Trans-Iberian Give-Aways

It’s off to Spain at Sainsbury’s this month, while Waitrose are offering the chance to stock up on fortifieds for the winter

Spain is in the spotlight at Sainsbury’s from September 28 to October 25 and Torres Viña Sol 2004 is down from £4.69 to £3.99, while the Torres Gran Sangre de Toro 2000 is £1.50 off at £5.49. There is also a pair from Campo Viejo, with Sainsbury’s Rioja Viura 2004 £1 off at £3.99 and the Rioja Reserva 1998 down £2 to £5.99. Marques de Griñon Rioja 2003 is £1.50 off at £4.49, while at the premium end Faustino V Rioja Reserva 1998/99 is down £2 to £7.99. But if it’s fizz you’re after, Clos Monistrol Vintage Cava 2001 is down £3 to £4.99.

Warm up for the winter with Waitrose this month as they have a range of promotions on popular fortified wine brands (all offers run from October 3 to 30). Warre’s Warrior Special Reserve Port is down £2 from £7.99 to £5.99 and Taylor’s LBV Port 1999/2000 is reduced from £10.19 to £8.49. Sherry is receiving the same treatment with Croft Particular Pale Amontillado Sherry (1L) reduced 25% from £8.59 to £6.45, Tio Pepe Fino down from £8.05 to £6.99 and the Waitrose own-label Solera Jerezana Palo Cortado £1 off at £5.55. Meanwhile, Blandy’s Alvada 5 Year Old Rich Madeira (50cl) is 20% off at £7.19.

Beer fans are no worse off at Waitrose either as there is a new three for £10 deal running through October, November and December featuring such premium brews as Asahi, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Budweiser Budvar and Tiger (all 4x330ml).

Meanwhile, at Morrisons there’s an International Wine Festival from September 26 to October 23 with the chance to win one of 16 holidays to various wine regions of the world, including a star prize of two weeks for two in Australia and 250 runners-up prizes of £250 to spend on wine in store.

Following last month’s holiday offer from the Co-op (see Basket Watch, drinks business, September issue) it seems that we’re all just desperate to get out of here.

If this isn’t enough of an incentive to get down to Morrisons and fill your trolley, then there are the usual discount offers such as £1 off Yellow Tail Shiraz and Verdelho (now £4.49), three for £10 on Echo Falls Red and White, £1.20 off Cono Sur Chardonnay and Cabernet (now £3.79) and £2.70 off Kumala Zenith Rosé (now £4.29). At this rate it would probably take most consumers quite some time to spend £250 on wine.

The Co-op has a range of multi-buy offers this month (October 3 to 23) featuring Les Jamelles Syrah 2003 and Viognier 2004 at any two for £6 (usually £4.99 each), and Californian Crow’s Landing Shiraz, Chardonnay and Cabernet Shiraz Rosé at any three for £10 (usually £3.99 each).

And all’s fair in love and wine with Fairtrade Thandi Chardonnay and Merlot 2004 down from £5.99 to £4.99, Co-op Fairtrade Chilean Carmenère down to £3.99 from £4.99, the Oaked Sémillon down to £3.49 from £4.49 and the Merlot Rosé is “Co-op’s Pink of the Month” also down to £3.49 from £4.49.

The round up panel this month checks out some prices from Jerez and the Douro Valley.