Tanners of Shrewsbury have one of the finest own-label ranges in the country and with dread Christmas in the offing and belts tight as ever, it seemed smart to look no further. With high quality, low prices and the chance to mix your own case, don’t miss this opportunity to fill your boots.
I’m no fan of cava, but Mrs Ray says I should stop being such a ghastly vinous snob and, having tasted the Tanners Cava Brut (1), I realise she might be right. Produced by the Heredad Seguras Viudas winery near Barcelona from Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, it’s fresh, creamy, toasty and, well, yes, rather tasty. Best of all, it’s a crazily low price for a champagne method sparkler and if it doesn’t float your boat as it is, you can slosh it in a Buck’s Fizz, Kir Royale or Black Velvet. £10 down from £11.60.
Tanners of Shrewsbury have one of the finest own-label ranges in the country
If, however, only the real thing will do, then the Tanners Extra Reserve Brut Champagne NV (2) in magnum should be right up your street. As any fule kno, all wine tastes better from a magnum, especially champagne, and the visual impact shouldn’t be underestimated either: one magnum on a table looks far more encouraging and exciting than two bottles. More is more. And this is an absolute beauty – both citrus-fresh and toasty – one of the very finest own-label champagnes and a fraction of the price of the Grandes Marques. £62 per magnum down from £68.
The 2022 Tanners Chardonnay (3) from the excellent cooperative of Les Producteurs Réunis de Cébazan in the Languedoc, is simple, yes, but absolutely bang on. Crisp, clean and fruit-driven, it’s about as fine a house Chardonnay as you’ll find, ideal as an aperitif or for refreshing unexpected festive guests. £8.95 down from £9.95.
If you like Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll love the 2022 Tanners Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (4) made by Ben Glover at the Coterie wine collective in Bedford Road, Marl-borough, in sight of the Richmond Ranges. Enticingly aromatic with plenty of cut grass, herbs and well-judged tropical fruit, it’s a satisfying wine at a satisfying price. £12.40 down from £14.40.
The 2017 Tanners Douro Red (5) is another treat that we’re offering in magnum only and which I plan to stockpile for Christmas. Blended from the classic port grapes of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz, it’s full, rich and concentrated with ripe dark fruit and a touch of spice on the finish. With its soft tannins and juicy generosity of flavour, it’s a real crowd pleaser, ideal for parties. £19 per magnum down from £22.
The 2022 Tanners Merlot (6) from the Languedoc is similarly appealing, with its ample hedgerow fruit and come-hither bouquet. A massive hit at this autumn’s tasting of The Bunch – a confederation of leading independent merchants – it’s a joy to drink and an absolute bargain. £8.95 down from £9.95.
The 2021 Tanners Rhône Valley Red (7) is a typical Côtes du Rhône blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre expressly made for Tanners by Gonnet Père et Fils at Domaine Font de Michelle in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It’s fresh, lively, succulent and peppery and is everything I want from a CDR. And with two quid lopped off the price, it’s a steal. £11.50 down from £13.50.
Finally, the 2018 Tanners Super Claret (8), a wonderful wine produced for Tanners by Mélanie Barton at Château Mauvesin Barton, the Moulis-en-Médoc estate of her late and greatly lamented grandfather, Anthony Barton (of Léoville and Langoa fame). A Merlot-based blend from an outstanding year, it’s already in its precocious prime and you’d be hard-pressed to find its equal. £15 down from £17.50.
The wines are offered in unmixed dozens (or six magnums in the case of wines 2 and 5) but you can create your own 12-bottle (or equivalent) mixed case by calling Tanners and mentioning this offer. Delivery to UK mainland addresses is free.
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