If I am annoyed by the massive selection of Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc in supermarkets, I need to keep in mind that I, too, tend to look for the same wine every time. Much like many, if I discover a drink that I enjoy – coffee, alcohol, gin, beer, etc. I’m more likely to stick to it. Many people find that it’s a huge risk to try wine. After all, why would you spend an extra ten dollars on something you’re not certain you’ll enjoy?
However, how can you find something new that you love If you don’t try new items? There was a point, probably, that you didn’t drink Malbec but would more often drink Shiraz; also, prior to Sauvignon Blanc, you’d automatically go to a bottle of Chablis instead (mind it, it’s difficult to recall a time when Sauvignon Blanc was not a big part of the white wine consumption habits of our generation). But things have changed and are often determined by price. Picpoul, for instance, was once a low-cost alternative for those who liked dry, crisp whites. I adore the Ormarine picpoul that we could buy for EUR6 during our trip to the Languedoc; however, nowadays, it costs about a tenner at Sainsbury’s (for an affordable alternative, go for the same Jurancon sec from the store’s current choice).
It would be helpful for everyone to be more curious if we knew what type of wine it was. What other reds with a full body are in the malbec category as an example? What are the best places to go to get an alternative to Rioja? The supermarkets have played around with it. However, they haven’t fully accepted the concept. The fact that a few have drinks that are branded “Discovery” and “Found” suggests that you’re among the more adventurous drinkers in the world, and perhaps you’re one of them.
Without clear instructions, the most accurate indicators of a wine’s quality are its alcohol content, the age of the wine, and whether or the absence of oak-aged wines (all are usually listed on the label back). If you are looking for lighter wines, opt for wines with lower ABVs (less than 13%, I’d suggest) and older wines (2021 to 2022) and without oak. Wine lovers who prefer robust wines, on the contrary, are encouraged to seek wines with 14 percent or more, which is a reference to barrel-aging and possibly a more mature vintage.
It’s actually similar to cooking as we all have our favorite recipes that we make frequently, but at times, we’re compelled to attempt something that we’ve never tried previously. This is a chance, of course, since it’s possible that it will not be successful, but you’ll probably never find a new favorite recipe – or even a wine, for that matter until you give it a go.
Five wines to expand your wine selection
Baron Amarillo Rueda Verdejo 2022 PS5.29 Aldi, 13.5%. Fresh and zesty. Spanish rueda is a perfect environment for those who drink sauvignon blanc.
Chateau de Hauterive Cahors 2019 PS8.50 The Wine Society, 14%. Love Malbec? It’s the region where it came from initially. There’s a hint of merlot in this easy-to-drink, everyday red as well.
Taste the Different Jurancon Section 2021 PS7 (on offer) Sainsbury’s 13 13%. Fresh, crisp white to keep on hand in the fridge until you come back from work. Particularly if you find sauvignon to be a little OTT.
Matsu El Picaro Tinta de Toro 2021 PS9 Morrisons, PS9.99 (or PS8.99 on mix-six) Majestic, 14.5%. If you’re a fan of Rioja, you’ll be awed by this juicy, soft red made from Tempranillo, which is known as the tinta do Toro area from Spain for its tinta do Toro.
Cantina del Garda Bardolino 2021/22 PS9.99 (or PS7.99 on mix-six) Majestic, 12%. Suppose you prefer the light, low-alcohol red. In that case, this luminous and crunchy Italian wine crafted using the same grapes as Valpolicella is suited perfectly, especially when served chilled and lightly chilled.