When a spontaneous craving for wine strikes, or you've simply run out of time for a dedicated trip to a larger supermarket, the local corner shop often becomes the default option. While their selections might appear limited, experts suggest that these smaller outlets frequently stock reliable and enjoyable wines, debunking the myth that quality is reserved for specialist retailers.
For many, certain brands become synonymous with these local haunts. Campo Viejo Tempranillo, for instance, has long been a popular choice for its approachable, fruity profile. Similarly, Muriel Tempranillo Rioja, available at retailers like Co-op, offers classic dark red fruit and vanilla notes typical of young Rioja. These reds can even be enhanced with a brief chill in the fridge, or mixed to create refreshing Spanish summer cocktails like tinto de verano.
Fizz enthusiasts need not despair either. Prosecco is a ubiquitous presence in most corner shops, and while some find commercial prosecco overly sweet, the addition of glowing bitters such as Aperol, also widely available, can create a delicious and balanced drink. Champagne, however, presents a more challenging purchase in these settings. Often stored on shelves behind the till in less-than-ideal warm and light conditions, spending a significant sum on a premium bottle can be risky. For those set on Champagne, affordable own-label non-vintage blends, typically priced around £25 at mini-supermarkets, are generally a safer bet.
When it comes to white wines, France appears to be a consistently safe bet. Picpoul de Pinet is often praised for its good value and inoffensive character, and many corner shops stock wines from Burgundian giant Louis Jadot. Its Mâcon Villages, for example, offers excellent value, often found around £13 at stores like Tesco. Beyond the well-trodden paths, some mini-supermarkets are now introducing lesser-known grape varieties, such as the smoky-mineral Carricante from Sicily or Romania's aromatic Fetească Regală, both noted for being food-friendly and an interesting addition to local selections.
Rosé wines also hold their own in corner shop offerings. Pale French rosés, like the 'chicken wine' southern French rosé (a blend of cinsault, grenache, and syrah) or Studio by Miraval's 'Mediterranean rosé', are often recommended for their easy-drinking and enjoyable nature. These selections embody the ideal corner shop wine: dependable, pleasant, and perfect for casual enjoyment without fuss.
Source: The Guardian