On supermarket shelves, wines labels are often clamouring for our attention, with row upon row of choice. It can often be an overwhelming experience, even with a good understanding of the subject. Brands and producers need to find a way to stand out from the crowd, often claiming to be “award-winning” or “85 points” according to whichever critic or system has reviewed that particular wine. These points and awards can certainly provide a useful guide, but don’t always just be drawn to the shiny gold stickers.
Various critics and retailers use a points system, which was popularised by Robert Parker, the famous American wine critic from back in the 80s. He introduced an 100 point scale against which to evaluate wines, although it’s not widely advertised that these scales actually start at 50 rather than zero! His ratings had a huge impact on the value and sales of the wines reviewed. There has been plenty of controversy over the years, with claims that he and his team are biased towards certain suppliers and in fact, despite being dubbed “The Million Dollar Nose”, Parker failed to identify any of the top 15 wines tasted in a public blind tasting.
Lidl have the Master of Wine Richard Bampfield who chooses a selection of wine for each of their wine tours, and their scale starts from 80. A clever marketing ploy perhaps but the seasonal ranges offer interesting, unusual wines at keen price points and well worth seeking out.
I often have people asking about vintage wines that they have received as gifts in the past and when they should drink them. Jancis Robinson is a UK-based wine critic who regularly reviews wines with her team of experts and also provides vintage reports for all the classic winemaking regions. Wine Spectator’s vintage charts are another good source of what to drink and when.
There are a few key wine competitions held each year here in the UK; the International Wine Challenge (IWC) and also the International Wine & Spirit Competition (ISWC). These draw upon a panel of masters of wine, top sommeliers and industry experts from across the world to taste and judge the wines blind over a number of days in various different categories. It’s worth noting that companies pay to be awarded, entry costs from £150 per wine. Most wines entered tend to win something or other, from commended, bronze, silver and up to gold.
Another useful ratings tool to have in your back pocket is Vivino, a very clever app which scans the wine label and pulls up all sorts of information, from ranking with the winemaking region its from, to tasting notes and price. You can save wines you have enjoyed in the “My Wines” section and give them a rating yourself, as well as seeing what other users think.
Whilst these systems and competitions might provide a useful guide, As the Baz Luhrmann song goes, “be careful whose advice you buy”. It’s just someone else’s opinion, and when buying and choosing wine, yours is the one that counts the most!
Four award-winning wines to try...
Philizot Blanc de Noirs Champagne, France, £18.99 from Aldi
The Blanc de Noirs style of Champagne is a white wine made solely from black grapes, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier, giving good structure and elegance along with red berry fruit flavours. An IWC silver award winner and 90 Decanter Points. It also comes in a gift tube, making it a perfect gift to impress friends with.
The Society’s Greek White, Greece, £8.95 from the Wine Society (membership required)
This is cracking good value for a Greek wine, which have recently increased in price a lot. It’s an IWC Silver Winner for 2022, as well as being one of the Society’s “Wine Champions”, chosen from an internal blind tasting competition. Very easy-drinking with stone fruits and a refreshing acidity. Try with grilled fish or a fresh salad.
The Best Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy, £11 from Morrisons
AN IWC Silver award winner, this rich & full-bodied red is like a baby Amarone with flavours of dark berry fruits. Perfect with an autumnal Sunday roast or a rich, tomato-based stew.
Tesco Finest Swartland Shiraz, South Africa, £7.50 from Tesco
The 2020 vintage of this wine scored an impressive 96 points in the IWSC competition. This South African Shiraz comes from the northern coastal region of Swartland, which is known for its old vines and desert-like climate. It’s full bodied with flavours of blackberries and spicy pepper notes. Ideal with steak in a peppercorn sauce.
