Foxholer
Blackballed
Lots of good recommendations, but it's hard to tell what's likely to appeal in the 'classic' range, one of which the OP describes as 'banana skins' compared to that of a 2.99 'unknown'. I'd suggest more of the Manor Creek!!
Of the (modern) classics, I'm a 'current but waning' fan of Argentinian Malbec - was 'best value a couple of years ago but has gone the same way as Chilean Merlot and being priced out of my 'great value' slot. Chilean Carmenere appeals to me and. Tesco are currently (or at least have been as some of their offers expired yesterday!) their 'Finest' Tempranillo for £5.50 which is pretty good price, flavour and quality (though probably a bit 'heavy' for the OP imo). Majestic - who now only require 6 bottles to be purchased for discount but will do single bottle sales at the non-discounted price - do a Definition (own brand) Rhone that was superb at Christmas, 'beating', for me, the Vasse Felix Cab Merlot that is my 'special' one these days. Majestic also do tastings, so it's possible to try and find one that you like that way!
Of those otherwise mentioned Rioja, Wolf Blass or even Jacob's Creek is a pretty good place to start. The Wolf Blass is defying the increase in the Aussie Dollar exchange rate. Lower priced Rhones are also significantly more approachable than other 'classics' and not so heavily flavoured. Southern Italians can be similarly good value for a newbie, but Italy in general just has too much to really recommend.
Oh and 1 piece of Wine Snobbery....There is no such thing as Chilean Rioja (though Carmenere often shows some of the same bricky/earthy old wood style)!
@BobMac That's some sacrifice for the diet!
Btw. While White is perfectly acceptable on its own, Red tends to be better if matched with food. I'm looking forward to another Argentinian Malbec (another 'Definition' from Majestic) with the Fillet Steak later!
Of the (modern) classics, I'm a 'current but waning' fan of Argentinian Malbec - was 'best value a couple of years ago but has gone the same way as Chilean Merlot and being priced out of my 'great value' slot. Chilean Carmenere appeals to me and. Tesco are currently (or at least have been as some of their offers expired yesterday!) their 'Finest' Tempranillo for £5.50 which is pretty good price, flavour and quality (though probably a bit 'heavy' for the OP imo). Majestic - who now only require 6 bottles to be purchased for discount but will do single bottle sales at the non-discounted price - do a Definition (own brand) Rhone that was superb at Christmas, 'beating', for me, the Vasse Felix Cab Merlot that is my 'special' one these days. Majestic also do tastings, so it's possible to try and find one that you like that way!
Of those otherwise mentioned Rioja, Wolf Blass or even Jacob's Creek is a pretty good place to start. The Wolf Blass is defying the increase in the Aussie Dollar exchange rate. Lower priced Rhones are also significantly more approachable than other 'classics' and not so heavily flavoured. Southern Italians can be similarly good value for a newbie, but Italy in general just has too much to really recommend.
Oh and 1 piece of Wine Snobbery....There is no such thing as Chilean Rioja (though Carmenere often shows some of the same bricky/earthy old wood style)!
@BobMac That's some sacrifice for the diet!
Btw. While White is perfectly acceptable on its own, Red tends to be better if matched with food. I'm looking forward to another Argentinian Malbec (another 'Definition' from Majestic) with the Fillet Steak later!
