I am an oenologist and here are six excellent wines on sale at Supervalu for less than 20€

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THURSDAY sees the launch of Italy’s latest SuperValu wine event – so on your marks for some outrageous business.

Many hardy annuals are available during the event (ending June 8 or when supplies are sold out), all at very attractive prices – but it’s the special “guest” wines that make most wine lovers salivate. impatiently.

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And SuperValu wine buyer Kevin O’Callaghan has managed to secure a handful of real gems as “guest” wines.

He said at the recent press launch: “Italian wines have seen significant growth in the Irish market and account for 14% of total SuperValu wine sales, capturing 11% more share since 2008.”

He added: “This is largely due to the growing demand for Pinot Grigio and Prosecco, but what we are most proud of over the past two years are our sales of Italian red wines which today represent a larger share of the trade than our Italian whites and sparkling wine.

“While we will have up to 80 wines in the Italian Wine Event, the guest wines we will be showcasing will give our customers a chance to expand their wine repertoire, showing them the breadth of choice available. with the Italian offer and the unique wines produced there.”

“These guest wines really represent excitement to try new wines and we really encourage buyers to use this event to explore new tastes and varieties in the range.”

Below, I review six of these exciting “guest” wines:

Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino (ABV 14.5 percent)

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BANFI quickly became synonymous with quality wines soon after it was founded by Italian-American brothers, John and Harry, in 1978. It has built a very impressive wine portfolio.

This intense ruby ​​red wine is an excellent introduction to the range.

Made only with the Sangiovese grape, it was fermented in stainless steel tanks, before spending up to six months in French oak barrels before bottling. It has aromas of violets, tender red and black fruits and vanilla.

The ample, unctuous and balanced palate reveals notes of raspberry, plum and blackberry, as well as a little oak.

Enjoy with: Red meat dishes.

Monte Del Fra Corvina Veronese (ABV 14 percent)

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HERE Corvina, the grape that is the mainstay of Valpolicella and Amarone wines, has the opportunity to show exactly what it can do on its own.

It’s a garnet red color in the glass with complex fruity and spicy aromas – cherries, stewed prunes, red summer berries and hints of cinnamon are all here.

The palate is medium in intensity, with fine tannins and flavors of blackberry and raspberry compote, added grassy notes and a touch of leather.

It has good length on the finish and some aging potential.

Enjoy with: Charcuterie and semi-cured cheese.

Banfi Belnero Tuscany (ABV 14.5 percent)

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SUPERB example of an intense Tuscan red, made exclusively with the Sangiovese grape variety.

An intense and deep color in the glass, with aromas of plum and blackberry, as well as hints of vanilla, coffee and tobacco.

The tannins are soft and elegant on the palate which is well structured and has those characteristic cherry/strawberry flavors and a bit of spice.

Enjoy with: Perfect with soups and grilled red meats.

Cortezza Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (ABV 13.5 percent)

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MADE from grapes harvested from vineyards in and around the village of Montepluciano, the blend here is primarily Sangiovese, but with at least 10% Canaiolo Nero and Petit Mammolo in the blend.

The nose has warm notes of ripe plum – and delicate scents of cherry and strawberry, with hints of leather and tobacco.

The palate has round tannins, with tantalizing cherry and strawberry flavors and a hint of vanilla on a long, lingering finish.

enjoy with: Rabbit stew.

Acquesi Asti Spumante (ABV 7 percent)

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A must-try wine in this sale. Excellent presentation and something of a fun sparkling wine that is moderately sweet.

Made from the Moscato Bianco grape, it has a delicate pale straw yellow color – and a nose that explodes with notes of honey, peach, lemon and lime.

The palate also sparkles with delicate flavors of lemon curd, honeycomb, peach and pineapple.

Enjoy with: Asian spicy food or fried chicken.

Cortezza Vermentino Toscana (ABV 12.5 percent)

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VERMENTINO makes a refreshing change from Sauvignon Blanc – and is a real bargain at this price.

This beautiful example has a straw yellow color with characteristic floral notes on the nose, as well as sage and mint.

The round and balanced mouth is persistent and has a nice saline minerality and a delicious acidity, with flavors of almond, grapefruit and peach.

enjoy with: Must be fish.