Midweek Wines

No one, surely, has failed to notice how so many everyday pleasures seem to cost appreciably more than they did. Wine is no exception but knowing where to look can still secure you real quality without a grimace at the till. A good answer to the “Where to Look” question is Portugal, where a reputation for producing good quality wines at affordable prices has made it an attractive choice for consumers So, no surprise that three of today’s selections are Portuguese.

This week’s recommendations span three countries and offer something for every occasion – from a weeknight pour to a summer dinner worthy of something special. Leading the way is a red from North Macedonia, a country whose wines remain largely unknown to British drinkers despite a winemaking heritage stretching back to ancient times. Alongside it, a Portuguese white that shares its grape with the better-known Spanish albariño — but should bring a little extra body and depth to your glass.

Winelands close to France’s sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline produce some impressively characterful and rewarding wines. Today sees two excellent examples of that point – and which are currently available at especially attractive prices at a High Street near you. Both come from appellations where ancient winemaking traditions meet a modern commitment to genuine quality. The first is a richly textured southern Rhône white, the second a bold and versatile Languedoc red.

Two wines this week that – once again – prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to drink well. The first is a French rosé that has quietly shed its questionable reputation from last century, and now genuinely delivers. The second is a Portuguese red with a rich history and an even richer taste — and currently at a bargain price. Both will certainly reward the effort of seeking them out, and neither will leave your wallet feeling the pinch.

June is prime time for discovering wines that deliver both quality and value without demanding deep pockets or specialist knowledge. This week’s selections span two countries, four grapes and several styles, yet share one common thread: genuine drinkability. Each has been chosen with the season of the year in mind — wines that reward rather than overwhelm on a warm evening. The pair of Bonus Items are from the Loire Valley – currently near the top of its game – while two hail from further afield.

Despite all the (often significant) challenges, there are good value wines out there if you know where to look. This week’s recommendations — a Spanish white and a French red — are a useful reminder that neither headline seeking regions nor price tell the whole story. The white is from Rueda – an exciting Spanish white wine region often overlooked. Meanwhile the red, from a well-established Languedoc appellation, is crafted by a producer M&S clearly trusts – and with good reason.

It seems almost automatic that wine bargains must come gift-wrapped in a promotional sticker. However, this week’s recommendations need no such assistance — both earn their place on merit alone. Nevertheless, they still come in at prices that won’t trouble most household budgets. The first is a South African white crafted by one of its variety’s most celebrated names. Its partner is a characterful French red from an unfairly overlooked grape.

Welcome back to MidWeek Wines’ Top Tips – your weekly pointer towards good-value bottles that punch above their price and won’t let you down. Are you sometimes irked by the numerous wine recommendations in the press apparently aimed at people with deep pockets and racks of special occasion wine? If so, this site is for you. The focus here is on dependable, unpretentious wines, mostly under £10. They are chosen because they taste good and represent genuine value – not because they impress on paper.

Five wines for the price of two this week. Top Tips normally limits itself to two recommendations — keeping things concise and punchy — but a clutch of strong candidates from recent weeks deserve better than to be left on the shelf. So, I have consolidated three of them into today’s Bonus Item. All have been assessed and approved by me and are recommended without reservation. Images and – where possible – hyperlinks should help you to find all these wines in crowded displays. Which wine should I buy?

A couple of excellent wines from France’s “Mediterranean South” for you to enjoy. The red is yet further evidence of two back-to-back vintages (2023 and 2024) providing great examples at the value end of the Rhône spectrum. That, fellow MidWeekers, is where mere mortals like you and I can often be found. Languedoc’s vineyards provide its partner – one of the more savoury white wines that are finding increasing favour here.