The best buys from the 10 at £10 offer at Waitrose, December 2020

Waitrose is running its annual 10 wines under £10 offer until December 16th. All are good reductions but, in my view, having tasted them, some are better than others. Here’s what I’d go for, assuming they’re in stock - some are already out of stock online

Best whites

Esprit de Chablis Premier Cru 2018 originally £17.99

A really big reduction on this classic Chablis which is drinking well now but will easily keep a couple of years. Think simply prepared seafood like oysters, scallops and grilled or panfried fish. *****

Hauts de Perrière Pouilly Fumé 2019 originally £16.79

Another good classic - crisp elegant sauvignon blanc from the Loire. Also good with seafood like prawns and especially smoked salmon ****

Best reds

Cave de Tain Grand Classique Crozes Hermitage 2018 originally £15.99

If you’re a fan of Northern Rhone syrah this young Crozes is a steal from the ultra-reliable Cave de Tain. Drink with a steak or even a winter barbecue *****

Bodegas Manzanos El Piadoso 2011 Gran Reserva originally £16.99

A brilliant price for a gran reserva and still quite vibrant despite its age. Would be great with roast lamb, game or a cheeseboard. *****

Luigi Bosca Seleccion de Vistalba Malbec 2018 originally £16.99

Lusciously rich and velvety - ideal for malbec-lovers though there is a fair amount to chose from around the £10 mark. Drink with steak, obviously but roast beef too. ****

Also worth considering

Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico 2016 originally £13.99

A pukka-looking mature chianti - smooth and elegant. Would go with an Italian style roast or steak, lasagne or a good ragu. ***

Chateau Muret 2012 Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois originally £14.99

If you’re a fan of mature Bordeaux this should hit the spot. Past the first flush of youth (aren’t we all?) and quite tannic and oaky though so needs to be drunk with food. A good wine for a Sunday roast ***

Mirabeau Pure Rosé 2019 originally £14.99

According to Waitrose’s latest trends report we’re drinking rosé all year round these days so if you like that classic pale pink Provençal style it's worth snapping up at this price. Pretty bottle too. Good with party-type food (appreciating we’re not having parties this Christmas) or mildly spicy food. ***

Kopke Reserve Tawny Port originally £14.99

Not as good as tawny ports with an age statement (e.g. 10 or 20 years old) but quite a bit cheaper. Warming, spicy and sweet - would be good with mince pies or chocolate. Looks the part too

And I personally wouldn’t bother with

Bird in Hand Sparkling Pinot Noir originally £15.99

A decent reduction on this stylishly packaged Aussie bubbly but it’s a bit thin and not as good as it was a couple of years ago. Buy a cheap bottle of champagne instead.

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