Co-op is the UK’s fifth-largest food retailer, and one that puts an emphasis on sustainability and fairness, as well as good value. A roundup of top-performing wines from this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards emphasises all three.
With one Platinum and five Golds – including three Value Golds – at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards, Co-op has a lot to shout about.
Château Malescasse, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2020 scored 97 points, receiving a prestigious Platinum medal for its alluring sweet cassis, plum and blackcurrant aromas. The judges commented on its mellow texture and lingering finish, calling it a ‘class act.’
To its Gold awarded wines, there’s some great value to be found. Featured as one of the top 10 Value Golds, Zuccardi, Brazos de Los Andes Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2022 (95 points) is a skilfully crafted wine with beguilingly aromatic blueberry fruit, violet perfumes and some peppery spice, ideal for food pairing.
Judges also awarded 95 points to Les Vignerons d’Aghione, Casanova Costa d’Oru 2022 from Corsica, France. With its aromas of vivid red berries and energetic citrus, this wine has plenty to offer – and at £8 per bottle, it’s hard to beat.
For Sauvignon Blanc aficionados, try Vavasour, Sauvignon Blanc 2022 from Awatere Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand. Awarded 95 points, this wine shows plenty of varietal character. Judges noted its typical savoury, vibrant and pure aromas of citrus and grass, calling it ‘crowd-pleasing but classy too.’ At £12.25 it offers great value.
Scroll down to see our Co-op Shopper’s Guide for DWWA-winning wines
Among Co-op’s Gold list, one standout is Co-op’s own Champagne brand, Les Pionniers Brut 2013 which scored an impressive 96 points. It was highlighted for its flinty mineral aromas with an ample salinity and an expressive toasty, bready generosity.
Fortified lovers will appreciate Taylor’s, Quinta de Vargellas, Single Quinta Vintage Port, Portugal 2013 (95 points) for its black plummy fruits, cherry cola, and notes of white pepper.
Co-op is well known for supporting and promoting Fairtrade wines and at this year’s competition, five Fairtrade wines earned Silver or Bronze medals. In the Silver list, look for two wines from La Rioja, Argentina: Co-op, Fairtrade Torrontés-Chardonnay, Famatina Valley 2022 (92 points) and La Riojana, Fairtrade Bonarda-Malbec, Famatina Valley 2022 (90 points), both at £6.50.
Co-op has some 2,500 shops across the UK, and you can shop for your wines online too. Find our full Co-op shopper’s guide below, including tasting notes and prices. All wines listed have been tasted and rated by some of the world’s leading wine experts at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards.
DWWA Shoppers’ Guide: Co-op
Platinum
Château Malescasse, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2020
Platinum, 97 points
£25.50
Alluring sweet cassis, plum and blackcurrant aromas with a mellow texture and poised tannins beautifully bonded to refined currant and cedar fruit core. The subtle use of oak sits elegantly on the lingering finish. A class act. Alcohol 13.5%
Gold
Co-op, Les Pionniers Brut, Champagne, France 2013
Gold, 96 points
£37
Sublime flinty mineral aromas strung with an ample salinity and emboldened by an expressive toasty, bready generosity on the palate; heaps of charm and potential. Alc 12%
Les Vignerons d’Aghione, Casanova Costa d’Oru, Corsica, France 2022
Value Gold, 95 points
£8
Vivid red berries and energetic citrus aromas are well-defined and precise, with a racy, all-consuming acidity and lingering mineral core dancing through to the finish. Alc 12%
Taylor’s, Quinta de Vargellas, Single Quinta Vintage Port, Portugal 2013
Gold, 95 points
£33.50
A dark, broody wine. Loaded with black plummy fruits, cherry cola, and notes of white pepper on a subtle smoky finish. Alc 20%
Vavasour, Sauvignon Blanc, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand 2022
Value Gold, 95 points
£12.25
Savoury, vibrant and pure with an expressive citrus and grassy scent. The palate has zippy acidity, great vibrato and attractive gooseberry notes. Crowd-pleasing but classy too. Alc 12.5%
Zuccardi, Brazos de Los Andes Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2022
Value Gold, 95 points
£10.50
A skilfully crafted wine with beguilingly aromatic blueberry fruit, violet perfumes and some peppery spice. The palate has more plum and blueberry fruits with an attractive, spicy core; palpable yet refined tannins. Alc 14%
Silver
Co-op, Les Pionniers Rosé Brut, Champagne, France NV
Silver, 93 points
£25.50
Very ripe and fruit drive nose, showing aromas of pear, red apple and dried leaves. Linear acidity, pithy finish. Alc 12%
Co-op, Fairtrade Torrontés-Chardonnay, Famatina Valley, La Rioja, Argentina 2022
Silver, 92 points
£6.50
Beautiful floral nose, expressive, showing aromas of jasmine, grapes and perfumed citrus. Intense on the palate, with a refreshing acidity. Alc 12%
Co-op, Irresistible Pedro Ximénez, Sherry, Spain NV
Silver, 91 points
£7.50 | 37.5cl
Elegant aromas of prunes, dried oranges, figs and treacle, with hints of cinnamon. Intensely sweet with a lovely creamy mouthfeel. Alc 17%
Baron de Ley, Reserva, Rioja, Spain 2018
Silver, 90 points
£12.50
This is a polished, gastronomic wine with herby and minty aromas, fresh acidity and a smooth texture; uncomplicated and rather easy to drink. Alc 14%
La Riojana, Fairtrade Bonarda-Malbec, Famatina Valley, La Rioja, Argentina 2022
Silver, 90 points
£6.50
Very intense nose, milky and chocolatey, with rich blueberry fruit and hints of smoke. Supple tannins, smooth and harmonious. Alc 13.5%
Bronze
Co-op, Fairtrade Merlot, Famatina Valley, La Rioja, Argentina 2022
Bronze, 88 points
£8
Fruit driven nose, with savoury undertones. Juicy and firm on the palate, with a long finish. Alc 13%
Co-op, Fairtrade Pinot Grigio, Famatina Valley, La Rioja, Argentina 2022
Bronze, 88 points
£7.50
Restrained aromas of lemon peel with hints of perfume. Lovely and zippy on the palate. Alc 12%
El Esteco, Don David Blend of Terroirs Malbec, Calchaquí Valley, Salta, Argentina 2022
Bronze, 88 points
£13.50
Herbal and spicy profile, mint, thyme and black fruit on the nose. Ripe and polished on the palate, warm finish. Alc 14%
Co-op, Fairtrade Irresistible Organic Malbec, Famatina Valley, La Rioja, Argentina 2021
Bronze, 87 points
£8
Red fruit character with refreshing notes of black pepper and hints of spices. Approachable and fresh. Alc 13%
Co-op, Truly Irresistible Viognier, Pays d’Oc, France 2022
Bronze, 87 points
£8.50
Restrained bouquet of yellow apple and pear, hints of chamomile. Creamy, with and almondy finish. Alc 13.5%
Co-op, Truly Irresistible Marsanne, Pays d’Oc, France 2022
Bronze, 86 points
£8.50
Restrained aromas of grapefruit and yellow melon. Firm and bright on the palate, with a serious finish. Alc 13%
