The Marks & Spencer Autumn Tasting 2024 showcased wines for seasonal drinking and festive gatherings. They included 17 brand new listings, including three new varietals joining the Expressions range, which launched last autumn.
There’s a continued focus on value in the M&S range. After dropping the prices of 100 wines in April, it is now ‘dropping & locking’ the prices of an additional 18 bottles in October and 19 more in November.
The start of October also saw the introduction of a permanent ‘Buy 4, save 10%’ offer that is now running across all M&S regular wines and alcohol-free wines in store. Online shoppers should note that M&S wines are now available on Ocado rather than the M&S website, which will only be selling wines as part of its gift pack range.
Scroll down for tasting notes and scores of the best Marks & Spencer wine buys for autumn and winter
M&S is also championing English wines, in response to increased demand from its customers. Sales of English sparkling have increased by 35% in the past year; while sales of still English wines have risen by 23%. The range now includes 20 different English wines, including an own-label 2023 English Pét Nat Rosé (£15) introduced this spring – the first on the high street.
A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier from Heppington Vineyard in Kent, it’s a gentle introduction to Pétillant Naturel, an on-trend style that’s more often seen in natural wine bars than supermarkets. The wine gets its slight sparkle due to the juice being bottled while still fermenting.
Sparkling quality
If you’re after more mainstream sparkle, the M&S fizz range continues to impress. Look out for two great non-vintage Champagnes introduced earlier this year, that would be ideal for special festive celebrations. Charles Orban’s Carte Noire (£30) is a great find a from small grower. While the long lees-aged Brut Reserve from Palmer & Co (£45) is rich and complex.
If you’re looking for French fizz without Champagne prices, consider regional crémants. The M&S range includes a Crémant de Bordeaux for £10 and Classics no12 Crémant de Bourgogne NV (£12), both great value choices if you’re hosting a Christmas party.
Other good value sparkling wines include the 2021 Finca Miguel Brut Vintage Cava (£12) and, under the Collection range, the Colle del Principe Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore (£13).
Brave New World
The latest intake of newcomers to the M&S range featured a good proportion of bottles from the Southern Hemisphere. I was particularly impressed with wines from Yarri-Karri, a producer in Australia’s Margaret River. The 2022 Yarri-Karri Cabernet Sauvignon (£13) is a good value taster of the top-level Cabernets that this region can produce. While its sibling 2023 Yarri-Karri Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (£12) is an aromatic and vibrant blend that will appeal to lovers of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
From South Africa, 2023 Gable Lodge Wild Ferment Chardonnay (£10) is a food-friendly budget buy. While the new 2024 Peacock Tail Fairtrade Sauvignon Blanc (£8) joins its sister Peacock Tail Fairtrade Pinotage, both made for M&S by top Cape winery Journey’s End.
Staying with the New World, a newcomer to the Collection range is the 2022 Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, made by Truchard Vineyards in Carneros from 25- to 47-year-old vines. New 2023 vintages in the Collection range that are still just as good include Susana Balbo Mendoza Malbec (£12) – made by Decanter’s 2024 Hall of Fame recipient, Argentinian winemaker Susana Balbo.
Value discoveries
The M&S Found range showcases ‘unexpected and undiscovered varieties’. Two whites introduced earlier this year are worth seeking out: the orange-style Organic Verdil from Spain (£9) and the Lucido – aka Catarratto – from Sicily (£7.50).
Several popular Found wines have now been repackaged under the Expressions label that was introduced last autumn, which is a range of single-varietal wines from well-known regions but made from less-familiar grapes. They include the solidly reliable 2022 Ribolla Gialla, Vermentino, Pecorino and Refosco from Italy (£8-£9).
New additions to the Expressions range for autumn include the 2023 Expressions Touriga Nacional (£7.50) from Portugal’s Alentejo region. Or try the 2021 Expressions Xinomavro from Macedonia in Greece, a great bottle for winter food pairing.
Other top choices for winter drinking include the dependable 2017 Collection El Duque de Miralta Rioja Gran Reserva (£16) and the rich, concentrated 2021 Collection Montresor, Amarone della Valpolicella (£24).
M&S wine picks for autumn and winter
Tasting notes come from the M&S Autumn 2024 tasting. Older recommendations have also been included if the wine is still available in store or online. All bottle prices are correct at time of publication. All M&S wines are now sold online via Ocado. Wine is only sold as part of the retailer’s range of gift packs on the M&S website.
