3 Best wines from the High Street

2021 Animus Douro £6.49 at Aldi

Mildly surprising for a region famed for the sweetness that port embodies, here the same area provides still wine with slate-centred minerality. That background embellishes its medium bodied raspberry and damson flavours and the good acidity, firm tannin and traces of mint, baking spice and chocolate that accompany them.

2022 Vina San Juan Selección £6.49 at Lidl while stocks last

Survivors from Lidl’s iberian Wine Tour are still instore so seek out this seriously under-rated red from Spain’s La Mancha region. Smooth and neatly textured, it has bold loganberry and plum flavours supported by lively acidity (but limited tannin) and hints of clove, cappuccino coffee and nuttiness. for a treat, though, head for 270 Selected Vineyards ribera del duero (£8.99) and its outstanding rich, cherry, mulberry and chocolate components.

2022 Louis De Camponac Sauvignon Blanc £6.25 – instead of £7 until April 22 – for Tesco Clubcard holders

Opening with typical sauvignon aromas, that variety’s influences reduce in your mouth as saline or other savoury elements emerge. The blend with trebbiano may be the reason but, nevertheless, sauvignon does subsequently make itself felt with grassy, green apple elements and lemon freshness to create balanced, light, summertime drinking.

ON-WINE SHOPPING 2022 Domaine Bousquet Organic Chardonnay £12.95 at Vintage Roots

As this delightful example illustrates, chardonnay from Argentina’s Uco Valley is gaining a well-earned reputation for quality and desirability. Good versions use that area’s altitude, cool nights and sunny days to create elegant, rich yet crisp wine. Unoaked but nevertheless with buttery aromas, this organic option brings us beautifully clean red apple, passion fruit and melon flavours combined with sharp grapefruit acidity and a long, slightly chalky, finish.