Dining

Red, white and fizz: Why these surprising supermarket wines are the new taste of summer

A trio of wines from Tesco show sit on a garden table in the sun

Explore your local supermarket wine aisle this summer and you could be in for a big surprise, as buyers are introducing a wider range of grape varieties.

Tired of your usual Merlot? Why not try a deep red Carménère to go with that sizzling BBQ steak?  Want to impress picnic pals with a fun alternative to prosecco? Introduce them to a superb English sparkling wine.  

Tesco is championing change this season, both instore and online, and has some fabulous new wines to try. Here are the top ten new Tesco wines you need to look for (with some pairing suggestions to make your mouth water) …

Prince Charmat English sparkling wine, 12% abv, £15

Think of Prince Charmat as a West Sussex alternative to Crémant de Loire.  Made from English heritage grape varieties , this sparkling wine is refreshing and crisp, with hints of apple and citrus on the palate, making it ideal with BBQ shellfish. 

Tesco Finest Blanquette de Limoux, 12.5% abv, £9.50 

A bottle of Blanquette de Limoux against a backdrop of green leaves
Blanquette de Limoux made by monks just for you

One of our favourites in the Tesco Finest range, Blanquette de Limoux is a zesty alternative to champagne, with fine bubbles. First created by Benedictine monks, it’s made from Mauzac and Chenin grapes, blended to produce a wine with flavours of green apples, peaches and toast. Serve as an anytime apéritif or with Friday fish and chips.

Tesco Finest Torrontes, 13% abv, £7

Give Riesling a serve and opt for this instead, made at Argentina’s Catena winery. From Torrontes grapes cultivated in Salta, the highest wine-growing region in the world, the wine is crisp and zingy with flavours of lychee, orange peel and citrus.  Pair with grilled chicken or barbecued tofu.  

Tesco Finest Viñas del Rey Albarino, 13% abv, £9

Partial to a glass of Sauvignon Blanc? Try this Tesco Finest instead, made from hand-picked grapes grown in the cool vineyards of northern Spain’s Rías Baixas region, an area famed for its high quality Albarino. The grapes are exposed to cooling Atlantic breezes which ensure they ripen slowly, developing intense aromas and concentrated flavours. Dry, crisp and refreshing, with notes of apricot and grapefruit, serve with barbecued seabass or grilled padrón peppers. 

Tesco Finest Passerina, 13% abv, £7

A close up of the artwork on the label of Tesco Finest Passerina
This refreshing white is a perfect partner for white fish

If you like Pinot Grigio, try this refreshing white made from southern Italy’s rare Passerina grape (named after the sparrow that enjoys eating them, pictured artfully on the label). Made by Citra Winery in Abruzzo, an area that benefits from its Mediterranean climate, it has flavours of citrus and peach, making it a great match with grilled asparagus or white fish. 

Tesco Finest Falanghina del Sannio DOC 13% abv, £9

This crisp and complex wine has been crafted by Feudi di San Gregorio using native Falanghina grapes from Campania. Flavours notes include orange peel, stone fruit, and acacia flowers, and leaves a long fresh finish. Pair with grilled salmon or goats cheese.  

DV Catena Cabernet Franc Historico, 13.5% abv, £12  

This Argentinian wine produced by family-owned Catena Zapata, is made from  Cabernet Franc grapes sourced from the family’s vineyards in San Carlos. It has notes of ripe red berries and a touch of eucalyptus and black pepper, with robust tannins and a smooth, lengthy finish. Serve alongside spicy merguez lamb sausages or charred aubergines. 

Tesco Finest Peumo Carménère, 14% abv, £8

If you want to switch it up from Merlot, try this rich red made from Carménère grapes grown in Chile’s  Peumo region, located in the Cachapoal Valley. Expect a herby aroma, with chocolate notes and juicy dark berry and plum flavours. Perfect with kebabs or grilled Mediterranean vegetables.

Tesco Finest Douro, 13% abv, £10

Tesco Finest Douro red pictured in the sun against a flowering backdrop
This Portuguese red is perfect with burgers

One for Rioja fans, this Portuguese red is made of indigenous grape varieties grown on the slopes of the Douro Valley. Punchy, with red and black fruits and a hint of spice, it boasts a long finish, and goes down well with burgers.  

Casa Maña Moscatel de Valencia, 15% abv, £5.25 

Finally, if you like Sauternes, try this sweet aromatic dessert wine, made from the Muscat grapes grown in Valencia. Fresh with a lemon curd finish, it’s the perfect match for a sharp tart.

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