RAISE A GLASS

This time of year is always challenging on the pennies as we plan for festive times. Its going to be even harder this year with gas prices and petrol hikes. It doesn’t bear thinking about.

So I was interested to read about a new range that’s going into B&M stores. That’s not a place you may think about for a wine shop.

Spanish wine producer Garcia Carrion has developed a range which starts at £4.99.

Paul Walker, the UK Director for family-owned Garcia Carrion, says: “Whilst there’s plenty of expertise that’s been passed down through the family to create the new bottles, we firmly believe that our wines should be an accessible price to all, so even more people can enjoy them and experience what a good quality, but excellent value bottle of wine brings to a memorable moment.”

Right then … let’s have a dabble with three of them.

Don Simon Nature Sauvignon Blanc: If you love a New Zealand sauvignon blanc with its

piercing acidity and vibrant zingy herbaceousness … well you won’t get that with this wine.

It’s shy on the aromas and the fruit flavour profile, but the zest of a finish is there and it’s an acceptable sip for a night in. (And I imagine we’ll be having lots of those!)

Cappo Rosé: This is a pale pink of a pink.

The base grape is tempranillo, one of Spain’s most popular varieties.

If you fancy a pocketfriendly pink that sips readily, then this wine is a shoo-in.

It isn’t boastful on personality but if you want a fiver’s worth of relaxation and an oh-so decent pour and let’s-have-a-girly-chat wine, then you wouldn’t grumble.

Cappo Shiraz: I’d like the fruit intensity to be deeper and more engaging.

But hey, we sipped with a cottage pie and before we knew it the bottle had gone. There’s a peppery, dusty note in the finish with a sharpness of … what’s this … flint … wet knife? I’d like more fruit. I’d also like to win the Lottery.

The wines above are all £4.99 or two for £8. There are more wines in the range – including at £5.99 the punchier Pata Negra Toro Red. The range includes cavas at £5.99. Watch this space.

Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.