Supermarket wines: top class Rioja Reserva is a steal at €20

Supervalu has a Spanish wine sale running until March 20th. It includes a lot of well-known names from Rioja, including Faustino, Conde de Valdemar, Marqués de Riscal, CUNE, as well as Torres and many of the wines that SuperValu import directly themselves. The sale also features a couple of Portuguese wines, including the Alvarinho below.

If you can find it, I would certainly go for the Marqués de Riscal XR Rioja Reserva, an absolute steal for €20. I suspect stocks will be limited, so move quickly! I would also be tempted by the rich and powerful Torres Purgatori (€20). I have recommended Albellio Albariño (€12) before and it continues to offer good value. If you enjoy full-bodied reds, then the biodynamic Pablo Claro (€12) should be right up your street.

Adega de Monção Alvarinho 2022, Vinho Verde

Albariño in Spain becomes Alvarinho just over the border in Portugal. Both countries have grown this very popular grape for centuries. This is lively and zesty with plenty of rich green apple fruits. Perfect on its own or with any shellfish. 13% €10, down from €17, from SuperValu.

Bela 2021, Ribera del Duero Roble

Medium to full-bodied with rich dark fruits overlaid with spicy vanilla, finishing on a tannic note. Great value for money. Try it with roast lamb (the local favourite), any other red meat or firm cheeses. 14%, €12 from SuperValu.