From Tesco to Asda, TV wine expert Jilly Goolden uncorks supermarkets’ best plonk

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THERE is no better time to have show-stopping tipples than at Christmas.

But with so many options it can be hard to know which are worth splashing out on. We asked wine expert Jilly Goolden to test some of this year’s supermarket whites, reds, fizz, ports and sherries and give her verdict on each.

Jilly Goolden rates supermarket whites, reds, fizz, ports and sherries

So pour yourself a glass and savour our festive drinks guide.

Cheers!

Whites

ALDI

Specially Selected pinot grigio, £5.49

“Clean and uncluttered with hints of toffee apple. More full figured than expected. Good and well priced.”

ASDA

Chablis 2018, £6.97 (reduced from £12 until December 31)

“Smells of fruit salad, tastes of peaches and cream, yet delicate. Great label.”

THE CO-OP

Oyster Bay sauvignon blanc 2019, £7.50 (reduced from £9.50 until January 1)

“Zippy, grassy and lemony. Benchmark sauvignon. Well priced.”

LIDL

Ernest Wein pinot gris 2019, Alsace, £7.99

“Begins well with marshmallow and sugared almonds but then fades and is fairly disappointing.”

M&S

Mâcon Villages 2019, £8 (reduced from £9 until December 24)

“Bouncing ripe melon fruit, buttery and a mouth-coating, full-figured rich white.”

MORRISONS

Mastercraft sauvignon blanc, £8 (reduced from £10 until January 1)

“Sauvignon blanc at its most powerful, with generous kiwi and gooseberry fruit.”

SAINSBURY’S

Taste the Difference viognier, £7.50 (down from £9 until January 1)

“Aromatic and exotic with notes of pear and pineapple. A bit too much for me.”

TESCO

Finest Marlborough sauvignon blanc, £8

“Latest vintage gooseberry-scented, squeaky dry sauvignon blanc, a bit on the attack.”

WAITROSE

California chardonnay, £6.99

“Big and busty and very fruity and brash, this is chardonnay at its most powerful.”

Reds

ALDI 

Specially Selected Chianti classico riserva, £6.49

“Whiff of violets followed by plum, tailing into a taste of strong tea. Needs food.”

ASDA

Châteauneuf du Pape, £9.97 (reduced from £18 until December 31)

“Big, busty dark berry fruit plus serious, tongue-coating tannin.”

THE CO-OP

Famille Perrin Les Cardinaux 2018, £7 (reduced from £10 until January 1)

“Promising scent of redcurrant fades leaving flimsy, tart flavour.”

LIDL 

Vinya Carles Priorat 2017, Spain, £7.99

“This is a juicy come-on wine scented with simmering blackberries. Big flavour but soft.”

M&S

Vinalta malbec, £8 (reduced from £9 until January 3)

“Like beef stew and dumplings in a glass. Fruit very direct. Pair with a hefty meal.”

MORRISONS

Gran Montana malbec reserve 2018, £8 (down from £12 until January 1)

 “Delicate fruit and sumptuous palate, although the acidity is challenging.”

SAINSBURY’S

Morador cabernet franc 2019, £7.50 (down from £9 until January 1)

“Inviting like cherry pie. Juicy fruity but also serious. Can be chilled.”

TESCO

Finest Cotes du Rhone Villages, £8

“Soft and cakey like Victoria sponge with jam filling, followed by slight sourness.”

WAITROSE

Romanian pinot noir, £5.99 

“Smells like straw-berries. But there is a steeliness to it until in roar the strawberries again. Appealing.”

Port & sherry

ALDI 

Specially Selected medium dry sherry, £5.99

“Smells like golden syrup, nutty notes and syrupy sweetness. A cheap thrill.”

LIDL

Tio Nico Pedro Ximinez sherry, £7.99

“Looks like dark gravy and seems as thick. Burnt sugar and baked apple notes. Dessert in a glass.”

M&S 

Amontillado medium dry sherry, £10

“Amber nectar, aromatic with dried orange scent and hazelnut flavour. Smooth and alluring.”

SAINSBURY’S 

Special Reserve port, £10

“Intense blackberry and plum fruit with the sumptuous richness you want.”

TESCO 

Finest Ten Year Old Tawny port, £10.50

“Nutty with zip of lively acidity to offset sweetness. Like liquid fruit cake.”

Sparkling 

LIDL

Arestel cava brut, £5.29

“Green, fresh and friendly. This is inviting and appetising. Great choice for a (small) party.”

M&S

Prosecco, £6.65 (reduced from £10 until December 24)

“Orange blossom on the bouquet, refreshingly dry for prosecco with an edge of preserved lemons.”

MORRISONS

Sorso prosecco, £6

“Come-on, sweetie-bag scent. Light and easy drinking. Great wine for a celebration.”

TESCO

Cava brut non vintage, £5.75

“Whiff of a hay barn. A very traditional cava. A class act.”

WAITROSE

San Leo prosecco brut, £7.49

“Light and sherberty. Seemingly green and herbaceous, like a plant without flowers.”

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Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.hellofaread.com/money/make-sure-your-gift-voucher-doesnt-go-down-the-drain-with-these-tips/