Latest news with #HelenaNicklin
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I tested supermarket dupes of posh Whispering Angel rosé… flavour-packed winner is as good as original at half the price
Read on to find out which dupe has the vibe of the real thing but also flavour - for around half the price HEAVENLY DUPES I tested supermarket dupes of posh Whispering Angel rosé… flavour-packed winner is as good as original at half the price Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN it comes to popular pink wines, Whispering Angel has an A-list reputation. Fans include Adele, Lady Gaga and the Beckhams. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 When it comes to popular pink wines, Whispering Angel has an A-list reputation - but it comes with the price tag, too Credit: Amazon 10 Here, wine expert Helena Nicklin looks at the best supermarket dupes to keep you in the pink Credit: Oliver Dixon While this stylish rosé comes with plenty of celebrity backing, it also boasts a VIP price tag of around £20. But supermarkets have similar styles on their shelves at smaller prices. This week, Lidl launched its new blush tribute Breath of Paradise at a more palatable £10.99. And there are other more affordable alternatives elsewhere worth shouting about too. Here, wine expert Helena Nicklin looks at the best bottles to keep you in the pink. Breath of Paradise £10.99, Lidl LIDL says this tipple offers all the taste of Whispering Angel at half the price. The original's popularity is partly due to the stunning packaging, as well as the delicious wine. 10 Think ripe white peaches, sliced strawberry and cantaloupe melon, all held in by a slick of saltiness And while some alternatives are simply good-looking copies, others are decent rosé wines with similar flavour profiles but from different places. Lidl's blatant but beautiful Whispering Angel dupe has the vibe of the real thing but also flavour. This fellow Cotes de Provence wine knocks it out of the park as an alternative. Think ripe white peaches, sliced strawberry and cantaloupe melon, all held in by a slick of saltiness. Just like the costly celestial sip, but a lot cheaper. 5/5 Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel Sainte Victoire Provence Rosé £10.99, Aldi ANOTHER wannabe that is well worth making some noise about. Sainte Victoire is actually its own, high-quality, designated area in Provence, while Whispering Angel is rosé wine made with a blend from all over the Cotes de Provence. 10 A perfect drop to enjoy in the garden on a warm summer day if you can't make it to the South of France Credit: Supplied This makes Aldi's a particularly high- class dupe – and the price even more notable. Sainte Victoire pinks are especially crisp, lean and mineral with subtle strawberry and peach notes in the background. A classy thirst slaker that is on the leaner, paler, more complex side. Delicious, and looks beautiful in the glass. A perfect drop to enjoy in the garden on a warm summer day if you can't make it to the South of France. 4/5 The Best Touraine Rosé £8.50, Morrisons FOR this Whispering wannabe, we are stepping away from Provence in the South of France and moving north to the Loire Valley. But that does not mean you won't get a similar sip in your glass. 10 A new pink pretender that is worth grabbing Credit: Morrisons This rosé region offers a lot of what you want from Whispering Angel. A glass of this gives a blend of juicy Gamay and crunchy Cabernet Franc grapes, so you can expect a pleasing dollop of tangy, red fruit. There is a zippy acidity and cool mineral character keeping it all balanced. It is excellent value as well. A new pink pretender that is worth grabbing – so get ahead of the A-list and give it a try. Tell your friends Touraine is the next big thing. 4/5 Fleur De Lise Rosé £8.50, M&S THIS pretty pink, which you can pick up for less than a tenner, packs a super flavour punch without being too sweet or acidic. Hailing from Saint-Mont in the foothills of the Pyrenees, it is another option that is not from Provence but is still surprisingly elegant when you consider it is made with bold red grapes lsuch as Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon. 10 Have a glass when you are dining alfresco in the sunshine and toast to all the money you will have saved Credit: Ocado The result is a dry, savoury, textural vino that is crisp, gluggable and lovely with a barbecue. Have a glass when you are dining alfresco in the sunshine and toast to all the money you will have saved by opting for a less spendy but still seriously enjoyable bottle. 3/5 Bijou Sophie Valrose Coteaux de Beziers £9.25 (£7.75 Nectar), Sainsbury's BIJOU translates from French as jewel and this is definitely a gem of a wine that pays tribute to Sophie Valrose, who challenged the exploitation of women in vineyards in the 19th century. The bottle is as photogenic and appealing as Whispering Angel, which is not to be overlooked if you are posing for all-important social media pics. 10 A decent drop at a super-saving price Credit: Sainsbury's The content takes a sideways step from Provence to the Languedoc region, where you find excellent-value pinks that have a splash more fruit thanks to a slightly warmer climate and different soils. It is refreshing with some soft, raspberry fruit. A decent drop at a super-saving price. 3/5 Gérard Bertrand Cote des Rosés £10, Co-op ANOTHER Languedoc legend, ex- French rugby pro turned winemaker Gérard Bertrand makes this perfumed pink that punches way above its weight for a tenner. Made with the same blend often used in neighbouring Provence, it is fuller than some but still elegant and refreshing. 10 Perfect for a party, especially if you have bottles out where guests can see them Think beautiful, ripe berry notes from the Grenache and Syrah balancing a crisp tang from the Cinsault grape. This doesn't just look appealing, in a beautiful bottle designed to look like a rose bloom, it has won plenty of prizes, too. Perfect for a party, especially if you have bottles out where guests can see them. A great gift, too. 4/5 La Vieille Ferme Rosé £8.50, Tesco THE original Whispering Angel dupe and it is still very worthy. The famous 'Chicken Wine' has won many rosé lovers' hearts thanks to its pretty packaging, appealing pastel hue and surprisingly pocket-friendly price tag. 10 This is one to ruffle the feathers of the big-name bottle Credit: Tesco It is more than just a copycat, too. This hails from the warmer Rhone Valley and is made by the famous Perrin wine family, with the same grapes as many Provence styles. The result is a riper, more fruity style but everything is perfectly in balance. Now enjoying cult status, it is one to ruffle the feathers of the big-name bottle and is a long-time bargain. 3/5 Mare Meua Pinot Noir Rosé £5.52, Asda IF it is a poolside party vibe you are after for not much cash, you need to try this. With an enticing beach scene on the bottle, its label gives off glamorous Cote d'Azur looks. But, in fact, this blush hails from Spain. 10 It gets a little rough as it warms up, so keep it super-chilled Credit: Supplied And what is inside is very good for the price. Made with Pinot Noir, it has more of a ripe, raspberry tang but it is pale and refreshing with a touch of sweetness. It gets a little rough as it warms up, so keep it super-chilled so it is only the holiday feel heating up. You could throw in ice cubes to enhance the 'by the beach' experience and drink it in your cossie in the garden. 3/5
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I tested supermarket summer cocktails in a can – winner was Pimm's mix which was £10 cheaper than new Aperol Spritz
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN it comes to summer sips, refreshing cocktails top the list. And this month saw the launch of much-loved aperitivo Aperol Spritz in a ready-to-drink format. 10 Helena Nicklin has tested all the supermarket summer cocktails in a can Credit: Oliver Dixon 10 A cocktail is the ultimate refreshing summer sip Credit: Getty Shoppers can now pick up the 200ml bottles in packs of four at specific supermarkets – taking all the hassle out of cocktail making. And it is not the only big-name tipple that has been canned for your convenience. Here, drinks expert Helena Nicklin sips and scores a selection of pre-mixed cocktails. Aperol Spritz, 4x200ml, £13 (£3.25 each), 9% ABV, Sainsbury's 10 A pre-mixed version of Aperol Spritz was finally released this month Credit: Aperol AT last! A pre-mixed version of our favourite Italian aperitif is finally available. READ MORE IN MONEY SPREAD THE COST I tried supermarket marmalade - a 99p winner tastes better than M&S The instantly recognisable bright colour of an Aperol Spritz is synonymous with summer, so the timing of this little bottle is perfect. A bittersweet aperitivo with genuine Aperol is made with citrus oil alongside herb and rhubarb extracts, and typically mixed with prosecco and topped up with soda water. The ready-to-drink version is more spendy than the others I tried, but there is more booze, so it makes sense. The balance of the bitter orange and herb-scented Aperol to fizz is on point too, though it comes across a little sweeter perhaps. A great glugger with real glam. Drink as it comes, or pour over ice and add an orange slice. How to make Taylor Swift's favourite cocktail Rating: 5/5 Malibu & Cola, 250ml, £2.20 each, 5% ABV, Tesco 10 This Malibu and cola drink will transport you back to your first Magaluf holiday Credit: Malibu WHO doesn't remember their first taste of a Malibu and fizzy cola combo? One sniff of this and you will be transported back to your first holiday with your mates in Magaluf! And for many drinkers, it remains a perennial pub garden or party favourite. This ready-to-go version with its waft of creamy coconut and vanilla is the real deal but the cola that's been added lets it down a tad. One drawback to a pre-mixed drink is, while you do get the brand-name booze, the mixer might not be your usual staple. This one is overly sweet with bubbles that fall flat quickly. Mind you, that's not unlike how it was back in the day on those cheap Spanish holidays, so it is authentic. Rating: 3/5 Bacardi Mojito, 250ml, £2.10 each, 5% ABV, Sainsbury's & Tesco 10 This Bacardi cocktail is very light and crisp if sipped very cold Credit: Bacardi BACARDI is bang on with this version of a mojito, made using its own rum and with a classic lime flavour and minty taste. It is a tricky style of cocktail to drink from a can, though, as traditional mojitos really need a long glass with tons of ice and fresh mint leaves. Still, it is very light and crisp if sipped very cold and it will still taste good under a blue sky. Perhaps too light for some who like a heavy hand on the old white- rum pour. But great for picnics or anywhere where portable glugs are required. You could always add some wedges of lime and mint leaves, then pour on to rocks and give it a mix to get a more authentic drink. Rating: 2/5 Absolut Vodka Raspberry Lemonade, 250ml, £2.08 each, 5% ABV, Asda 10 This offering from Absolut is a dangerously drinkable tipple as you can't taste the vodka in it Credit: Absolut BUYING brand-name pre-mixes can be a lot more affordable than forking out on a full-size bottle of the spirit and ingredients, especially if you tend to drink only occasionally. With this in mind, if you don't have vodka regularly, this might be a good option. Mind you, this is a dangerously drinkable tipple as you can't taste the vodka in it. You know it's there, though, thanks to the warming finish. The rest of it is terrifically tangy and fruity, with a lovely sweet and sour thing going on. For the price, it's a great starter cocktail, though. It is not for those who want to receive a really boozy kick. Rating: 3/5 Gordon's Gin & Tonic, 250ml, £1.98 each, 5% ABV, Asda 10 This pre-mix from Gordon's is a real classic in a can Credit: Gordons WHEN it comes to a big-brand gin that most of us would be able to name, Gordon's has to be up there. And this pre-mix is a real classic in a can, perfect for that train ride home or a drink in the park. Flavourwise, it is citrussy and juniper-scented – exactly what you would expect from Gordon's, and the tonic is sharp and perfectly sparkling. Compared to the others, I think it's brilliant value too, costing a couple of quid for 250ml. You will probably realise how much gin you normally add to your tonic when you make it yourself, however, as this feels very light on the booze, despite matching the others at 5% ABV. Rating: 3/5 Smirnoff Red Label Vodka & Cranberry, 250ml, £2.15 each, 5% ABV, Tesco 10 A big brand like Smirnoff should be doing much better than this drink Credit: Smirnoff VODKA and cranberry, aka a Seabreeze, was a bit of a classic back in the Nineties. These days you don't have to queue at the bar for one as Smirnoff has made a tinned version. Unlike the Absolut pre-mix, however, this one is not a gorgeous glugger. The cranberry juice doesn't feel or taste fresh and the entire drink is thin and synthetic, as though it is made of chemicals. There's a lingering unpleasant bitterness on the finish, too. A big brand like Smirnoff should be doing much better than this. Stick to a bottle of Smirnoff with a carton of fresh juice. Rating: 1/5 Pimm's No1 & Lemonade, 250ml, £2.30 each, 5.4% ABV, Morrisons 10 This is perfect for packing into a hamper for posh picnics in the sun Credit: Pimms WHAT could be more quintessentially British than a Pimm's in the garden on a summer's day? This canned version from the original makers has a smidge more booze than most of its rivals – and it is also really rather good. Like a mojito, this is a drink that's usually served with foliage and fruit salad in a tall glass or a jug, and obviously you can't have pieces of cucumber and strawberry floating around in your can. But if it is well chilled and you don't mind drinking the tipple out of a tin, it still hits the spot. Perfect for packing into a hamper for posh picnics when the sun decides to finally stay out. Rating: 5/5 Archers & Lemonade, 250ml, £2.25 each, 5.4% ABV, Sainsbury's 10 This is a pure blast from the past that tastes like summer holidays Credit: Archers HERE'S another tipple that will offer a serious dose of nostalgia for an audience of a certain age – rather like me. A taste that lots of us will recall from our early drinking days, the fuzzy peach scent is still as familiar as ever. This Archers offering is punchy on the peach and it is as sweet and syrupy as it always used to be, freshened up by the citrussy lemonade bubbles. Drink it super-chilled and it is a pure blast from the past that tastes like summer holidays. But while the ingredients have been wonderfully mixed, it still won't be to everyone's taste unless you have a very sweet tooth. Rating: 4/5 Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I tested supermarket summer cocktails in a can – winner was Pimm's mix which was £10 cheaper than new Aperol Spritz
Helena Nicklin Published: Invalid Date, WHEN it comes to summer sips, refreshing cocktails top the list. And this month saw the launch of much-loved aperitivo Aperol Spritz in a ready-to-drink format. 10 Shoppers can now pick up the 200ml bottles in packs of four at specific supermarkets – taking all the hassle out of cocktail making. And it is not the only big-name tipple that has been canned for your convenience. Here, drinks expert Helena Nicklin sips and scores a selection of pre-mixed cocktails. Aperol Spritz, 4x200ml, £13 (£3.25 each), 9% ABV, Sainsbury's AT last! A pre-mixed version of our favourite Italian aperitif is finally available. The instantly recognisable bright colour of an Aperol Spritz is synonymous with summer, so the timing of this little bottle is perfect. A bittersweet aperitivo with genuine Aperol is made with citrus oil alongside herb and rhubarb extracts, and typically mixed with prosecco and topped up with soda water. The ready-to-drink version is more spendy than the others I tried, but there is more booze, so it makes sense. The balance of the bitter orange and herb-scented Aperol to fizz is on point too, though it comes across a little sweeter perhaps. A great glugger with real glam. Drink as it comes, or pour over ice and add an orange slice. How to make Taylor Swift's favourite cocktail Rating: 5/5 Malibu & Cola, 250ml, £2.20 each, 5% ABV, Tesco WHO doesn't remember their first taste of a Malibu and fizzy cola combo? One sniff of this and you will be transported back to your first holiday with your mates in Magaluf! And for many drinkers, it remains a perennial pub garden or party favourite. This ready-to-go version with its waft of creamy coconut and vanilla is the real deal but the cola that's been added lets it down a tad. One drawback to a pre-mixed drink is, while you do get the brand-name booze, the mixer might not be your usual staple. This one is overly sweet with bubbles that fall flat quickly. Mind you, that's not unlike how it was back in the day on those cheap Spanish holidays, so it is authentic. Rating: 3/5 Bacardi Mojito, 250ml, £2.10 each, 5% ABV, Sainsbury's & Tesco BACARDI is bang on with this version of a mojito, made using its own rum and with a classic lime flavour and minty taste. It is a tricky style of cocktail to drink from a can, though, as traditional mojitos really need a long glass with tons of ice and fresh mint leaves. Still, it is very light and crisp if sipped very cold and it will still taste good under a blue sky. Perhaps too light for some who like a heavy hand on the old white- rum pour. But great for picnics or anywhere where portable glugs are required. You could always add some wedges of lime and mint leaves, then pour on to rocks and give it a mix to get a more authentic drink. Rating: 2/5 Absolut Vodka Raspberry Lemonade, 250ml, £2.08 each, 5% ABV, Asda BUYING brand-name pre-mixes can be a lot more affordable than forking out on a full-size bottle of the spirit and ingredients, especially if you tend to drink only occasionally. With this in mind, if you don't have vodka regularly, this might be a good option. Mind you, this is a dangerously drinkable tipple as you can't taste the vodka in it. You know it's there, though, thanks to the warming finish. The rest of it is terrifically tangy and fruity, with a lovely sweet and sour thing going on. For the price, it's a great starter cocktail, though. It is not for those who want to receive a really boozy kick. Rating: 3/5 Gordon's Gin & Tonic, 250ml, £1.98 each, 5% ABV, Asda WHEN it comes to a big-brand gin that most of us would be able to name, Gordon's has to be up there. And this pre-mix is a real classic in a can, perfect for that train ride home or a drink in the park. Flavourwise, it is citrussy and juniper-scented – exactly what you would expect from Gordon's, and the tonic is sharp and perfectly sparkling. Compared to the others, I think it's brilliant value too, costing a couple of quid for 250ml. You will probably realise how much gin you normally add to your tonic when you make it yourself, however, as this feels very light on the booze, despite matching the others at 5% ABV. Rating: 3/5 Smirnoff Red Label Vodka & Cranberry, 250ml, £2.15 each, 5% ABV, Tesco VODKA and cranberry, aka a Seabreeze, was a bit of a classic back in the Nineties. These days you don't have to queue at the bar for one as Smirnoff has made a tinned version. Unlike the Absolut pre-mix, however, this one is not a gorgeous glugger. The cranberry juice doesn't feel or taste fresh and the entire drink is thin and synthetic, as though it is made of chemicals. There's a lingering unpleasant bitterness on the finish, too. A big brand like Smirnoff should be doing much better than this. Stick to a bottle of Smirnoff with a carton of fresh juice. Rating: 1/5 Pimm's No1 & Lemonade, 250ml, £2.30 each, 5.4% ABV, Morrisons WHAT could be more quintessentially British than a Pimm's in the garden on a summer's day? This canned version from the original makers has a smidge more booze than most of its rivals – and it is also really rather good. Like a mojito, this is a drink that's usually served with foliage and fruit salad in a tall glass or a jug, and obviously you can't have pieces of cucumber and strawberry floating around in your can. But if it is well chilled and you don't mind drinking the tipple out of a tin, it still hits the spot. Perfect for packing into a hamper for posh picnics when the sun decides to finally stay out. Rating: 5/5 Archers & Lemonade, 250ml, £2.25 each, 5.4% ABV, Sainsbury's HERE'S another tipple that will offer a serious dose of nostalgia for an audience of a certain age – rather like me. A taste that lots of us will recall from our early drinking days, the fuzzy peach scent is still as familiar as ever. This Archers offering is punchy on the peach and it is as sweet and syrupy as it always used to be, freshened up by the citrussy lemonade bubbles. Drink it super-chilled and it is a pure blast from the past that tastes like summer holidays. But while the ingredients have been wonderfully mixed, it still won't be to everyone's taste unless you have a very sweet tooth.
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I tested the best supermarket Sauvignon Blancs under £10 – winner was a Kiwi classic that's complete class in a glass
RAISE a glass of the cold and crisp stuff as its International Sauvignon Blanc day tomorrow. But which of the supermarket Savvy Bs should you celebrate with? 10 Helena Nicklin has tried a variety of Sauvignon Blancs from around the world, all for less than a tenner Credit: Oliver Dixon 10 Friday is International Sauvignon Blanc day Credit: Getty Wine expert Helena Nicklin tries a variety of bottles from around the world, all for less than a tenner. Specially Selected Estevez, £6.99, Aldi Chile 10 This Aldi tipple gives you huge amounts of flavour and a lot of bang for your buck A CHILEAN classic, this one hails from the Casablanca Valley, 60 miles north-west of the country's capital Santiago. Here, the Sauvignon produced is a tad richer, and boasts more smoky, bitter grapefruit notes. As well as illustrating perfectly how different in character Savvy Bs from all around the world can be, this Aldi tipple certainly gives you huge amounts of flavour and a lot of bang for your buck. For just over a fiver it will pair amazingly with flavoursome cheeses. Or even try alongside mild Asian spices such as Thai food or sushi. Serve very cold! Rating: 3/5 Expert reveals the top everyday food pairings for bargain supermarket wine Porcupine Ridge, £8.75, Sainsbury's South Africa 10 If if you haven't sampled a South African option before this one is certainly well worth a try SOUTH Africa has its own, distinct style of Sauvignon Blanc. Like this one, they tend to be more textured, round and tropical with high notes of smoky guava and grapefruit. This one packs a super punch for the price and if you haven't sampled a South African option before, it is certainly well worth a try. Drink it nice and chilled on its own. But it could also be a great pairing for ashy cheese or anything smoked. The Porcupine Ridge offering is also perfect to pair with a relaxing barbecue in the sunshine this bank holiday weekend. Rating: 3/5 Extra Special Touraine, £7.96, Asda France 10 This Asda offering is a great cheap alternative to Sancerre-style Sauvignon Blanc IF you want to take your French pick up a notch, go for a Touraine hailing from the Loire Valley region. It is where wine experts and those in the know head for elegant but inexpensive Sancerre-style Sauvignon Blanc. Sancerre is a type of wine also made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes that is famous for being crisp and elegant. It is also generally quite expensive, so this is a great option that gives you the same style in your glass at a more affordable price. This one shows the Loire style perfectly: More savoury, less shouty and very leafy, with a splash of saltiness. It is lovely sipped with goat's cheese. Rating: 4/5 Snoop Dogg's Cali, £9.47, normally £11.96, Asda California 10 Snoop Dogg's Sauvignon Blanc is bizarrely sugary and confected GIVEN this is the most expensive of the bunch and has a celebrity's face on it, you'd be forgiven for expecting a lot from the Californian option. For me, it's a Snoop Doggy Don't, though. Californian Sauvignon can be delicious and is usually aromatic and fruity. But this one is bizarrely sugary and confected. It is bold, but only in a strange, chemical way. And although cheaper than other options from the US, not one for aficionados of the grape. But if you prefer white Zinfandel to Sauvignon Blanc generally, then maybe this is the bottle to bowl you over. Rating: 1/5 Yealands, £9.04, Asda New Zealand 10 This Asda offering is the best and delivers all the classic flavours you want from a New Zealand Savvy B EACH country or regional producer of Sauvignon Blanc has the hallmarks that shows off its own particular style. But for my money, nothing beats this widely available Kiwi benchmark. It is top dog for delivering all the classic flavours you want from a Savvy B made in this corner of the globe. It's crisp and mineral in the glass, with lashings of lemon, lime zest, cut grass and nettles characteristics. Head and shoulders above the rest on offer at this price point, while showcasing everything you want from a premium New Zealand Sauvignon for less than a tenner. Complete class in a glass. Rating: 5/5 Oxford Landing, £7.25, Tesco Australia 10 This is delicate and aromatic with a decent dollop of fruit flavour THIS iconic Australian brand has become a Sauvignon Blanc classic. But it has relaunched recently with a lower ABV to beat the duty rises. So while that makes it affordable, if you drank this bottle in the past, do not expect it to be the same glug in the glass as before. The Oxford Landing now comes in at 10.5 per cent ABV. But it is delicate and aromatic – with a decent dollop of fruit flavour. Australian Sauvignon is much more subtle than the Kiwi style and you can definitely notice the difference in the glass here. Funky bottle, too. Rating: 3/5 Altamar Leyda, £8.50, M&S at Ocado Chile 10 This offering from Chile is distinctive and flavoursome without being tropical THE cool climate of the Leyda Valley region in northern Chile, 55 miles west of Santiago, is an area that might be new to many Sauvignon Blanc fans. But it is well worth getting to know because it is producing some stunningly different Sauvignons at great prices – just like this one. Think vibrant, cool grapefruit and sea spray, with a searingly crisp acidity. Distinctive and flavoursome without being tropical. And with its hints of citrus and black pepper, this bottle will go brilliantly alongside fish. Very refreshing. Give it a go and treat yourself to something new! Rating: 4/5 JP Chenet, £7, Tesco France 10 This JP Chenet wine is very light in the booze department, with notes of lemon cream and sherbet GREEN-skinned grapes used for French Sauvignon Blancs traditionally came from the Bordeaux region. JP Chenet, however, sources grapes from all over France so the wines can taste fairly generic. But it is on the shelf at a very affordable price point, which is to be applauded. This one is very light in the booze department, with notes of lemon cream and sherbet. Put the famous, wonky shaped bottle in the fridge for a while first and serve it super-cold, otherwise it gets a bit synthetic and chemical-like to drink. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
I tested the best supermarket Sauvignon Blancs under £10 – winner was a Kiwi classic that's complete class in a glass
RAISE a glass of the cold and crisp stuff as its International Sauvignon Blanc day tomorrow. But which of the supermarket Savvy Bs should you celebrate with? 10 Wine expert Helena Nicklin tries a variety of bottles from around the world, all for less than a tenner. Specially Selected Estevez, £6.99, Aldi Chile A CHILEAN classic, this one hails from the Casablanca Valley, 60 miles north-west of the country 's capital Santiago. Here, the Sauvignon produced is a tad richer, and boasts more smoky, bitter grapefruit notes. As well as illustrating perfectly how different in character Savvy Bs from all around the world can be, this Aldi tipple certainly gives you huge amounts of flavour and a lot of bang for your buck. For just over a fiver it will pair amazingly with flavoursome cheeses. Or even try alongside mild Asian spices such as Thai food or sushi. Serve very cold! Rating: 3/5 Expert reveals the top everyday food pairings for bargain supermarket wine Porcupine Ridge, £8.75, Sainsbury's South Africa SOUTH Africa has its own, distinct style of Sauvignon Blanc. Like this one, they tend to be more textured, round and tropical with high notes of smoky guava and grapefruit. This one packs a super punch for the price and if you haven't sampled a South African option before, it is certainly well worth a try. Drink it nice and chilled on its own. But it could also be a great pairing for ashy cheese or anything smoked. The Porcupine Ridge offering is also perfect to pair with a relaxing barbecue in the sunshine this bank holiday weekend. Rating: 3/5 Extra Special Touraine, £7.96, Asda France IF you want to take your French pick up a notch, go for a Touraine hailing from the Loire Valley region. It is where wine experts and those in the know head for elegant but inexpensive Sancerre-style Sauvignon Blanc. Sancerre is a type of wine also made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes that is famous for being crisp and elegant. It is also generally quite expensive, so this is a great option that gives you the same style in your glass at a more affordable price. This one shows the Loire style perfectly: More savoury, less shouty and very leafy, with a splash of saltiness. It is lovely sipped with goat's cheese. Rating: 4/5 Snoop Dogg 's Cali, £9.47, normally £11.96, Asda California GIVEN this is the most expensive of the bunch and has a celebrity's face on it, you'd be forgiven for expecting a lot from the Californian option. For me, it's a Snoop Doggy Don't, though. Californian Sauvignon can be delicious and is usually aromatic and fruity. But this one is bizarrely sugary and confected. It is bold, but only in a strange, chemical way. And although cheaper than other options from the US, not one for aficionados of the grape. But if you prefer white Zinfandel to Sauvignon Blanc generally, then maybe this is the bottle to bowl you over. Rating: 1/5 Yealands, £9.04, Asda New Zealand EACH country or regional producer of Sauvignon Blanc has the hallmarks that shows off its own particular style. But for my money, nothing beats this widely available Kiwi benchmark. It is top dog for delivering all the classic flavours you want from a Savvy B made in this corner of the globe. It's crisp and mineral in the glass, with lashings of lemon, lime zest, cut grass and nettles characteristics. Head and shoulders above the rest on offer at this price point, while showcasing everything you want from a premium New Zealand Sauvignon for less than a tenner. Complete class in a glass. Rating: 5/5 Oxford Landing, £7.25, Tesco Australia THIS iconic Australian brand has become a Sauvignon Blanc classic. But it has relaunched recently with a lower ABV to beat the duty rises. So while that makes it affordable, if you drank this bottle in the past, do not expect it to be the same glug in the glass as before. The Oxford Landing now comes in at 10.5 per cent ABV. But it is delicate and aromatic – with a decent dollop of fruit flavour. Australian Sauvignon is much more subtle than the Kiwi style and you can definitely notice the difference in the glass here. Funky bottle, too. Rating: 3/5 Altamar Leyda, £8.50, M&S at Ocado Chile THE cool climate of the Leyda Valley region in northern Chile, 55 miles west of Santiago, is an area that might be new to many Sauvignon Blanc fans. But it is well worth getting to know because it is producing some stunningly different Sauvignons at great prices – just like this one. Think vibrant, cool grapefruit and sea spray, with a searingly crisp acidity. Distinctive and flavoursome without being tropical. And with its hints of citrus and black pepper, this bottle will go brilliantly alongside fish. Very refreshing. Give it a go and treat yourself to something new! Rating: 4/5 JP Chenet, £7, Tesco France GREEN-skinned grapes used for French Sauvignon Blancs traditionally came from the Bordeaux region. JP Chenet, however, sources grapes from all over France so the wines can taste fairly generic. But it is on the shelf at a very affordable price point, which is to be applauded. This one is very light in the booze department, with notes of lemon cream and sherbet. Put the famous, wonky shaped bottle in the fridge for a while first and serve it super-cold, otherwise it gets a bit synthetic and chemical-like to drink.
