The best own-label wines from independent merchants
We all know the supermarkets love to bolster their wine offerings with a variety of own labels, but did you realise that some of our independent merchants do something similar? These can be exceptional buys for the canny drinker because whereas the supermarkets focus largely on price (that's not a judgment on their quality — some can be very good), the independents don't necessarily go with the cheapest but persuade their very best wine growers to do a bespoke bottling for them.
Berry Bros & Rudd, Britain's oldest merchant, has more than 60 own-label wines, from its bestselling Good Ordinary Claret (£13.95) to the sumptuous, sweet and raisiny William Pickering Tawny Port (£31).
Berry Bros' St James's Street counterpart, Justerini & Brooks, has a smaller range made by some of the finest producers in France, although you might have to sign the official secrets act to find out precisely who. Its 275th Anniversary Bourgogne (£23) is a case in point, bottled by someone in the village of Vosne-Romanée. These are great wines and, in the case of Corney & Barrow's 2021 Aligoté (£36.25), made by Domaine Marquis d'Angerville, genuine bespoke parcels with only 900 bottles made.
In recent years Yapp Brothers has unveiled several own-label wines, while Tanners has a range from 'trusted suppliers' that best represent specific regions. Not to be outdone, after 52 years The Sunday Times Wine Club has also launched its own range, including a Provençal rosé just in time for summer.
• How can you tell if wine is corked? 33 wine questions answered
France (13%)The Wine Society, £9.95This floral blend including pinot gris, riesling and gewürztraminer has lovely aromatic hints of peach.
France (13.5%)Yapp Brothers, £10.95From a co-operative of growers in the Ardèche, this cabernet sauvignon sings with notes of cassis and has a smooth finish.
Spain (14%) Corney & Barrow, £13.95 A traditional full-bodied rioja with an emphasis on rich, savoury dark fruit and meaty flavours with touches of spice.
• How to start a wine cellar — and drink well for less
France (14.5%) Tanners, £14.40This grenache-dominant blend from the Gonnet family of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is silky, supple and full of red fruit.
France (14.5%)Justerini & Brooks, £27.85A serious, classic pomerol, this merlot-heavy red has inviting notes of plum, savoury spice and a dry, velvety texture.
USA (13.2%)Berry Bros & Rudd, £38Quite a coup for Berry Bros, this fine, silky chardonnay teems with citrus, red apple and peach.
• The Sunday Times Wine Club's 10 best bottles this summer
France (13.5%) £13.99 The club's first own-label rosé from the high slopes of Provence is crisp and pure, with a wonderful saline freshness.
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