Wine bargains to watch out for in the autumn sales

Talking to producers, there seems to be too much wine sloshing around, so you might expect prices to drop. Yet the opposite seems to be happening. Inflation, rising prices for bottles, labels and corks, have combined to push prices ever upwards over the past year. Thank goodness for the autumn sales. Knowing that we have holiday credit card bills and back-to-school expenses, the multiples always hold wine sales at this time of year, often including some real bargains.

Aldi and Lidl will be launching their autumn-winter collections next month. I will report on those then. Today, O’Briens, SuperValu and Dunnes Stores.

The SuperValu French wine sale has been extended to include seven wines from Albert Glas in Germany, all of which are well worth buying. I have featured the Château Lacombe Cadiot before; the 2020 vintage is an outstanding bargain at €13. Bordeaux lovers should stock up quickly. There are plenty of other bargains too, including the Goichot Chablis (€16).

From Tuesday, August 29th, Dunnes Stores is offering 20 per cent off all French wines and Champagnes. The sale will continue until October 9th. Bargains include five wines from Laurent Miquel (€8-€12.80), the Domaine Carillon Bourgogne Rouge (€16), the Cocobiroux Vermentino (€9.80) and my favourite, the Lombard Brut Nature Champagne for €40.

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O’Briens has a comprehensive sale starting on August 28th and continuing until September 24th, featuring almost 150 wines from all over the world. Discounts are in the 10-50 per cent range. As well as the wine featured here, I would be tempted by the excellent de Martino Cinsault, a steal at €14.95 down from €19.95. Traditionalists would head straight to the Tremblay Chablis, very good value at €19.95.

Las Invernadas Vineyards Malbec, Argentina

13.5%, €9.95 down from €16.95

Very seductive smooth plum and loganberry fruits with a rounded finish. Drink alongside a steak or roast mushrooms.

From: O’Briens

Château Lacombe Cadiot 2020 Bordeaux Superieur

14%, €13

Delicious fresh smooth elegant dark fruits with some structure and good tannins. Enjoy with roast beef or lamb.

From: SuperValu

Brouilly, Réserve du Château 2019, Château de Pierreux

13.5%, €13 down from €19.99

Juicy, refreshing fleshy blackcurrants with nice balancing acidity. Enjoy it with cheeses, charcuterie and pork dishes.

From: Dunnes Stores

Saint-Joseph Granits 2021

12.5%, €15

Smooth, elegant and savoury with dark fruits and a touch of spice. This would go nicely with roast and grilled red or white meats or grilled vegetables.

From: SuperValu