Where to find the best wine deals in January

It’s THAT time of year, mid-January, when we are all seeking bargains and, unless you’re doing Dry January, good wines on special offer seem especially appealing. Indeed, tracking down decent wines on January deals is a much better pursuit than simply looking for the cheapest bottles on the shelves. 

Wines under £5 rarely give a lot of pleasure (though I continue to find occasional gems which appear in this column from time to time) whereas a keen offer on a more expensive bottle can deliver both a delicious glassful and a certain level of smug satisfaction... 

To it, then, and below are my best buys for the next week or two. In the red corner there’s an eye-catching price on a particularly well-balanced Mendoza malbec, a quid off an own-label supermarket Rioja that was already a bargain at its normal price and a pleasingly soft and relatively light Burgundian pinot noir from Aldi slashed back until stocks run out. 

The best whites of the moment include Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Albarino (below), and it’s worth noting that two other excellent Taste the Difference whites are currently on offer: the zippy, refreshing and appley TTD Austrian Riesling 2021, Niederosterreich (12.5%, £9, down to £8 until Jan 24) and the peachy, ginger-tinged TTD Jurancon Sec, France (13.5%, £8, down to £7 until Jan 24). Now you know where to go for whites to match healthy lighter dishes this month. 

I’ve picked another white from the current crop of offers at Telegraph Wine Cellar where there is up to 40% off single bottle prices and up to 46% on by-the-case purchases until Jan 31. This applies to 25 wines – below is one of my favourites.

Try these...

Finca Lalande Organic Malbec 2021, Mendoza, Argentina 

(14%, Waitrose, £9.99, down to £6.99 until Jan 24)

Malbec from vineyards growing at 1200m altitude, which accounts for the fresh, lifted finish, with plenty of ripe black cherry and beguiling notes of chocolate and liquorice. On current offer, the best value malbec on the shelves. Do I need to say “steak”?

The Best Marques de los Rios Rioja Crianza 2018, Spain 

(13.5%, Morrisons, £8.50 down to £7.50 until Jan 22)

Mellow, smooth Rioja made from 100% tempranillo and aged in oak for 12 months. Strawberries, red plums and vanilla mingle in a classic crianza style that’s at its best with lamb or hard, full-flavoured cheeses. Punching well above its price point on this offer.

Taste the Difference Albarino 2021, Rias Baixas, Spain 

(12%, Sainsbury’s, £9.50, down to £8.50 until Jan 24) 

From the relatively cool, sea-breezy region of Rias Baixas in Galicia, north-west Spain, a zesty white with refreshing light apricot, pithy lemon and a softer, creamier texture than some examples. Lovely with simple white fish dishes like pan-fried buttery cod.

Winemaker’s Lot Chassaux et Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2021, France 

(12.5%, Aldi, £14.99, down to £9.99 while stocks last)

Soft, relatively light, beguilingly fruity Burgundian pinot still in Aldi stores on special offer since before Christmas. It’s suffused with tangy red cherries and redcurrants with a light savoury edge to the finish. One for a beef casserole or mild, creamy cheeses.

Man O’War Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Waiheke Island, New Zealand 

(13.5%, Telegraph Wine Cellar, £18.95 down to £13.55, case price £12.20, until Jan 31)

More of a treat, and one of my favourite whites currently on offer from Telegraph Wine Cellar, a fine sauv blanc made on Waiheke Island out in Auckland bay. With its vivacious flavours and aromas of fresh gooseberry, passion fruit and tomato leaf, it’s a star match for Thai green curries.

All wines have been independently chosen and reviewed by our journalists. We will earn a commission if you purchase a wine from Telegraph Wine Cellar.