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Expert Sommeliers Reveal the Finest Supermarket Wines for Every Palate
From vibrant orange wines to sophisticated champagne alternatives, Britain's leading wine experts have identified the standout bottles available on supermarket shelves. These selections demonstrate that exceptional wine no longer requires visits to specialist merchants or extravagant spending.
Why Supermarket Wines Are Reaching New Heights
Social media has transformed how consumers discover wine, with viral sensations like the £10.99 "chicken wine" and Aldi's award-winning sauvignon blanc capturing public imagination. TikTok creators such as Lucy Hitchcock, known as @Partnerinwineuk, frequently see bottles from Marks & Spencer and Waitrose disappear from shelves within hours of recommendation.
"Wine has become an entire aisle dedicated to variety and value," explains Libby Brodie, wine consultant and columnist. "Supermarkets have wisely invested in their wine buyers and producer relationships because this represents how most people purchase their wine today."
This trend extends beyond still wines to champagne and whisky selections, where growing consumer demand has prompted supermarkets to expand their offerings and improve quality. Sinead Murdoch, sommelier and co-founder of London restaurant Tasca, observes that supermarkets are increasingly appealing to discerning drinkers. "Top wine buyers now work for supermarkets, and growing competition is raising the standard of what reaches the shelves," she notes.
The Expert-Recommended Selection
Navigating the extensive supermarket wine selection can still prove challenging. To simplify this process, we consulted sommeliers, wine influencers, and industry experts who have identified ten exceptional bottles that deliver outstanding quality without requiring specialist knowledge or excessive spending.
1. Altos de Torona Albariño – Best Crisp White Wine
ABV 12.5% | Country: Spain | £15 from Waitrose.com
"If you appreciate crisp, fresh wines like sauvignon blanc or pinot gris, this Albariño deserves your attention," suggests Katie Brook. "It delivers zesty character with subtle apricot, lime, and even a salty edge." Perfect for summer occasions, Brook recommends pairing this Spanish white with seafood for a delightful dining experience.
2. Waitrose Loved & Found Moschofilero Rosé – Best Rosé Wine
ABV 12.5% | Country: Greece | £10 from Waitrose.com
"This represents an excellent choice for those who enjoy food-friendly wines," says Lucy Hitchcock. "For devotees of Côtes de Provence seeking something different, this dry Greek rosé offers fragrant, zesty character with citrus, peach, cherry, and a hint of rose." At under £10, this bottle provides affordable sophistication for dinner parties.
3. La Balconne Organic Provence Rosé – Best Whispering Angel Alternative
ABV 12.5% | Country: France | £16 from Ocado.com
"This elegant rosé blends seven grape varieties from across Provence into a silky-smooth wine bursting with raspberry, peach, citrus, and subtle rosemary notes," Hitchcock describes. She calls it "the perfect sunshine sipper to elevate any summer moment." For those seeking a Whispering Angel alternative, this French rosé delivers exceptional quality.
4. LB7 Vinho Verde – Best Vinho Verde Wine
ABV 10% | Country: Portugal | £10 from Majestic.co.uk
"Not only does this wine contain just 10% ABV, but it also offers aromatic, zesty character with a delicate spritz," Brook explains. "Vinho verde represents Portugal's flagship white wine, possibly ranking among the most refreshing options available on warm days."
5. Oxney Organic Estate Brut Rosé NV – Best Sparkling Wine
ABV 12% | Country: England | £20 from Waitrose.com
Although English wine sometimes receives unfair criticism, Murdoch describes this Sussex-produced bottle as "a wonderful fizz." She adds, "Nothing compares to enjoying something produced closer to home. This sparkling wine possesses genuine energy, featuring exciting, racy lemon and green apple skin notes perfectly balanced by raspberries and strawberries." Murdoch recommends this as an ideal summer barbecue aperitif.
6. Morrisons The Best Vinho Verde – Best Subtle Spritz Wine
ABV 10% | Country: Portugal | £9 from Morrisons.com
"I'm currently obsessed with vinho verde," admits Hitchcock. "It contains a subtle spritz that makes it incredibly refreshing." Described as "bright and zesty," this Portuguese wine bursts with lime and pear flavours, creating what Hitchcock calls "the ultimate refreshing sip for sunny days and relaxed summer lunches."
7. Waitrose Cave de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne – Best Wine Served with Cheese
ABV 11.5% | Country: France | £17 from Waitrose.com
"This represents the closest alternative to champagne you can find," Brodie states. "This Crémant blanc de blanc undergoes the same production method using the same grape variety, but originates from nearby Burgundy. Fresh, flavourful, and featuring creamy effervescence, this wine creates heavenly pairings with baked camembert."
8. Gerard Bertrand Genora Orange Wine – Best Orange Wine
ABV 12.5% | Country: France | £12 from Tesco.com
"If you feel curious about orange wine but remain uncertain where to begin, this provides a fantastic introduction," Murdoch suggests. "This blend of chardonnay, roussanne, viognier, and grenache blanc represents a true southern French combination. The white grapes undergo maceration on their skins, imparting lightly spiced, citrusy character with bright tangerine notes. It's aromatic, textured, and delightful whether enjoyed alone or paired with grilled pork or fish."
9. Visio Vintners We The People Cape Blend – Best Wine for Barbecues
ABV 13% | Country: South Africa | £10 from Tesco.com
"Barbecue season has arrived, and if anyone understands cooking over fire, it's South Africans," Brook observes. "This South African red blend predominantly features Pinotage – a bold grape variety native to the country. You'll discover this bottle at virtually every barbecue." Brook describes this wine as smooth, fruity, and slightly smoky, recommending chilling for twenty minutes before serving alongside grilled lamb chops, burgers, and charred vegetables.
10. Codorníu Gran Crémant Eco Vintage Brut – Best Alternative to Champagne
ABV 11.5% | Country: Spain | £11 from Coop.co.uk
"Cava delivers exceptional value when seeking champagne alternatives," Brook explains. "Produced using the same method as champagne – undergoing secondary fermentation in the bottle to develop vibrant bubbles – it provides a refreshing alternative. This particular cava offers rich, creamy character and delicious flavour." This Spanish sparkling wine from Co-op creates perfect celebrations without extravagant spending.
Your Supermarket Wine Questions Answered
What are the best supermarket wines for 2026?
For crisp white wines suitable for dinner dates or festive parties, the Altos de Torona Albariño from Waitrose represents excellent value at £15. Waitrose's Loved & Found moschofilero rosé offers more innovative character. For celebrations, Co-op's Codorníu gran crémant eco vintage brut provides sophistication without excessive cost. Morrisons' The Best Vinho Verde lives up to social media hype with its bright, fresh character.
Meet the Experts
Our recommendations come from qualified wine consultants, restaurant sommeliers, TikTok-viral influencers, and respected wine critics who have identified the finest bottles for 2026 enjoyment. These experts selected wines from Aldi, Marks & Spencer, and other leading supermarkets.
Libby Brodie operates as a qualified wine consultant with extensive industry experience. She established Bacchus & Brodie Wine Consultancy, which personally curates wine selections for individuals and events.
Katie Brook works as a journalist specialising in wine with a decade of experience as a wine reviewer. She founded Run To Wine – a London- and Surrey-based running club that concludes sessions with wine tastings.
Sinead Murdoch serves as a sommelier and co-founded Tasca restaurant in London. Following formal training, she managed front-of-house operations at Shoreditch restaurant Bistro Freddie before spending time in Provence at Gallifet Art Centre, where she curated their wine list.
Lucy Hitchcock operates the popular @Partnerinwineuk social media account. With nearly 100,000 Instagram followers and 65,000 TikTok followers, her reviews of Aldi and Marks & Spencer bottles frequently achieve viral status.
