The Christmas Wine Sale is in full flow at Irish supermarket chain SuperValu. I’ve picked out 10 bargains which you should consider popping in your trolley this festive season.
For transparency, note that these were either samples received recently or previously this year.
1. Gran Troya Cava Brut NV
If you find most affordable Proseccos too sweet – and not bubbly enough! – then Cava is a great alternative. Like many Cavas, this one from Gran Troya is made with the three tradtional grapes: Xarel·lo, Macabeo and Parellada using the traditional1 method of second fermentation in bottle. On pouring it’s a bright lemon colour and has plenty of bubbles. The nose is all about orchard fruits – apples and pears – backed up by fresh citrus. These juicy fruits certainly show up on the palate as well, with a fine, crisp finish.
I wouldn’t buy this at the full price of €26 but it offers great value at €12; it’s worthy of a pour as a budget-conscious aperitif or just for sipping while watching Die Hard.
- ABV: 11.5%
- RRP: €26.00 down to €12.00
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
2. Aresti Trisquel Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva 2020
It’s almost obligatory for every Sauvignon Blanc review to mention both the Loire and Marlborough, but this example is from neither and plows its own furrow. Fruit is not the main focus of this wine; rather it’s vegetal notes that are most obvious (would it count as one of your five a day?). Green pepper, asparagus and mangetout make for an interestingly savoury wine, but then gooseberry and lemon slip through the middle to add some citrus seasoning. This is well worth a try to explore another style of Sauvignon.
- ABV: 13.0%
- RRP: €15.99 down to €10.70
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
3. Michel Léon Alsace Riesling 2019
This is not a spectacular wine but it’s a great entry into dry Alsace Riesling, and for that it must be highly commended. If you fancy a smoked salmon starter this Christmas then this clean, fresh and citrussy little number will serve you well.
- ABV: 12.5%
- RRP: €13.99 down to €12.00
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
4. André Goichot Chablis 2019
André Goichot’s wines are exclusive to SuperValu in Ireland and manage to be both tasty and affordable – especially when in a sale. I’ve already written in depth on a previous vintage of Goichot Chablis so I’ll spare myself from repetetion, but it’s a textbook Chablis with apple and citrus character – something clean and refreshing with depth.
- ABV: 13.0%
- RRP: €19.99 down to €13.39
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
5. Bendel Côtes de Provence Cuvée Caroline Rosé 2020
I know it’s not exactly “rosé season” at Christmas, but each to their own, and don’t let anyone tell you when you can drink your favourite style of wine. This is a dry-but-fruity rosé, actually very versatile during the festive period for the main meals and – possibly the best part – the leftover sambos.
- ABV: 13.0%
- RRP: €14.99 down to €10.00
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
6. Lacombe Cadiot Bordeaux Supérieur 2019
This is a modern, bright, fruit-forward and powerful Claret. I’ve already written a full description of this Bordeaux Supérieur, but it has amazing notes of cassis, chocolate, violets and hazelnuts in a voluptuous package. Buy a few for this Christmas and put a few down for future years.
- ABV: 14.0%
- RRP: €15.99 down to €10.70
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
7. 19 Crimes Red Blend 2020
An innovative label design and a real crowd-pleaser of a wine make 19 Crimes Red Blend a popular choice for supermarket wine consumers. It offers lots of flavour and richness – perhaps too rich for some – but if you fancy a glass of red while the tin of Roses is passed around, this is your wine!
- ABV: 13.0%
- RRP: €14.99 down to €10.00
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
8. Ricossa Barolo 2016
I wrote a review on Ricossa’s Gavi and Barolo earlier this year so you can refer to that post for the full story, but the TL;DR2 is that this is an excellent foray into Barolo at a very reasonable price. However, be warned: once you’ve caught the Barolo bug then you might become a long term aficionado. The acidity in this Nebbiolo means it can handle plenty of strongly flavoured foods, especially turkey and ham if that is on your Christmas menu.
- ABV: 13.5%
- RRP: €24.99 down to €20.00
- Stockists: SuperValu stores
9. Barão de Vilar Douro Reserva Tinto 2018
Just as last year, this is being offered on a case deal – six bottles for €40 – which is incredible value given that I have seen it retail elsewhere for €20 a bottle. Barão de Vilar’s Reserva is made with traditional Portuguese grapes and matured in French oak barrels. Together they give juicy black fruits around a solid structure, a tasty wine to accompany beef or an open fire.
- ABV: 14.0%
- RRP: €40 for a case of 6
- Stockists: SuperValu stores
10. Lady de Mour Margaux 2018
Like Vanessa Williams I’ve saved the best for last! This Margaux from the De Mour group is reasonably priced at €40 but a serious bargain at less than €25. It’s a proper left-bank Bordeaux with ripe blackcurrant, violets and graphite from a majority Cabernet Sauvignon. I don’t care what you’re eating, this is a real treat of a wine that deserves a try!
- ABV: 13.0%
- RRP: €39.99 down to €24.70
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
1 So yes, I suppose you could say this wine is quite traditional…
2 “TL;DR” stands for “Too Long; Didn’t Read”, i.e. to cut a story short…
