Lone Kauri Reserve Marlborough Riesling

AS I MENTIONED last week average wine prices have not increased all that much, despite the recent Budget changes.

One reason for this is that supermarkets and importers have sourced new wines that match the old price points.

The approach of other supermarkets has been to put more pressure on their suppliers and beat down the prices by buying in huge bulk. But I like the fact that Supervalu and Superquinn have gone out of their way to find some new wines from often overlooked regions.

Both Richard Moriarty of Superquinn and Kevin O’Callaghan of Supervalu showcased some of their wines recently and I found a number that I liked. Lets hope a way can be found to keep both of these guys employed now that the two chains are merging as their approaches complement each other.

Both chains have impressive wines at the lower price points but at the upper end Superquinn has a lot more scope and you will often find deals on Champagne and fine wines in Superquinn that would not work for many SuperValu outlets (with obvious exceptions such as Fields in Skibbereen or the Churchtown branch).

A number of French regional wines feature in their ranges, including a Moulin-à-Vent from Beaujolais in Superquinn. There are 10 Beaujolais Cru villages but Fleurie and Brouilly are probably the only ones most people have encountered. Although all the villages use the same Gamay grapes, the wines from Moulin-à-Vent tend to be a little richer with a greater capacity to age.

Carignan also featured — the prominent grape in the Languedoc regions of Corbières, Fitou and Minervois, but one you don’t often see on a label. It originates as Criñena in the region of the same name in Spain but can also be found in Italy, South America and elsewhere and the best are always made from old vines.

Here are some I recommend.

Best Value under €10

Lone Kauri Reserve Marlborough Riesling — €9 (was €11.99)

Stockist: SuperValu

Riesling is still the neglected shy sister in Irish wine shops with consumers still resistant to anything that sounds like the sweet German wines of 1980s. This is bone dry with floral and citrus aromas jumping from the glass and crisp green apple acidity — perfect for fresh caught mackerel.

Cuvée le Jour et la Nuit Carignan — €8.49

Stockist: Supervalu

Made from 50-year-old vines on a family estate near Corbières in the Aude Départment, this is a bit of a bargain with red fruit and cherry stone aromas and a solid juicy centre with some structure and complexity. Serve with tomato-based pasta sauces or ratatouille.

La Moulin Chapitre Chinon — €9.00 (was €10.99)

Stockist: Supervalu

Typical Loire Cabernet Franc aromas of red fruit with a hint of blackcurrant leaf. Fruity and light but with some attitude and at €9 this is fantastic value. This definitely will benefit from some food, such as braised rabbit, or perhaps some lamb chops.

Best Value under €20

Bersan Sauvignon de Saint-Bris — €11-13.99

Stockist: Superquinn

This is the only Sauvignon Blanc wine made in Burgundy in a village near Chablis on similar soil. This version has green fruits and washed-stone aromas. The palate is fresh and crisp with lingering citrus and minerality perfect for seafood or a warm day.

Domaine de Rothegres Moulin à Vent 2009 — €13-€17.99

Stockist: Superquinn

This is sometimes on offer in Superquinn at just €13, but even at its full price is worth buying. Beaujolais crus are always worth investigating and this Moulin à Vent is a classic example with soft luscious fruit in an easy-drinking open style.

Finca Labarca Gran Reserva Rioja 2004 — €15 (was €19.99)

Stockist: Supervalu

I featured the Reserva version of this a few months back but the Gran Reserva is a significant step up. It is not often you get to taste fine aged red wine at this price. This has ripe fragrant vanilla and spice flavours mixed with dark red fruit and a long long finish.