Jura, France: Cremant Du Jura 2012 Philippe Michel
This 100 per cent chardonnay fizz is a brilliant champagne substitute for anyone looking for a crisp, dry sparkler. Made from the same grape as champagne and by the same traditional method – the only difference is that the chardonnay is in the Jura region, rather than champagne. With a yeasty nose, citric fruit, minerally palate and presented in a classy looking bottle, I have yet to find any cava or prosecco that would beat this cremant at this price. Aldi now sells its wines online too.
£7.49, Aldi, www.aldi.co.uk
Maconnais, Burgundy, France: M&S Macon Villages 2014 - STAR BUY
For white Burgundy lovers looking for a crisp, dry, creamy, elegant unoaked chardonnay, this Macon Villages is the best on the shelves at this price. Made from 30-year-old vines by the excellent Cave de Prisse, it won the International trophy (at the IWC) for the best chardonnay under £15.
£10, Marks & Spencer
Clare Valley, South Australia: Exquisite Collection Clare Valley Riesling 2014
Clare Valley is the home of Australia’s best rieslings, but they are usually much pricier. This is extraordinarily cheap considering its depth of limey fruits, mouthwatering acidity, sleek dryness and juicy tangerine finish. I remember when I first tasted this riesling made by Wakefield, I could see that they had struck gold.
£6.99, Aldi
Great Southern, Western Australia: Tesco Finest Tingleup Riesling 2015
Make sure you snap up the latest 2015 vintage of this riesling from the far south west of Australia, with lime and melon flavours and a softer acid than many Aussie rieslings; not particularly dry. This Howard Park Riesling is one of my current favourites in the Tesco Finest range.
£8, Tesco
Provence, France: Mirabeau Côtes De Provence Rosé 2015
Made by the Cronk family from Mont Sainte Victoire fruit near Aix en Provence. This is simpler than their Mirabeau Pure (which Waitrose also sell), but it is a great buy under £8 offering a gentle introduction to the pale, delicately fruity Provençal style.
£7.79, on special offer until 10 May at Waitrose Cellar
Valencia, Spain: Vina Tendida Rose 2014
When I saw the price I wasn’t expecting much, but this slightly sweet Moscatel-based rosado is charmingly light, bright with a delicate spritz on the palate. Ideal for serving at lunch – with its very moderate alcohol level of 5 per cent.
£4.99, Waitrose
Casablanca, Chile: Truly Irresistible Casablanca Pinot Noir
We all love a lush, soft pinot noir bargain. This is a delicious easy-drinking Chilean pinot with sweet ripe fruits, nothing too jammy and pure raspberry and cherry fruit flavours. What I really liked about the wine was its lushness and smooth texture.
£7.99, Co-op
Coonawarra, South Australia: Axis Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 - STAR BUY
Lidl sell two Axis cabernets, one from Coonawarra and one from Margaret River in Western Australia. Personally I think the Coonawarra Cabernet is by far the best with its delicious cassis and mint flavours, and juicy, generously fleshy ripeness.
£6.49, Lidl
Western Cape, South Africa: Zalze Shiraz/Mourvedre/Viognier 2014
A cracking price at this offer for this juicy, oaked, robust Rhone style red blend, made by Kleine Zalze estate based just outside Stellenbosch from a mix of Stellenbosch and Breede River grapes. The smoky nuances are prominent but the sweet hedgerow fruit is jammy enough to balance.
£5.99, reduced from £8.29, until 10 May at Waitrose; £7.95, Asda
New South Wales, Australia: Tesco Finest Semillon 2009
Made by the fine sweet winemakers, de Bortoli in Riverina, this is a superb balance of sweetness with honey, citrus, apricot notes – serve with fruit salad.
£6 hf bt, Tesco
Tokay, Hungary: Kesoi Arany Tokaji 2013
If you can find this gem made from Crown Estates in any Lidl stores, buy it – it is newly listed and selling like hot cakes. An extraordinarily cheap version of an elegant late harvest botrytis (noble rot) dessert wine, this is honeyed and citric with apricot and caramel hints – serve with crème brülée.
£8.99 for 50 cl bt, Lidl
Jerez, Spain: Taste The Difference Pedro Ximenez 12 Year Old - STAR BUY
Sainsbury’s is the place to go for your sherry – their current range is better than any other supermarket and prices are very competitive. This Williams and Humbert PX is a gem. Made from sundried Pedro Ximenez grapes aged for 12 years in the solera cask system to add complexity and fine nuances, it’s a deep mahogany wood colour, rich, raisiny and intensely sweet.
£8 for 50 cl bt, Sainsbury’s
• Join Rose’s South West France wine and charcuterie tasting in Glasgow on 26 May, £40, www.rosemurraybrown.com
