Stockist/Retailer: Ocado

(2026) It is relatively rare to see a Gran Reserva Rioja listed these days, the GR rules stipulating a long minimum period of barrel ageing, which for the past few decades has been somewhat out of favour in the region. This Gran Reserva spent around two and a half years in oak, plus three more in bottle before release, although the barrels were all French, rather than the often more obvious American oak. It is 95% Tempranillo plus Graciano. It is aromatic, but more about cedar and sweet damp earth, a hint of chocolate, than overt fruitiness. In the mouth it continues on that cedary path, though there is a solid core of plum and blackcurrant, that is really quite plush on the mid-palate, before juicy acidity, firm tannins and the graphite and spice character reasserts in the long finish. Top tip: decant this for at least one hour and the fruit will emerge more. One for something off the grill or barbie. Watch the video for more information.

(2026) A Wine of the Week when at its current discount price (at time of review) down from £16.75 to £11.75 in Ocado until 11th August 2026. It's organic and vegan certified, and comes from the more coastal and cool Casablanca Valley. It was matured for six months in French oak barrels. It's a vegetal and roasted style of Pinot, though quite pale in colour, aromas of grilling meats and roasting chestnuts with a hint of truffle and forest floor. In the mouth firm cherry fruit is juicy and the spicy, the herby/meaty character ends in some firming tannins and lemony acids. At £16.75 I wouldn't have chosen this as WoTW, but if you can grab the discount before the 11th it might be worth a punt if you like the sound of it. Watch the video for more information.

(2026) There are several white Bordeaux wines from producer Calvet around. This one, on offer at £7 in Ocado at time of review, also says 'Cuvée Fumé' on the label and has 11% alcohol. The Sauvignon aromas ring clear, the oak influence very subtle, perhaps just adding a little almond sheen. Quite straighforward, light, and fresh in the finish it's a nice aperitif, goat's cheese or seafoody choice at the offer price (down from £8.50).

(2026) From the coastal region, this is made for M&S by Journey's End from sustainably farmed grapes. The wine was aged for six months in French oak, but oakophobes need not fear as it wears that quite lightly. There's a touch of honey and creamy almond to ripe apple and lightly spiced peach. In the mouth the oak character falls away further, the orchard fruit and lemon flavours cutting through, even hinting at pineapple, and this matched with creamy tarragon chicken to good effect. Watch the video for more information.

(2026) One of the star names of Stellenbosch, Vergelegen dates its history back to 1700, though the modern era began in 1987. Long time winemaker Andre van Rensburg was obsessed with the wines of Bordeaux and his ambition was to make just two wines: a red and a white, exclusively from Bordeaux varities. Andre retired in 2022, but here we have what is still basically a 'Left Bank' blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, though there is a smidge of Syrah in there too. It's a full-bodied, ripe and very approachable wine, cassis and plum to the fore with a touch of cedar and olive in the background. There is plentiful sweet fruit on the palate, which has a nice density through quite rich and grainy tannins and cherry-skin acidity. Long and intense, it's a nice, big mouthful of structured red at a modest price. Note that this bottling is exclusive to Ocado. Watch the video for more information.

(2026) Like many other Rioja producers, Beronia has made the short journey to Rueda for this wine, made from that region's key grape variety, Verdejo. I particularly liked the fact that this is not a Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc pastiche like so many others. There's a talcum and sherbet lift to this over passion fruit and juicy Asian pear. In the mouth there is a spangle brightness, crisp and clean flavours running a line between exotic and citrus, and lovely length into a balanced finish. Look out for deals - it was recently down to £8 in Waitrose. Watch the video for more information.

(2026) A Cava designated as 'Guarda Superior', which means it has had a minimum of 18 months on the lees, and is certified organic. It is made from the traditional varieties, 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada and 15% Xarel·lo and was bottled with 10g/l of residual sugar. With plenty of small bubbles, this has that creamy, custard note that I always find in Cavas made with these varieties. In the mouth there is a broad biscuity, apple crumble character, but the zipping citrus of the acidity is refreshing and keeps this sharp. Nicely done. At time of review reduced from £13.00 to £9.80 at Ocado, which is the price to be on. Watch the video for more information.

(2026) From vineyards managed with organic and biodynamic practices (but not certified) I have reviewed this Coastal Region Chardonnay recently and a second bottle confirms the impression of a highly drinkable Chardonnay on the tropical and ripe side, made to be easy-drinking - which it is - though not for the Chablis purist who can't take a bit of sweetness and creaminess.

(2026) A pale-coloured Pinot made with one-third whole bunch fruit, there's a cranberry and hessian character on the nose, but the small, savoury red berries are packed in here, as well as a glimpse of exotic incense. In the mouth it has a supple, redcurrant and cranberry fruitiness, gentle and well balanced with some herbal notes and elegant tannins and acidity that barely ripple the surface. Price and stockist quoted at time of review are for the previous vintage.

(2025) From a very high quality Co-op, this is a typical Côtes du Rhône Blanc blend of Viognier, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc grown on clay limestone and stony soils. It's a very nicely made wine this, unoaked but quite creamy and rich, the Viognier driving the aromas with pear, apricot and peach touched by something floral. On the palate it is quite full, sweet with fruit and possibly a hint of residual sugar? That may just be the ripeness in this 14% alcohol, full flavoured wine. An honest CdR from a very good Co-operative cellar, finishing with good balance and rich lime acidity. Watch the video for more information and food matching ideas.