Here at the English Vine we think wine should be for the majority, not the minority. And we get it, sometimes waiting 24h for our next day delivery can be the be all and end all when you just want something to drink tonight. So, as generous as we are, we’re here to give you some great treats, tried and tested by our team, available to buy in your local UK supermarket, for that last-minute rush! For centuries, wine was classed as an exclusive drink enjoyed by those of higher status, and still today, people still view expensive wine as being the only type of good wine there is. It’s time to get rid of the stigma that cheap wines are bad!
Villa Cafaggio, Chianti Classico, 2016, Tuscany, Italy. This wine goes with anything, and I mean anything! Its my go-to wine when I am making or eating any type of Italian cuisine, or to just simply enjoy a glass at the end of the day! I always add it to my Bolognese sauce, and my guests would be lucky if there was anything left for dinner! My ultimate happy place is cooking in the kitchen, glass of wine in hand, listening to some Frank Sinatra… and no, I’m not 60 years old… The wine is so elegant and smooth and delivers so much romance, you would be so surprised you are not paying £40+ for it! Available to buy at Waitrose for only £13.99, also often on offer!
https://www.waitrosecellar.com/wine-type/villa-cafaggio-chianti-classico
Plaza Centro, Prosecco, Italy.
Prosecco, Champagne’s flamboyant cousin. Very much on the rise over the last decade, even had the threat of a shortage, and its not hard to understand why... A much more approachable drink to most, offering lighter, crisper flavours, making it the ultimate summer drink. It needs no excuse. Picnic in the park? Prosecco. Temperature above 14°C? Prosecco. He’s not texting you back? Prosecco. And this lovely little number from Tesco at £7, is the cheapest of our recommendations! A super refreshing sparkling wine, with mouth-watering orchard fruit and citrus flavours can be enjoyed in any of the above scenarios, or with summery fish or shellfish dishes.
https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/273884670
Waitrose Blueprint, Grüner Veltliner, 2019, Austria.
I stumbled upon this wine by accident. I was making a mushroom risotto for dinner and needed to add a “splash” (it’s never a splash…) but I didn’t want to spend a fortune on a bottle. Whilst looking through the wine aisle (literally my favourite hobby, it’s on my CV….) I came across this wine for only £7.99. I’ve had Grüner Veltliner before, but if you haven’t its very much an aromatic wine, with lots of apricot, peach and nectarine flavours as well as being incredibly fresh. For the price tag, I didn’t think much could go wrong, nor did I expect too much, I thought it would go well in the risotto and be an ok pairing. Holy crap, I was wrong! After sampling the wine, to make sure I would completely ruin the dinner, I experienced what can only be described as the feeling of an epiphany. Ok, ok, maybe I’m exaggerating slightly, but it was really that good!! And before I knew it, all the wine was gone, I hadn’t even saved some for cooking. So, I headed out and bought another two bottles for my dinner for two, you know, just to be sure?! Avery crisp and zesty wine, that, for the price delivers so much! Don’t you just love it when you discover something that no one else has?!
https://www.waitrosecellar.com/wine-type/waitrose-gruner-veltliner-879399
Clocktower Sauvignon Blanc, 2018, Marlborough, New Zealand.
For this next wine we head to M&S. It’s the closest supermarket to me, so don’t judge, plus I love their doughnuts. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I rave about wine from New Zealand. I think what they have to offer in comparison to their price is incredible! Whenever someone asks me to recommend them a wine, I always suggest a NZ Sauvignon Blanc, it’s a crowd pleaser, and I think you can rarely go wrong, especially if you’re drinking in a pub or bar and don’t want to spend £60 on a Chablis, yet still want to impress your date… This one from Marlborough ticks all the boxes for me. Its light and refreshing, with uplifting flavours of citrus and orchard fruit with grassy notes. Perfect for a sunny day! It’s currently £12 a bottle when you buy a case of 6.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/clocktower-sauvignon-blanc-case-of-6/p/wnp21126740
Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2016, Bordeaux, France.
Found in Lidl (yes, I can go from M&S to Lidl just like that), this Saint Emilion from one of the most popular regions in Bordeaux is an absolute treasure! Nobody would believe you have spent just £10.99 on this glorious red! This is a wine that definitely breaks down the barriers between quality and price, and the most perfect match for your Sunday roast! With enticing flavours of dried fruit, plums, and an unpretentious oakyness, offering a complex yet powerful body, all that the usually top-quality priced Bordeaux presents!
https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/p/red-wine/saint-emilion-grand-cru/p10536
We can guarantee that these wines certainly deliver the quality of those you would normally pay 4-5x the amount for! So, the next time you can’t wait for our wines, why not try some of our suggestions?!
Cheers to you Vino-Os!
Mumma Vino x
