesty, juicy and vaguely tropical (Picture: Asda)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tempranillo Blanco is a natural mutation of regular Tempranillo, you know, the most-widely-grown red grape in Rioja. The white version was literally stumbled upon by a wine grower in the late twentieth century. It delivers a zesty, juicy and vaguely tropical white, with undercurrents of red plum, which I could just be imagining.<\/p>\n

Extra Special Rueda, Spain, \u00a36.75, Asda<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Extra\t<\/div>
This wine is banging (Picture: Asda)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Three wines in a row from Asda<\/a>, they must be doing something right. This is a banging (I hate that word) white made from the Spanish Verdejo grape. Bright, citrussy with bags of fresh green apple flavours and a delicious grassy note on the finish. It goes super well with grilled prawns or a corner of Manchego too.  <\/p>\n

The Long Coast Chardonnay, Chile, \u00a37 (Mix 6), Majestic<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"The\t<\/div>
No notes (Picture: Majestic)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019m forever saying how Chile is one of the best places to find value for money, but this is something else. Made from Chardonnay with a dab of Muscat and Gewurztraminer, it\u2019s dry, rich and full of lemon posset and mango skin flavours. No notes (apart from the ones I\u2019ve given).<\/p>\n

The Best Cotes de Gascogne, France, \u00a37.50, Morrisons<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"The\t<\/div>
A lovely lime and greengage finish (Picture: Morrisons)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For lovers of lively whites with good energy, this one feels like you\u2019ve been plugged into the mains, in a good way. A blend of 60% Colombard, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Gros Manseng, it gives lovely lime and greengage character and a bracingly citrus lip-smack on the finish.  <\/p>\n

Specially Selected Barossa Chardonnay, Australia, \u00a38.19, Aldi<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Specially\t<\/div>
Perfect to pair with a barbeque (Picture: Aldi)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Strap yourself in for a richer style of Chardonnay, but rest assured, this is well made. Barossa Valley in South Australia is famous for brawny wines, typical of such a sun-drenched region. Here, we have upfront flavours of ripe yellow peach, toasted hazelnuts and a lick of spice to go with your pork snags on the barbeque.  <\/p>\n

Rimini DOC Bianco, \u00a38.50, Italy, Majestic<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Rimini\t<\/div>
An opulent wine (Picture: Majestic)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An opulent Italian white with flecks of Mirabelle plum and Mayer lemon, with a distinctive coastal saline note on the finish. It\u2019s made entirely from local Italian grapes Trebbiano, Bombino Bianco and Grechetto, and I\u2019m all for championing indigenous varieties. After all, no one can make your own grapes like you can. Capiche?<\/p>\n

Taste the Difference Chilean Viognier, \u00a39.75, Sainsbury\u2019s<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Taste\t<\/div>
A plush and pillowy wine (Picture: Sainsbury’s)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019ve never met anyone who doesn\u2019t like Viognier; it\u2019s plush, pillowy and anything else beginning with \u2018p\u2019, apparently. A great example how approachable this grape can be, all hazelnut brittle, peach and honey, in a dry way. I gave it three stars and put \u2018v. good value for money\u2019 when I first tasted it, so it\u2019s definitely worth a whirl.<\/p>\n

Specially Selected Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, \u00a39.99, Aldi<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Specially\t<\/div>
A bone dry wine (Picture: Aldi)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sometimes, I find Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc so over the top it becomes a cartoon version of itself. Too much passionfruit and gooseberry for its own good. Aldi\u2019s is a more restrained style; bone dry, mineral and energetic, with whispers of passionfruit and lime still intact. There\u2019s a lovely purity and boat loads of herbaceous intensity. Dip your feet into your kids\u2019 paddling pool this summer and get sipping.  <\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tLooking for more expert drinks content?\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

If you count yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, Metro\u2019s Drink Up column<\/a> is where you need to be.<\/p>\n

Immerse yourself in the world of good drink, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven \u2013 a place for readers to whet their whistle with the latest and greatest in the world of drinks. From unpacking the best supermarket wines<\/a> from Aldi<\/a>, Tesco<\/a> and Lidl<\/a>, to introducing audiences to the wallet-friendly Cremant out-bubbling the fanciest of French Champagnes<\/a> (or the best wines to drink after sex<\/a>), and finding out what it\u2019s like to go on a bar crawl with Jason Momoa,<\/a> this is a haven for those who love to celebrate.<\/p>\n

Stay ahead of the curve<\/a> as Rob plucks from the vines the wines of the season and the spirits you need to know about; speaking with experts and mixologists while unpacking the latest concoctions, finding the best non-alcoholic options<\/a> for those looking to moderate, discovering the best food pairings for your drops, and going up against the latest TikTok <\/a>chatter to demystify the liquid landscape.<\/p>\n

What are the best drinks to take to a summer picnic?<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wine that you should never serve at a wedding<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

And, truly, how <\/a><\/em>should<\/em><\/a><\/strong>\u200b we be storing our wine?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Read More.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n\t\t\tComment now<\/title><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"comment-now__label\">Comments<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are some great white wine options in the supermarkets right now (Picture: Metro) I\u2019m a repeat offender… guilty of overlooking white wines in favour of ros\u00e9 and chillable reds in summertime. Yes, when the sun comes up, I stampede (can one person stampede?) to the ros\u00e9 aisle like it\u2019s the last call for boarding […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":986,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-984","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/984","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=984"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/984\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":999,"href":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/984\/revisions\/999"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=984"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=984"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.answerla.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=984"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}