Tesco has recently undertaken the biggest overhaul of its wine range in 15 years, making space for 130 new products.
The number of wines from South America has increased, and the quality here is indeed high, as evidenced by wines from Argentina’s Zuccardi, Catena, El Esteco and Bodega Aleanna.
In a first for a UK supermarket, Tesco has taken the huge step of introducing a wine made from a newly developped hybrid, disease-resistant grape variety into its range: Floréal. This variety is bred to be naturally resistant to powdery and downy mildew, drastically reducing the need for fungicides to be sprayed on the vineyard. This is much better for the health of the vineyard soils, reduces CO2 emissions from less tractor usage, and limits soil compaction. The wine, although simple, is inviting, aromatic and balanced, with pretty floral characters and notes of peach and apricot.
Scroll down for scores and tasting notes of the top Tesco wines
Own-labels & beyond
As usual, Tesco’s own-label Finest wines, made in partnership with a variety of respected producers and cooperatives, feature prominently in our recommendations. The retailer works hard to ensure that these expressions of classic styles are priced competitively and show good typicity, and they’re a great way to explore different regional styles from both Old and New World, at all price levels.
The Finest Gavi, Sancerre, Rías Baixas, St-Émilion Grand Cru, Côtes du Rhône Villages Signargues and Central Otago Pinot Noir all offer great value and drinking pleasure.
Beyond the own-labels, there are many wines from well-respected producers. Lanson’s Blanc de Blancs is new to the retailer and, aged for almost three years on lees, is certainly a Champagne to seek out at that price point (£62). M Chapoutier’s Crozes-Hermitage is brilliant value for red northern Rhône.
Buy tickets to Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London 2024
Top wine buys at Tesco:
The recommendations that follow are new wines and new vintages tasted by Natalie Earl in September 2024 at Tesco’s autumn/winter 2024 press tasting in London. All bottle prices are correct at time of publication.
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