It’s wine sale season: snap up these four bottles on the cheap

At this time of year, the multiples put on wine sales to appeal to hard-pressed consumers facing holiday and back-to-school bills. Most of these start in the coming week. O’Briens has one of its biggest annual wine sales running September 4th-29th. I am a big fan of the wines of Domaine Begude, and its Chardonnay below offers amazing value for money. Alsace fans should also be interested in the excellent Kuentz-Bas Riesling Mosaïk (€16.95, down from €19.95). Among the red wines I enjoyed were the Château des Léotins (Bordeaux, €11.95, down from €14.95) and Borie de Maurel la Féline (€19.95 down from €21.95).
Dunnes Stores has 20 per cent off all French wines and Champagne until October 14th. There will be some new wines including two Crémants. Wines worth trying out include Muscadet Château la Lauberdiere (€9.20 reduced from €11.50), Château de Barbe (Forget €11.60 reduced from €14.50), and the Bourgogne Pinot Noir Carillon (€16 down from €20).
Lidl has a range of new or seasonal wines that will arrive in store on September 5th and includes a few nice wines. Those who enjoy full-bodied red wines have a choice of three wines from the Rhône Valley, the Séguret below being my favourite. I also enjoyed the Alsace Pinot Gris (€10), the Fitou Carte d’Or Cascatel (€9.99). and the Bourgogne Pinot Noir (€12.99).
The SuperValu French wine sale starts on September 5th. It is studded with familiar names such as Chablis (€15), Mâcon-Lugny (€10), Fleurie (€10), Pouilly-Fumé (€15), all at very competitive prices. Less well-known but equally good value are the Sauvignon de Saint Bris (€10) and the Coteaux Giennois Alchimie (€12).
Fresh, rounded red cherry and raspberry fruits with a clean tannin-free finish. Great with all sorts of food from cold meats, firm cheeses to red and white meats.
From SuperValu
Full-bodied and rich with ripe dark fruits, some liquorice and a spicy edge. Perfect with stews, red meats and firm cheeses.
From Lidl
Rich and rounded with smooth, dark fruits and a touch of spice. Cheesy bakes, richer pasta dishes or pork chops.
From Dunnes Stores
Medium-bodied with lightly textured stone fruits, plenty of refreshing citrus, and a touch of honey. Enjoy it with salmon, white meats or simply by itself.
From O’Briens