For Lazy Days, Garden Parties, Al Fresco Dining and Fun Filled Barbeques, there’s a wine for every occasion. Peter Morrell tastes one the more unusual offerings

Tesco has revealed 29 new additions to the wine range, each carefully selected by the award-winning wine team. Available in stores and online now, the updated range adds further breadth, value and quality to the Tesco shelves.

With the warmer months on the way it’s the ideal time to re-explore the wine aisles and find a new favourite, whether that’s a glass of crisp English bubbles to enjoy alongside fresh fruit at a picnic, a sophisticated, aromatic spritz for an al- fresco dinner, or a can of the TikTok viral ‘Chicken Wine’ to enjoy on the go.

Lauren Ballantyne, Product Development Manager at Tesco comments:

“Orange wine is a trend that has taken off over the past year, resonating both within the industry and with our customers. A such, we’re particularly excited to expand our orange wine offering as part of the wider range change with the addition of the aromatic Gérard Bertrand Genora.

“Whether through standout improvements on reformulation such as with the Tesco Finest Black Birch Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, or new additions to our fun and convenient, ready-to-drink Spritzi range that are perfect for summer entertaining, we’re offering something everyone can enjoy over the warmer months.”

Highlights from the new range include:

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, 12.5%, £50

This champagne is a melting pot of aromas, offering floral notes, rounded out by fresh fruit, brioche and vanilla.

Chapel Down Sparkling Rosé, 12%, £33

Enjoy a fresher way to celebrate with Chapel Down Sparkling Rosé. A crisp, fresh and elegant English sparkling wine, with notes of redcurrant, citrus and wild strawberry. Great as an aperitif or paired with canapés and summer pudding.

Gérard Bertrand Genora Orange Wine, 12.5%, £12

Peter Morrell Editor, comments “For those who don’t know, Orange Wine does not contain any oranges. Its name is derived from its colour. Normally white wine is pressed, and the clear juice is fermented on its own. The grapes in Orange Wine are pressed and fermented together with the skins and seeds. If you look at mature white grapes some have yellow skins and there are also flecks of brown. These skins and seeds are left in the wine for weeks or even months, and this produces not only colour but also very concentrated flavours.

“Gérard Bertrand Genora Orange Wine 2023 is made with Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc Viognier and Muscat. These are all very fruity, aromatic grapes, so be prepared for some intense aromas. It’s other big plus point is that it’s organic.

“The bouquet is dominated by citrus notes, particularly grapefruit and there arehints of musk. In the mouth it is just north of medium bodied, and just off dry. The mouthfeel is good with some evidence of tannins and well-balanced acidity. On the palate apricot, tangerine and melon flavours emerge together with a touch of honey. The finish has a flinty minerality and just at the end a very pleasant taste of concentrated muscat raisins.

“Enjoy this wine chilled on its own or with smoked salmon or trout salads.”

Tesco Finest Black Birch Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, 13%, £15

Previously known as North Row, the fruit for this wine now comes entirely from Black Birch – a small vineyard in the upper Awatere, where the rugged stony soils and cold nights result in remarkably intense fruit. A classic example of a concentrated and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc displaying powerful aromas of gooseberry and passion fruit with a long, complex finish.

Dolly Wines Rosé, 12.5%, £9.50

A delicate rosé with a light pink hue, bursting with floral and wild strawberry notes, with a hint of Mediterranean Sea spray. The palate features citrus and dried sage, with a subtle saline character and lingering white strawberry flavours. Perfect with pizzas or a grilled vegetable salad, enjoy this enchanting rosé chilled on the beach.

Yuzu & Pink Pepper Spritzi, 8.4%, £5

This herby and aromatic wine-based spritz has a beautiful pink colour and a spicy pepper finish. Simply pour over ice and serve with decorative, edible flowers. Ideal for a sun-drenched picnic with friends.

Mirabeau x Fever-Tree Rosé Spritz, 8%, £12

This playful French spritz is made by blending two-thirds Mirabeau IGP Rosé with one-third Fever-Tree Raspberry & Orange Blossom Soda. On the palate, it is lightly effervescent with bright flavours of raspberry, orange blossom and pink grapefruit. This easy-to-drink, aromatic and perfectly balanced spritz is made to be savoured in the sun.

Faustino Tempranillo Boxed Wine 1.5l, 13%, £12

Faustino Tempranillo, a Spanish family-run company since 1861, has created a smooth, rounded, vibrant boxed red wine to share with loved ones this summer. Savour the wine by itself or with succulent barbequed ribeye and strong cheeses.

La Vieille Ferme Rosé 200ml, 12.5%, £2.75

This dry pink wine, often referred to as ‘Chicken Wine’ due to the iconic label, is made from Cinsault, Grenache, and Shiraz. It’s bright and aromatic with a delicate bouquet and plenty of red and citrus fruit flavours. Now in a grab-and-go canned format, this product is ideal for park dates and beach days.

La Vieille Ferme Red 200ml, 12.5%, £2.75

La Vieille Ferme Red wine has an approachable, expressive character. The nose reveals a bouquet of red fruit and spices, and the palate hints at delicate aromas of cherries and soft tannins, giving this wine great drinkability.