I tested French whites costing less than £8… crisp, smokey winner is great wine that makes you think you're on holiday
FILL IN THE BLANCS I tested French whites costing less than £8… crisp, smokey winner is great wine that makes you think you're on holiday
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WHEN it comes to sunshine sipping, a chilled glass of rosé is often a refreshing winner.
But some French wine buffs reckon it has peaked – and are stepping away from the pink stuff.
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10
Drinks expert Helena Nicklin rates eight white wines
Credit: Oliver Dixon
10
Vineyards are focusing on producing more affordable white wines
Credit: Getty
Instead, vineyards are focusing on producing more affordable whites, as their popularity is on the up. But which is best?
Drinks expert Helena Nicklin suggests some tres bon vins blancs, all for less than £8 a bottle.
Visit the idilic wine making centre of the Cotswolds
Montpierre Chardonnay White
12% ABV, £4.50, Sainsbury's
10
This Montpierre Chardonnay White from Sainsbury's has a hint of vanilla in true Chardonnay style
Credit: Supplied
SOUTHERN France can churn out some cheap-as-you-like Chardonnay.
But unfortunately, some are awful – proving not all wines from the continent are top class. This little bargain buy, however, is surprisingly good and great value at less than a fiver.
It's got flavour and tastes of the grape. There's a bit of vanilla in true Chardonnay style.
A good cooking wine that will be great slugged into sauces and over chicken. When chilled, it's not a bad cheeky glass on the side.
That said, not as fresh as a more expensive wine, so one for when you need to keep the price in mind.
RATING: 2/5
Pierre Jaurant Chardonnay
12% ABV, £4.85, (£5.85 in Scotland), Aldi in store
10
Aldi's Pierre Jaurant Chardonnay is a golden, peachy little number
Credit: Supplied
THIS bottle offers a step up in the French Chardonnay department, but impressively not too much of a hike in price.
A golden, peachy little number with a name on the label that couldn't sound more French.
It is round and fruity, with a smidgen of sweet spice from some oak staves – but crucially, not in a sickly way.
There's a touch of subtle rubber about it, but also a lot of flavour thanks to the fact it's a blend of several vintages.
A great glugger for less than a fiver that's very food-friendly, too. You could sip this with all sorts – from a French baguette to a British bag of crisps.
Just make sure it's cold.
RATING: 3/5
Le Manoir du Baron Viognier
12.5% ABV, £5.14, Asda
10
This bottle of Le Manoir du Baron Viognier from Asda really hits the spot
Credit: Supplied
FOR the very low price, I will be the first to admit I was expecting to sip an unfresh, synthetic-tasting white that tastes of hangover. After all, we've all been there.
But proving that lower-priced plonk really can hit the spot as much as a spendy bottle, when I sipped it I was pleasantly surprised.
Fans of the classic white style Viognier, from the Rhone Valley, will love the peach and apricot flavours, and the pretty floral note the grape is famous for.
It's round and a bit creamy, just as Viognier should be.
Perfect alone or paired with roast chicken, it's the ultimate crowd pleaser and a super saver. Ooh la la!
RATING: 5/5
Pierre Jaurant French Cotes de Gascogne
12% ABV, £5.29, Aldi
10
Aldi's Pierre Jaurant French Cotes de Gascogne is great value
Credit: Supplied
THE Cotes de Gascogne in southwestern France is a hub for some brilliant white wine bargains like this.
But they are often made with grapes you may not know, such as this Gros Manseng.
They're worth seeking out as they offer a lovely fleshy fruitiness that is a bit tropical, but not too sweet.
Importantly, they are very good value. This style is often in your glass as the 'good' house white in pubs.
Aldi's is a super price, even if it could have a bit more oomph on drinking.
But this is such good value that it's worth filling up your trolley and giving it a try.
RATING: 3/5
Le Froglet Sauvignon Blanc
11.5% ABV, £6.50, M&S
10
This bottle of Le Froglet Sauvignon Blanc from M&S has a subtle leafiness and squeeze of lemon
Credit: Supplied
PICNIC or train vino drinkers may recognise the Froglet name from when M&S sold it in single-serve plastic wine glasses. But it looks really cute in this whole bottle form, too.
There aren't many wines under £7 in M&S, but this French sip has become one of its more affordable, signature tipples.
And on top of being one of the lowest prices you can pay from the store for full-sized wines, it's also not bad drinking.
Think very simple and very light Sauvignon Blanc with a subtle leafiness and squeeze of lemon.
There's not loads going on, but it's still crisp and clean and certainly French – perfect at the price.
RATING: 4/5
Extra Special Cotes de Gascogne
11.5% ABV, £6.57, Asda
10
Lidl's Picpoul de Pinet is a style of wine that's super-refreshing and pure
Credit: Supplied
ASDA'S Extra Special wine range is going great guns at the moment, and this Gascony blend of Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Manseng grapes is gorgeous.
With its ripe greengage and yellow plum notes, coupled with a crisp acidity and subtle smokiness, this vino showcases exactly what this region can do for not a lot of cash.
There's tons of flavour, but it's not overpowering at all and has a thirst-slaking slick of saline. A fantastic wine that's excellent value. The stylish bottle looks far pricier.
Drink it with French nibbles and pretend you are on holiday, or impress guests with your French wine find.
RATING: 5/5
La P'tite Pierre Blanc
10.5% ABV, £7.25, Tesco, Co-op
10
La P'tite Pierre Blanc is a bit dialled down on the flavours
Credit: Supplied
ANOTHER southwestern French blend, this cute-sounding affordable tipple is a good all-rounder featuring a blend of grapes including Gros Manseng and Trebbiano.
Its booze level has been lowered to 10.5 per cent, but in a way that feels natural with this bottle's contents – and many drinkers nowadays are actively looking for a lower ABV.
This sip is just a bit dialled down on the flavours compared to some of the others.
It makes a good session wine, though, and is perfect for parties and barbecues.
A decent summer wine that's widely available – and at a very friendly price.
RATING: 3/5
Picpoul de Pinet
12.5% ABV, £7.69, Lidl
10
Asda's Extra Special Cotes de Gascogne would be amazing with oysters
Credit: Supplied
FRANCE is not Lidl's strong suit when it comes to value vino. But this pretty little Picpoul is a decent drop given how expensive this type of grape can be.
Hailing from its spiritual home of Pinet in the Languedoc, think green apple, sea salt and citrus in your glass. Picpoul is a style of wine that's super-refreshing and pure.
I'd say sipping it is like dunking your head in the sea. Serve a bottle of this very chilled and it's going to be hard to beat with white fish and seafood.
If you are feeling fancy, it would be amazing with oysters, but will slip down very nicely with your fish fingers, too.
RATING: 3/5
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Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I tested French whites costing less than £8… crisp, smokey winner is great wine that makes you think you're on holiday
Our round-up also includes an option that is sure to be the ultimate crowd pleaser FILL IN THE BLANCS I tested French whites costing less than £8… crisp, smokey winner is great wine that makes you think you're on holiday Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN it comes to sunshine sipping, a chilled glass of rosé is often a refreshing winner. But some French wine buffs reckon it has peaked – and are stepping away from the pink stuff. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Drinks expert Helena Nicklin rates eight white wines Credit: Oliver Dixon 10 Vineyards are focusing on producing more affordable white wines Credit: Getty Instead, vineyards are focusing on producing more affordable whites, as their popularity is on the up. But which is best? Drinks expert Helena Nicklin suggests some tres bon vins blancs, all for less than £8 a bottle. Visit the idilic wine making centre of the Cotswolds Montpierre Chardonnay White 12% ABV, £4.50, Sainsbury's 10 This Montpierre Chardonnay White from Sainsbury's has a hint of vanilla in true Chardonnay style Credit: Supplied SOUTHERN France can churn out some cheap-as-you-like Chardonnay. But unfortunately, some are awful – proving not all wines from the continent are top class. This little bargain buy, however, is surprisingly good and great value at less than a fiver. It's got flavour and tastes of the grape. There's a bit of vanilla in true Chardonnay style. A good cooking wine that will be great slugged into sauces and over chicken. When chilled, it's not a bad cheeky glass on the side. That said, not as fresh as a more expensive wine, so one for when you need to keep the price in mind. RATING: 2/5 Pierre Jaurant Chardonnay 12% ABV, £4.85, (£5.85 in Scotland), Aldi in store 10 Aldi's Pierre Jaurant Chardonnay is a golden, peachy little number Credit: Supplied THIS bottle offers a step up in the French Chardonnay department, but impressively not too much of a hike in price. A golden, peachy little number with a name on the label that couldn't sound more French. It is round and fruity, with a smidgen of sweet spice from some oak staves – but crucially, not in a sickly way. There's a touch of subtle rubber about it, but also a lot of flavour thanks to the fact it's a blend of several vintages. A great glugger for less than a fiver that's very food-friendly, too. You could sip this with all sorts – from a French baguette to a British bag of crisps. Just make sure it's cold. RATING: 3/5 Le Manoir du Baron Viognier 12.5% ABV, £5.14, Asda 10 This bottle of Le Manoir du Baron Viognier from Asda really hits the spot Credit: Supplied FOR the very low price, I will be the first to admit I was expecting to sip an unfresh, synthetic-tasting white that tastes of hangover. After all, we've all been there. But proving that lower-priced plonk really can hit the spot as much as a spendy bottle, when I sipped it I was pleasantly surprised. Fans of the classic white style Viognier, from the Rhone Valley, will love the peach and apricot flavours, and the pretty floral note the grape is famous for. It's round and a bit creamy, just as Viognier should be. Perfect alone or paired with roast chicken, it's the ultimate crowd pleaser and a super saver. Ooh la la! RATING: 5/5 Pierre Jaurant French Cotes de Gascogne 12% ABV, £5.29, Aldi 10 Aldi's Pierre Jaurant French Cotes de Gascogne is great value Credit: Supplied THE Cotes de Gascogne in southwestern France is a hub for some brilliant white wine bargains like this. But they are often made with grapes you may not know, such as this Gros Manseng. They're worth seeking out as they offer a lovely fleshy fruitiness that is a bit tropical, but not too sweet. Importantly, they are very good value. This style is often in your glass as the 'good' house white in pubs. Aldi's is a super price, even if it could have a bit more oomph on drinking. But this is such good value that it's worth filling up your trolley and giving it a try. RATING: 3/5 Le Froglet Sauvignon Blanc 11.5% ABV, £6.50, M&S 10 This bottle of Le Froglet Sauvignon Blanc from M&S has a subtle leafiness and squeeze of lemon Credit: Supplied PICNIC or train vino drinkers may recognise the Froglet name from when M&S sold it in single-serve plastic wine glasses. But it looks really cute in this whole bottle form, too. There aren't many wines under £7 in M&S, but this French sip has become one of its more affordable, signature tipples. And on top of being one of the lowest prices you can pay from the store for full-sized wines, it's also not bad drinking. Think very simple and very light Sauvignon Blanc with a subtle leafiness and squeeze of lemon. There's not loads going on, but it's still crisp and clean and certainly French – perfect at the price. RATING: 4/5 Extra Special Cotes de Gascogne 11.5% ABV, £6.57, Asda 10 Lidl's Picpoul de Pinet is a style of wine that's super-refreshing and pure Credit: Supplied ASDA'S Extra Special wine range is going great guns at the moment, and this Gascony blend of Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Manseng grapes is gorgeous. With its ripe greengage and yellow plum notes, coupled with a crisp acidity and subtle smokiness, this vino showcases exactly what this region can do for not a lot of cash. There's tons of flavour, but it's not overpowering at all and has a thirst-slaking slick of saline. A fantastic wine that's excellent value. The stylish bottle looks far pricier. Drink it with French nibbles and pretend you are on holiday, or impress guests with your French wine find. RATING: 5/5 La P'tite Pierre Blanc 10.5% ABV, £7.25, Tesco, Co-op 10 La P'tite Pierre Blanc is a bit dialled down on the flavours Credit: Supplied ANOTHER southwestern French blend, this cute-sounding affordable tipple is a good all-rounder featuring a blend of grapes including Gros Manseng and Trebbiano. Its booze level has been lowered to 10.5 per cent, but in a way that feels natural with this bottle's contents – and many drinkers nowadays are actively looking for a lower ABV. This sip is just a bit dialled down on the flavours compared to some of the others. It makes a good session wine, though, and is perfect for parties and barbecues. A decent summer wine that's widely available – and at a very friendly price. RATING: 3/5 Picpoul de Pinet 12.5% ABV, £7.69, Lidl 10 Asda's Extra Special Cotes de Gascogne would be amazing with oysters Credit: Supplied FRANCE is not Lidl's strong suit when it comes to value vino. But this pretty little Picpoul is a decent drop given how expensive this type of grape can be. Hailing from its spiritual home of Pinet in the Languedoc, think green apple, sea salt and citrus in your glass. Picpoul is a style of wine that's super-refreshing and pure. I'd say sipping it is like dunking your head in the sea. Serve a bottle of this very chilled and it's going to be hard to beat with white fish and seafood. If you are feeling fancy, it would be amazing with oysters, but will slip down very nicely with your fish fingers, too. RATING: 3/5
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
I tested French whites costing less than £8… crisp, smokey winner is great wine that makes you think you're on holiday
WHEN it comes to sunshine sipping, a chilled glass of rosé is often a refreshing winner. But some French wine buffs reckon it has peaked – and are stepping away from the pink stuff. 10 Instead, vineyards are focusing on producing more affordable whites, as their popularity is on the up. But which is best? Drinks expert Helena Nicklin suggests some tres bon vins blancs, all for less than £8 a bottle. Montpierre Chardonnay White 12% ABV, £4.50, Sainsbury's SOUTHERN France can churn out some cheap-as-you-like Chardonnay. But unfortunately, some are awful – proving not all wines from the continent are top class. This little bargain buy, however, is surprisingly good and great value at less than a fiver. It's got flavour and tastes of the grape. There's a bit of vanilla in true Chardonnay style. A good cooking wine that will be great slugged into sauces and over chicken. When chilled, it's not a bad cheeky glass on the side. That said, not as fresh as a more expensive wine, so one for when you need to keep the price in mind. RATING: 2/5 Pierre Jaurant Chardonnay 12% ABV, £4.85, (£5.85 in Scotland), Aldi in store THIS bottle offers a step up in the French Chardonnay department, but impressively not too much of a hike in price. A golden, peachy little number with a name on the label that couldn't sound more French. It is round and fruity, with a smidgen of sweet spice from some oak staves – but crucially, not in a sickly way. There's a touch of subtle rubber about it, but also a lot of flavour thanks to the fact it's a blend of several vintages. A great glugger for less than a fiver that's very food-friendly, too. You could sip this with all sorts – from a French baguette to a British bag of crisps. Just make sure it's cold. Le Manoir du Baron Viognier 12.5% ABV, £5.14, Asda FOR the very low price, I will be the first to admit I was expecting to sip an unfresh, synthetic-tasting white that tastes of hangover. After all, we've all been there. But proving that lower-priced plonk really can hit the spot as much as a spendy bottle, when I sipped it I was pleasantly surprised. Fans of the classic white style Viognier, from the Rhone Valley, will love the peach and apricot flavours, and the pretty floral note the grape is famous for. It's round and a bit creamy, just as Viognier should be. Perfect alone or paired with roast chicken, it's the ultimate crowd pleaser and a super saver. Ooh la la! RATING: 5/5 Pierre Jaurant French Cotes de Gascogne 12% ABV, £5.29, Aldi THE Cotes de Gascogne in southwestern France is a hub for some brilliant white wine bargains like this. But they are often made with grapes you may not know, such as this Gros Manseng. They're worth seeking out as they offer a lovely fleshy fruitiness that is a bit tropical, but not too sweet. Importantly, they are very good value. This style is often in your glass as the 'good' house white in pubs. Aldi's is a super price, even if it could have a bit more oomph on drinking. But this is such good value that it's worth filling up your trolley and giving it a try. Le Froglet Sauvignon Blanc 11.5% ABV, £6.50, M&S PICNIC or train vino drinkers may recognise the Froglet name from when M&S sold it in single-serve plastic wine glasses. But it looks really cute in this whole bottle form, too. There aren't many wines under £7 in M&S, but this French sip has become one of its more affordable, signature tipples. And on top of being one of the lowest prices you can pay from the store for full-sized wines, it's also not bad drinking. Think very simple and very light Sauvignon Blanc with a subtle leafiness and squeeze of lemon. There's not loads going on, but it's still crisp and clean and certainly French – perfect at the price. Extra Special Cotes de Gascogne 11.5% ABV, £6.57, Asda ASDA'S Extra Special wine range is going great guns at the moment, and this Gascony blend of Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Manseng grapes is gorgeous. With its ripe greengage and yellow plum notes, coupled with a crisp acidity and subtle smokiness, this vino showcases exactly what this region can do for not a lot of cash. There's tons of flavour, but it's not overpowering at all and has a thirst-slaking slick of saline. A fantastic wine that's excellent value. The stylish bottle looks far pricier. Drink it with French nibbles and pretend you are on holiday, or impress guests with your French wine find. RATING: 5/5 La P'tite Pierre Blanc 10.5% ABV, £7.25, Tesco, Co-op ANOTHER southwestern French blend, this cute-sounding affordable tipple is a good all-rounder featuring a blend of grapes including Gros Manseng and Trebbiano. Its booze level has been lowered to 10.5 per cent, but in a way that feels natural with this bottle's contents – and many drinkers nowadays are actively looking for a lower ABV. This sip is just a bit dialled down on the flavours compared to some of the others. It makes a good session wine, though, and is perfect for parties and barbecues. A decent summer wine that's widely available – and at a very friendly price. Picpoul de Pinet 12.5% ABV, £7.69, Lidl FRANCE is not Lidl's strong suit when it comes to value vino. But this pretty little Picpoul is a decent drop given how expensive this type of grape can be. Hailing from its spiritual home of Pinet in the Languedoc, think green apple, sea salt and citrus in your glass. Picpoul is a style of wine that's super-refreshing and pure. I'd say sipping it is like dunking your head in the sea. Serve a bottle of this very chilled and it's going to be hard to beat with white fish and seafood. If you are feeling fancy, it would be amazing with oysters, but will slip down very nicely with your fish fingers, too.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Savvy Paris Fury shares cash-saver for families eating out this summer – despite raking in £200k a year without Tyson
PARIS Fury has shared a little-known way parents can save cash this summer. So if your purse is feeling tighter than ever before but you're desperate to eat out with your kids, you'll be pleased to know that you've come to the right place. 4 4 4 4 Despite her weekly paycheck of £3,800, this mum-of-seven is often on the hunt for ways to pocket pounds. The blonde beauty, who often does her food shopping in Asda, has taken to social media to reveal how she goes out for lunch with her little darlings without breaking the bank. Posting on her Instagram stories, the 35-year-old, who has a down to earth personality and is fiercely loyal, uploaded a sweet snap alongside her three daughters whilst at Yo Sushi. As Paris smiled alongside Venezuela, 15, Valencia, seven, and Athena, four, alongside the post, the influencer, who recently tied the knot for the third time to retired heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury, 37, penned: 'Just for the parents on my gram - kids eat free here when you eat [sushi emoji].' The mother, who is said to have a secret wealth that is nothing to do with the Gypsy King's £100million fortune, then added: 'Good to know in school hols.' Parents looking to save cash when dining out are sure to be overjoyed to know that popular chain Yo Sushi on a mission to 'take the pressure off family weekday dinners and give the kids something to smile about this school holiday.' During the school holiday dates, kids can eat free all day in Yo Sushi restaurants when dining with a full-paying adult. While mums and dads can enjoy sushi and Japanese hot favourites, your little ones can tuck into one of their kiddo bento boxes absolutely free of charge. Foodies should know that there is a minimum spend of £10. Despite lucrative brand deals and Paris' secret private company, Paris Fury LTD, having recorded a yearly profit of almost £200,000, this isn't the first time this mother, who previously described herself as a 'DIY queen,' shared a relatable insight into her life. Inside mum-of-seven Paris Fury's glam bank holiday weekend away from the kids - from travelling in a private jet to night out partying with Tyson She may live in a 'golden' £1.7million Morecambe mansion and have a £90,000 designer stash with Chanel handbags in every shade, but much like her most recent Instagram post, it appears that Paris continues to be famous for her down-to-earth attitude and bargain hunting antics. As well as saving cash by ensuring her kids eat out for free, we've also seen the star do her clothes shopping in Primark. Inside Tyson and Paris Fury's love story WITH world champ titles, multiple kids and a beautiful wife by his side, Tyson is much-loved by the nation, but his romance with Paris dates back to their teenage years. Paris met Fury when she was just 15 at a mutual friend's wedding. However, it wasn't until a year later, when their paths crossed again on a night out in Doncaster for her 16th birthday, that they began dating. Paris explained: "He was my first boyfriend as I was not allowed a boyfriend until the age of 16. He is the only boyfriend I have had. 'Tyson would train in boxing during the week and then come and see me at the weekend. I would always be so excited at the thought of seeing him.' In 2008, they tied the knot in front of 400 guests and slept together for the first time on the night of their wedding. In 2016, Fury's mental health issues, cocaine and alcohol abuse, and intolerable mood swings threatened their seemingly unbreakable marriage. On occasion, Paris would even contemplate leaving - packing her bags and getting into her car. However, she'd just stop herself - admitting she couldn't leave Tyson to "crash and burn". Not only this, but she's also proud to have an affordable high street edit with New Look and she's certainly not one to shy away from bargains in B&M. According to Paris, a down-to-earth attitude helps keep her children grounded - and she wants to set a humble example for them. She revealed on the family's Netflix series: 'None of my kids are really the type to say, 'I want this, I want that'. We don't want the kids to grow up spoiled and not knowing the value of something Paris Fury 'Not to sound big-headed, but obviously, if I wanted to go tomorrow and shop out Selfridges' floor, I could do. 'But what am I gonna teach the kids doing that? 'To go and buy five designer handbags, 10 pairs of shoes, diamonds and pearls, what have the kids got to look forward to in life then? 'We don't want the kids to grow up spoiled and not knowing the value of something.'
