Morrisons "The Best" range is worth a punt.
By Master of Wine, Christopher Burr
04/05/2023
I often go to Morrisons for their excellent fish counter, and inevitably I end up perusing their wine shelves to see what they are up to.
Firstly, I should say that at present they have some great deals for on-line shoppers. For a new on-line customer, they give £15 off an order for £70 or more.
There are lots of wines at £6.50 and under where they also offer two bottles for £10. For wines over £6.50 there are offers on most wines of a further 25% off, for a mixed six bottle purchase.
On wine you can see, it would be very easy to get to £70 and claim your £15 off, and if you add in some nice fish to go with the white wines, or meat to go with the reds, even easier.
So what to select as they have several hundred wines on offer?
I have tasted and admired their buyers' selection of many of their "The Best" range.
First, a dry "The Best" Riesling, from the Pfalz and made by good producer Reh Kenderman, this is a fruity crisp wine, good as an aperitif, or with some prawns or shell fish, and £7, before any discounts.
For an incredible value £5.49 before any discounts, they also have a good Sicilian white, Isoletta Catarratto Pinot Grigio 2021. Crisp dry and sunshine in the glass, great everyday wine to keep in the fridge.
For a smart dinner or more extravagant fish dinner, "The Best" Chablis Premier Cru 2021 is excellent for £18.
Rose' is now very fashionable and works with most summer dishes. They have a big range from which I have picked two;
La Vielle Ferme Rose' is £7.75, from the southern Rhone, and made by the exceptional Perrin family, great southern French rose'.
I have heard a lot about Kylie Minogue getting involved in wine, and how good her wine is. Morrisons have her southern French Rose' 2019 for £9. Pale pink, gentle, crisp with nice fruit, the perfect summer wine.
For reds, "The Best" Valpolicella Ripasso 2015 is excellent, big fruity Italian, and excellent for red meat dishes. £11.
"The Best" Douro Red, made from the grapes that make Port, is a lovely soft fruity red, again for roasts like chicken or lamb, and as with so many Portuguese wines, great value for £8.25.
I am pleased to say that "The Best" does mean something in Morisson's case, they have a fine selection and good value, particularly if you take advantage of the discounts on offer.
Have a good snoop around, some good drinking.
Shop 'The Best' Collection now! >
Christopher Burr. Master of Wine, September 2023.