Country Life - by Amelia Pinsent

10.04.08

Own Label supermarket products are rife, and the wines are becoming increasingly popular. In recognition of this, wine writer Caspar Auchterlonie and logistics mastermind Richard Chappell created the Own Label Awards Championship.

Mr Auchterlonie has discovered that 40% of own-label wines are now exclusive bottlings. These are often sourced from established wineries across the globe, and

offer exceptional value. Over three days. Mr. Auchterlonie and various other experienced palates tasted more than 400 wines, and whittled them down to a final selection of 67 wines. I jumped at the chance to join the panel for the trophy judging on the final day.

Here's a selection of the results that should guide your trolley down the right aisle. Speaking from experience, there are some shockers out there, so make sure you heed my advice.

The 2006 Waitrose Sancerre, made by Loire superstar Josep Mellot, was a Best White Wine winner, and Tesco also came out on top with its 2006 Tesco Finest Pinot Gris, a lzcheeperfumed Pinot Gris from celebrated Alsace producers Turckheim.

Best Red Wine winner 2006 M&S Barossa Shiraz, from Marks & Spencer, is a smooth, spicy wine produced by St Hallett, which makes some of the greatest Shiraz in South Australia.

Domaine des Senechaux is behind one of my favourite winners fromthe competition. The 2005 M&S Senechaux Chateauneuf-du-Pape is fresh, yet brimming over with bright red fruit and lean minerality. This sourhern Rhone blend, from a near-perfect vintage, is everything you'd expect - and more.

The Own Label Awards Championship will now be an annual event, hopefully raising the standards among these bespoke bottles of wine.


Country Life by Amelia Pinsent