Wine educators reveal best value buys

The Association of Wine Educators has launched an initiative designed to help consumers to get better value for money from their wine choices.

The UK organisation, whose 90 members run WSET courses as well as hosting corporate events and consumer tastings, has drawn up a list called “100 AWEsome Wines”.

Featuring 100 wines based on personal recommendations from AWE members, the list is divided into wines priced below £10 and between £10 and £25, with a further category for sparkling wines below £25.

The final selection covers 15 countries, around 35 grape varieties, with the wines available from a range of supermarkets, independent retailer or online merchants. Each listing is accompanied by a brief description and recommendation of how best to enjoy wine from the AWE member who suggested it.

Recommendations include Morrisons’ Signature Valpolicella Ripasso 2012 at £7.49, picked by wine presenter and writer Charles Metcalfe; Dom Daniel Barraud Pouilly-Fuissé “Sur La Roche” 2013 from Howard Ripley at £20, selected by Nancy Gilchrist MW; and Ridgeview Merret Bloomsbury Sparkling Wine 2011 from Waitrose at £24.99, which was chosen by Richard Bampfield MW.

The initiative was devised by Laura Clay, former chairman of AWE, in collaboration with current chairman Heather Dougherty.

Explaining the aim behind this selection, Clay commented: “We see wine drinkers buying the same wines week after week, nervous about spending a bit more or trying something different. We believe 100 AWEsome Wines will give consumers the confidence to branch out and, hopefully, splash out, too – safe in the knowledge that their money is well spent.”