video review: wine of the week

24th April 2011

SPAR Australian Chardonnay Reserve
This non-vintage Chardonnay from high street convenience chain SPAR is what I would describe as a 'useful', decent wine. I will be honest and say SPAR's range is rather lacklustre by and large, but as there are over 2,600 SPAR stores in the UK alone, there's a good chance that at least some wine-pages visitors will pick up the odd bottle from their local branch. At its regular price of £5.99 this would not get my vote, but from 28th April 2011 until 8th June 2011 it is on offer at £4.49 and that might make it a handy white wine standby. It is lightly oaked, with a pleasantly vanilla-touched nose giving some oatmeal to tropical, ripe melon and mango fruit. On the palate it is full-bodied, with sweet fruit and nothing challenging, the gentle acidity and creamy touch of oak making it quaffable and food friendly. More information and food match ideas in the video. £4.49 of offer, SPAR.

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See previous wines of the week in the value archives