Weekday Wines

Looking to try something different or adventurous, but don’t want to make an expensive mistake? Decanter’s tastings director Christelle Guibert has done the hard work for you, picking out 25 exciting and accessible wines available in the UK for £20 or le

25 exciting wines for under £20

Want something more adventurous in your midweek wine selection, but don’t want to make an expensive mistake? Look no further…

Domaine Aubert, Brut, Vouvray, Loire, France NV 90 £14.75 Yapp Bros

When it comes to sparkling, Vouvray may not have the reputation of other fizz, but this 100% Chenin Blanc made using the Champagne method delivers at all levels, especially on price. Vibrant white peach and Golden Delicious apple characters are balanced by good acidity and a creamy mouthfeel. Alc 12.5%

Rippon, Sauvignon Blanc, Central Otago, New Zealand 2015 91 £18.50 Lea & Sandeman

A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with personality! What sets it apart is that the usual pungent tropical flavours have been replaced by elegant lime, grapefruit and gooseberry. The small percentage of oak ageing adds texture and creaminess. This has real finesse, minerality and depth. Alc 14%

Clos Alivu, Patrimonio, Corsica, France 2014 90 £12.95 The Wine Society

Grapes for this wine are sourced from a 3ha estate run by the brothers behind Domaine de Piana. From 50-year-old Vermentino planted on terraces, this full-flavoured wine is marked by candied citrus and dried apricot fruit. Crisp, fresh and juicy, it has hints of nutmeg on a long finish. Alc 13%

Adelina, Eternal Return Arneis, Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2015 91 £16.50 Astrum Wine Cellars, Corks

Arneis is increasingly flourishing outside its Italian homeland and this graceful wine ticks all the boxes, including packaging! Pretty white fruit, floral and almond notes on a zesty and punchy palate with a creamy texture on the finish. Alc 14%

Ailalá, Treixadura, Ribeiro, Galicia, Spain 2015 90 £13 Booths *

Treixadura is little-known grape that has its home in the lush, green northwestern corner of Spain, as well as over the border in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region. This has beautiful aromatic complexity, with notes of dried apricot, white flowers and fennel that lead to a lovely textured palate. Alc 13.5%

De Martino, Colinas del Itata Old Vine Field Blend MuscatCorinto, Itata Valley, Chile 2015 90 £10 Marks & Spencer *

This is dry, fresh and crisp with grapefruit and floral scents. The Corinto grape (thought to be Chasselas) adds zestiness to the aromatic Muscat from 100-year-old vines. It will make a refreshing aperitif or a great foil for Thai dishes. Alc 13%

Domaine Aléxis Pollier, Mâcon-Villages, Burgundy, France 2015 91

£14.95 Flint It’s always uplifting to stumble across a new name and be immediately impressed. Here is an amazing-value Mâcon from a star producer in the making. This is the first vintage from 21-year-old Aléxis Pollier, who has just left the family nest to start his own venture. Stylish floral and crisp apple notes on a graceful yet weighty palate. Lovely now but plenty of energy for the years to come. Alc 13%

Estate Argyros, Atlantis, Santorini, Greece 2015 90 £11 Marks & Spencer *

Any wine lover who has visited Santinori would have enjoyed Assysrtiko and a taste of this one will take you back there. Lovely varietal characters of citrus zest and crisp apple, and with its signature pristine acidity it is refreshing enough to enjoy on its own but has enough grip to match many fresh fish dishes. Alc 13%

Masi, Masianco Pinot Grigio-Verduzzo, Venezie, Veneto, Italy 2015 90 £12.95 Winedirect

This fruity little number is full of personality. It’s mainly Pinot Grigio, which gives freshness with a fruit profile of peach, pineapple and apple, while the local grape Verduzzo, picked slightly overripe, adds texture, complexity and body. Alc 13%

Domaine MassonBlondelet, PouillyFumé, Loire, France 2015 89 £15.99 Ocado *

Textbookgood restrained, introduction Pouilly-Fumé cool-climateto a moreand style a of Sauvignon Blanc. Graceful lemon fruit plus herb and elderflower characters on a fresh, elegant, juicy palate. This will complement food nicely or work perfectly on its own. Alc 13%

Arnoux & Fils, Petites Collines, CrozesHermitage, Rhône, France 2014 90 £18 Roberson Wines

This is a beautiful expression of Syrah from vines on a rocky terroir. It has depth and richness of black pepper and red cherry fruit on an elegant, mid-weight palate, and while it is enjoyable now, it has enough grip and freshness to cellar well. Alc 12.5%

London Cru, SW6 Albemarle St, London, England NV 90 £17 London Cru, Roberson

Here’s a wine to get people guessing: Albariño grapes grown in Spain then transported in a refrigerated container and vinified and bottled in a London winery. You’re probably paying for the novelty, but it’s very enjoyable, full of dried apricot, citrus and floral tones. Alc 12.5%

Santa Sofia, Le Calderare Pinot Grigio, Garda, Veneto, Italy 2015 90 £13.29 Mondial Wines

This a complex, serious Pinot Grigio from Lake Garda which will pair nicely with fish dishes or even creamy risotto. The nose opens up to grapefruit with flavours developing toward pineapple and apricot. Great texture and lively acidity make this very moreish. Alc 12.5%

Fratelli Cigliuti, Serraboella, Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy 2013 91 £19.75 Lea & Sandeman

After 18 months in oak and one year in bottle before release, this Barbera is a cut above many of its peers. Dazzling red cherry purity, liquorice and leathery intensity with a lot of energy, depth and fine tannins. A must-have for your cellar over the winter months. Alc 14.5%

Clos du Caillou, Bouquet des Garrigues, Côtes du Rhône, France 2013 90 £17 H2Vin

This 45-hectare property on the border with Châteauneuf-duPape started organic viticulture in 1996 and since 2007 has been farmed biodynamically. As you’d expect from the name, this wine is full of garrigue notes plus lots of dark fruit on a fine, silky and refreshing palate. Alc 14%

Monte delle Vigne, O Calanchi Lambrusco, Colli di Parma, EmiliaRomagna, Italy 2014 92 £16.75 Lea & Sandeman

We’re seeing a revival in Lambrusco and this example is a long way from the bland, sweet wines of the past. This dry, serious example opens up to intense dark fruit and savoury aromas, while the palate is full of pure, deep and complex red cherry and blackberry notes. While the tannins are firm, it has amazing length and depth. Only 5,000 bottles made. Alc 12% ➢