I know nothing about wine but do occasionally like a glass of red. I like them if they are smooth and not too harsh or sharp. In a restaurant I'd usually order a merlot but have also had Shiraz and malbecs that I've enjoyed (is my wine ignorance showing yet?)
Every time I buy a bottle of wine to try at home it is disappointing and too vinegary or not as smooth tasting as I'd like. I'd assume it's because I don't really want to pay more than £7 a bottle or so but there must be some really nice cheaper bottles out there!
I'd really appreciate recommendations as it's getting expensive just taking a punt on different bottles when I have no idea what I'm buying.
It might be country of origin letting you down in the supermarket then. For example a french Merlot or Malbec will taste different to an Australian or Chilean. Often the supermarkets will sell wines from say an Eastern European country cheaper than a country more renowned for wine making. So an Australian grape has had much more warm weather exposure and ripening.
I don’t drink a lot of red wine, but I tend to prefer the ‘cooler’ ones, so I’d go for an Italian, valploicello, chianti, etc. DH much prefers the more robust, rounded flavours from new world wines, so tends to go for Australian, NZ, Argentinian, Chilean etc.
In fairness, if you're looking to spend no more than £7 than most of your money is going on tax, bottling and marketing. If you look out for wines normally priced at £10 or above that are reduced you'll get better wine.
I usually buy Tesco Finest Valpolicella Ripasso when it’s on offer (current normal price is £11) - we aren’t big wine drinkers, but we drink it at family gatherings and everyone comments on liking it.
Best red I’ve had recently was a Portuguese wine called Gallo from Iceland - it was a present for walking someone’s dog ..... had a picture of a cockerel on the label . Who knew that Iceland had its own vineyards ......
Whadayacall cheap? 19 crimes is the best “budget” red IMHO. Usually £9 a bottle, often reduced to £7. Available in asda, Morrison’s, tesco and B&M bargains.
Other than that, Asda’s own brand generic Australian red, in bottles or boxes is drinkable, usually works out about £4-4.50 a bottle.
