a day ago
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
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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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Drinks expert Helena Nicklin rates eight white wines
Credit: Oliver Dixon
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
