I’m a wine expert who loves a bargain – my top picks from M&S are all less than £7 and taste expensive
THIS is not a drill: Marks & Spencer has reduced the price of its wine.
Now, you can pick up everything from aromatic whites made on daily vineyards to fruity reds made in the sunny hills of Italy all for under £7.
Andy Pincott, dubbed the Affordable Wine Hunter, alerted wine drinkers to the lower prices.
And using his years of expertise, he’s also shared his top five picks from the M&S reductions.
If there’s anyone who’s bargain taste you can trust, it’s Andy’s.
He is a Wine Judge for the People’s Choice Awards and has a loyal Instagram following of 68,000 people who tune into his recommendations.
M&S Expressions Feteasca Regala – £7
“It’s not the first time I have recommended this wine from the fantastic Cramele Recas Estate,” Andy comments.
“This Romanian wine really sums up my second principle that lesser known grapes and regions are your friends”.
“It’s fresh, light, aromatic and a little bit fruity.
“I find it pairs really well with Asian food, but equally, it’s a lovely drink on its own.”
The Cramele Recas EU is a family owned British-Romanian winery serving certified vegan wines since 1998.
M&S Burra Brook Sauvignon Blanc – £7
“Fans of New Zealand-style sauvignon blanc should like this wine,” Andy says.
“It’s in a similar style and at a much more affordable price.”
The light and aromatic white wine has flavours of gooseberry, passionfruit and lemon.
It is a classic dry wine made with Sauvignon Blanc grapes sourced from several premium Australian wine regions.
M&S recommends serving it chilled as a refreshing aperitif or alongside salads, seafood or goat’s cheese.
M&S Montepulciano D’Abruzzo – £6.50
“If you like fruity, Italian red wines, then this one’s for you,” Andy says.
“Montepulciano D’Abruzzo produce lovely wines – and this is a great expression of wine made from those grapes and from that area.”
It is a medium bodied red with aromas of cherries, blackberries and thyme.
The red grape it is made from thrives on the sunny hills of Abruzzo on Italy’s central east coast.
M&S’ food experts say it pairs perfectly with rich pasta dishes, pizza or risotto.
M&S Tierra Y Hombre Pinot Noir – £7
“If you are looking for more affordable pinot noir, then you need to try pinot noir from Chile,” Andy says.
“I first recommended this wine over two-years-ago and it is still a great affordable option that has recently been reduced in price.
“It goes well with a little bit of charcuterie.”
The wine is made with pinot noir grapes from Chile’s Casablanca Valley.
It has a smooth and fruity taste with hints of berry, violet and spice that’s great for pairing with duck and pork.
M&S Garganega Pinot Grigio – £6.50
“This is a light, citrusy, easy-drinking white wine,” Andy says.
“It has been aged on the lees during the winemaking process – which always adds a greater texture and smoothness to wine.
“It’s great value at £6.50.”
It is a versatile food wine that will pair well with roast chicken, baked white fish and risotto.
NHS guidelines on drinking alcohol
According to the NHS, regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health.
To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks:
- men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
- spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week
- if you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week
If you’re pregnant or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum.
You read more on the NHS website.