7 bottles to buy from Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s is the latest supermarket to have a 25% off six bottles deal which runs until December 11th. As usual there are restrictions - the offers aren’t available in smaller branches and not at all in Scotland. Watch out too for vintages - these are the ones I recommend based on the a tasting a couple of months ago.

Sancerre La Moussière 2017 Reduced to £16, £12 on this deal

I wouldn’t pay the full £18 for this wine but at £12 it’s a classic elegant Sancerre (sauvignon blanc) and a really good buy. Perfect for simple fish and shellfish dishes. Good with smoked salmon too.

Taste the Difference Azana White 2017 on offer at £7, £5.25 on this deal

What’s called a Cape White in South Africa - a smooth full-flavoured blend of chenin blanc, grenache blanc, chardonnay and viognier (so chardonnay-ish but a bit fresher) Perfect party white.

Taste the Difference Zweigelt 2017 on offer at £8, £6 a bottle on this deal

Attractively light, fruity Austrian red you’ll love if you're into Beaujolais and pinot noir. Ideal for a turkey sandwich or a Boxing Day spread.

Taste the Difference Saint Chinian 2016 on offer at £8, £6 a bottle on this deal

Saint Chinian can be quite rustic but the high proportion of syrah makes this really quite elegant despite its 14% alcohol. A warming winter red that would be great for pies and stews. (Cheaper still if you're looking for a party wine is the ever-reliable TTD Languedoc red which is on offer at £6.25 so therefore £4.69 on this deal.)

Taste the Difference Saint-Emilion 2016 on offer at £10, £7.50 on this deal

I’m not a big fan of supermarket St Emilion but 2016 was an exceptional vintage and this is a really appealing wine - smooth and ripe with a touch of oak but not overly obtrusive. Would go particularly well with roast beef.

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016 on offer at £14, £10.50 on this deal.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is another wine that varies hugely in quality but it looks and tastes the part on the Christmas table, especially with turkey. Hard to resist at this price.

Maison du Cirque on offer at £12, £9 a bottle on this deal

Smartly bottled sparkling wine from Limoux in the Languedoc from the clever Jean-Claude Mas (who also makes the Languedoc red I mention). 100% chardonnay so it's a blanc de blancs. Attractively smooth and creamy. Perfect party fizz.

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