The best thrifty drinks buys 2022
Great news! Drinks editor Susy Atkins has shared her best thrifty drinks buys for 2022. Susy hand-picks her expert-choice wines under £10, a top French vodka for less than £15 and a nifty gadget under £5 to keep open wine drinkable…
Well-priced wines
Caminada Malbec 2020, Mendoza, Argentina 13.5%
There’s plenty to enjoy in this fruity red – ripe blueberry, blackcurrant and damsons, and a sweet note of toffee. One for the last of the summer barbecues, to accompany grilled steak or lamb chops. Available from Sainsbury’s (£5.50).
Ya’Po Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Central Valley, Chile 12.5%
A vivacious young Chilean sauvignon blanc, singing out with tangy citrus and passion fruit. It’s well balanced, dry but not sour. A fine match for spiced seafood and Thai green curries. Available from Marks & Spencer (£6).
Loved & Found Caladoc 2021, Languedoc Roussillon, France 13.5%
This mulberry-scented red, made from the rare French grape caladoc, is nicely balanced, rounded but fresh and with a hint of black liquorice. It’s the right weight for this chorizo and bean pasta dish. Available from Waitrose (£7.49).
Chateau Bel-Air 2020, Bergerac, France 13.5%
From the south of Dordogne, a Bordeaux-style blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc, part of which was oak-aged. Enjoy juicy cassis and savoury-spicy nuances; good enough for roast lamb. Available from Majestic (£8.99 or £7.99 as part of a mixed six).
Muscadet la Marinière 2021, Loire, France 11.5%
Just like biting into a crunchy green apple. There’s a lemon peel edge to it as well, and the finish is whistle-clean and mouthwatering. Bring on the mussels, simple pan-fried white fish or fried courgettes. Available from Waitrose (£6.99).
Bonne Mine Rosé 2021, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 12.5%
A decent southern French rosé to give Provence’s pinks a run for their money. It has light, fresh redcurrant and cherry hints, and a soft dab of creaminess. Pair it with prawns or tomato salads. Available from The Co-op (£6.50).
Wallet-friendly spirit
Saint Gérmont Premium French Vodka 40%
Aldi’s keenly priced French vodka is a star: smooth and soft with dabs of vanilla and cream and a clean finish. It won Gold in the World Vodka Awards in 2022. A bargain buy for cocktails or sipping on the rocks. Available from Aldi (£14.99 for 70cl).
Make wine last longer
Here’s a nifty little device for keeping opened wine fresh. The can squirts argon gas into your bottle and, as it’s heavier than air, the gas settles on the surface of the wine, protecting it from oxidation. I tried it out and found it worked well at keeping wine fresh for more than two weeks. Each canister has enough argon to protect 15 bottles of wine. Avaialble from Slurp (£4.95)