PENNY PINCHIN'💰

What’s up winos,

Good wknd?

I had a bottle of wine last night that reminded me of a very, very important lesson. Good wine doesn’t have to be eye-poppingly expensive.

Well, duh, I can hear you saying. But it’s easy to forget about that when everytime the warehouse door opens to a dleivery driver I feel like I’m going to get crushed by the weight (and excitement) of all the elite, elite, elite piss coming through the doors. And that stuff’s great. Obviously. But it’s not all there is, and we all (me especially) could do with being reminded of that every once in a while. So whether your new year’s resolution was to spend less money (me) or to spend less money on wine (Fionn’s, or it should be, anyway. Hi Fionn!) - Parched provideth, as we always do.

First up, I wanna shout out Oniric. Based in the Penedès, they’re churning out some serious bargains. Their pet nat is my go-to aperitivo when my bank account is feeling the burn, and I had their Blanc recently for the first time in ages and was reminded of what a banger it is for the price - crisp stone fruit and minerality for days. Their orange wines are both great entry points for those just starting their skin contact journey (or if you need to convince your mates to start their skin contact journey). What’s not to like?

Over in Austria, Judith Beck is consistently putting out beautiful bottlings year after year. Her Weissburgunder is delicious, and a bottle I keep returning to, bringing a bit of everything - herbs, florals, searing acidity. The Blaufrankisch is a game-changer if you think Austrian reds are a no-go zone, and her characterful pink is perfect if you’re one of those vanguards (me) who think rose is a year-round wine.

Hopping all over the map today, let’s see what the word is in in South Africa. Testalonga are masters of the low intervention, low price game, a game that’s harder and harder to play these days. With two light, chillable reds, a slamming Chenin and a complex skin contact, there’s a bit of something for everyone here. Even you. I swear.

You’ve probably seen these guys everywhere, so here’s your excuse to give ‘em a go. The Delinquente wines are fun and fresh, and they basically have one for every occasion. Pet nats for those who are that way inclined (also stunningly low ABV this vintage, if you’re into that), a seafood-friendly Vermentino, and two juicy reds. Cute labels too. What more do you want?

And last up - if you still want to drink Burgundy but don’t want to give up turning your heating on, check out Domaine de Thalie. Serious value given the postcode. The Chardy is good n ripe but still fresh, plus there’s a nice salty Aligote, and an earthy, spicy Pinot. Burgundian Pinot for under £30? I know.

So there u go! Thank me when your credit card bill comes in this month.

xoxo

Megan