SAINSBURY’S

The supermarket is currently running a promotion in England and Wales, on until close of play tomorrow, giving 25 per cent off when you buy six or more bottles of selected wines in stores or online (exclusions include those bottles already under £5, all fortified wines, boxed wine and gift sets). Unlike most other supermarkets, Sainsbury’s “double dips” prices for wines that are already on promotion, which creates some insane bargains, such as the primitivo in my best-value pick.

Check out the Taste the Difference Pinot Grigio 2021, Italy (12.5%, Sainsbury’s, £7 a bottle, or £5.25 on the 25 per cent off for six deal) and Taste the Difference Côtes du Rhône White 2021, France (13%, Sainsbury’s, reduced from £8 to £7 until December 13 and dropping to £5.25 on the 25 per cent off deal). This rhône white is beautiful, subtle and peachy, with a hint of almond blossom – lovely for winter and Christmas.

In reds, I adore the Taste the Difference Western Australia Shiraz 2020, Australia (14%, Sainsbury’s, £8.50 or £6.38 on the 25 per cent off deal).

BEST-VALUE WHITE:

Saint Mont Les Cépages Préservés 2019, France

(13%, Sainsbury’s, down from £10 to £8 until December 13, dropping to £6 on the 25 per cent off deal)

A gorgeous, succulent blend of gros manseng, petit courbu and arrufiac grapes from the Pyrenees that tastes of quince and pink grapefruit.

BEST-VALUE RED:

Taste the Difference Primitivo 2021, Puglia, Italy

(13.5%, Sainsbury’s, down from £7 to £6 until December 13, dropping to £4.50 on the 25 per cent off deal)

A red from southern Italy that tastes of sweet, stewed damsons and blueberry jelly – great with spicy salami pizza.

CHOICE CHRISTMAS FIZZ:

Pignoletto NV, Italy

(11%, Sainsbury’s, down from £9 to £7 until December 13, dropping to £5.25 on the 25 per cent off deal) Frothy, light fizz with an edge of sherbet lemon. I’d buy this to make sparkling wine cocktails, such as the Baby Joe, which is made with sparkling wine, Campari and blood orange juice.