- IWC Insight
- 2026-05-26
Sparkling Wines
Ars Collecta Blanc de Blancs Reserva Ecológico 2022
Codorníu | Spain | 95 points | Gold Medal
£20 | Ocado, Amazon
One of the highest-scoring supermarket sparkling wines of the competition, this Reserva Cava combines Chardonnay with traditional Cava varieties Xarel-lo and Parellada to create a wine with real finesse and ageing complexity.
The judges praised its precision and elegance, highlighting layers of citrus, orchard fruit and creamy texture alongside a refined mousse and long finish.
A serious sparkling wine that comfortably rivals many Champagnes at a fraction of the price.
M&S Cuvée Rosé by Balfour NV
Balfour Winery | England | 93 points | Silver Medal
£24 | Marks & Spencer
English sparkling wine continues its rise, and this Kent-produced rosé shows exactly why.
Built around Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, it delivers delicate summer berry fruit, elegant freshness and fine persistent bubbles. The judges noted its balance and approachable charm, making it an ideal aperitif-style sparkling.
Nice Drop Prosecco NV
Italy | 90 points | Silver Medal
£5.25 | Asda
At just over £5, this Silver medal-winning Prosecco is one of the strongest value sparkling buys in the competition.
Fresh pear, apple and light floral notes make this an easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing fizz that delivers excellent value for everyday drinking.
White Wines
Tesco Finest Picpoul de Pinet 2024
Les Costières de Pomerols | France | 95 points | Gold Medal
£10 | Tesco
One of the standout supermarket whites of IWC 2026.
The judges described this Gold medal-winning Picpoul as vibrant and refreshing, with bright citrus, saline minerality and crisp acidity delivering classic southern French coastal character.
A brilliant seafood wine and one of the best-value whites under £12 currently available in UK supermarkets.
Tesco Finest Valle de Leyda Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Luis Felipe Edwards Winery | Chile | 93 points | Silver Medal
£9 | Tesco
Chile's cool-climate Leyda Valley continues to produce impressive Sauvignon Blanc, and this wine combines freshness with expressive aromatics.
The judges highlighted lifted citrus, green herbs and tropical fruit notes balanced by bright acidity and a clean mineral finish.
A seriously smart alternative to pricier Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
M&S Collection Riesling Stepp 2023
Germany | 93 points | Silver Medal
£14 | Marks & Spencer
German Riesling remains one of wine's great insider bargains.
This Pfalz example impressed judges with its lime zest, stone fruit and refreshing acidity, offering excellent balance and versatility with food.
A polished, modern Riesling that significantly overdelivers for the price.
The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Marisco Vineyards | New Zealand | 95 points | Gold Medal
£14 | Majestic Wines
One of the most exciting sweet wine winners of the year.
Using noble rot-affected Sauvignon Blanc, this Marlborough dessert wine delivers intense passionfruit, citrus peel and honeyed richness balanced by vibrant acidity.
The judges praised its purity, energy and freshness — qualities that make it particularly versatile with food.
Rosé Wines
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Vigneti delle Dolomiti Pinot Grigio Blush 2025
Italy | 92 points | Silver Medal
£8.75 | Sainsbury's
Fresh, pale and easy-drinking, this Italian rosé delivers soft berry fruit, citrus freshness and gentle floral notes.
The judges praised its balance and drinkability, making it an ideal summer rosé at an accessible price point.
Coeur de Cardeline Rosé 2025
Boutinot France | France | 92 points | Silver Medal
£9.25 | Co-op
A classic southern Rhône rosé built around Grenache and Cinsault.
Judges noted juicy strawberry fruit, Mediterranean herbs and a rounded texture balanced by fresh acidity and savoury lift.
Isula Mea Rosé 2025
Corsica | 92 points | Silver Medal
£10.50 | Waitrose
Corsica continues to emerge as one of Europe's most exciting rosé regions.
This blend of Nielluccio, Sciaccarello and Vermentino impressed the judges with delicate wild herbs, red berry fruit and a subtly savoury island character that gives the wine genuine personality.
Red Wines
Trivento Private Reserve Malbec 2024
Argentina | 95 points | Gold Medal
£11 | Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Waitrose
One of the biggest supermarket successes of IWC 2026.
This Gold medal-winning Malbec from Mendoza's Uco Valley impressed judges with its concentration, freshness and balance. Expect ripe blackberry and plum fruit layered with smooth tannins, spice and impressive structure.
At £11, this is one of the standout supermarket reds of the year.
Semaphore Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Robert Oatley | Australia | 93 points | Silver Medal
£12.25 | Co-op
Western Australian Cabernet Sauvignon continues to offer remarkable value internationally.
The judges highlighted cassis, dark berry fruit and subtle cedar spice, alongside freshness and structure that make this a particularly food-friendly red.
M&S Found Marzemino 2024
Italy | 91 points | Silver Medal
£8 | Marks & Spencer
One of the more unusual supermarket discoveries of the competition.
Made from the little-known Marzemino grape, this wine offers juicy cherry fruit, soft tannins and approachable freshness. The judges appreciated its drinkability and distinctive Italian character.
Sweet Wines
Tesco Finest Sauternes 2020
Baron Philippe de Rothschild | France | 93 points | Silver Medal
£12.25 | Tesco
Classic Sauternes character at an impressively accessible price.
Honey, apricot, marmalade and rich texture are lifted by balancing acidity, creating a wine that works beautifully with blue cheese, desserts or foie gras.
Tesco Finest Dessert Semillon 2022
De Bortoli | Australia | 92 points | Silver Medal
£7 | Tesco
At just £7, this is one of the strongest value sweet wines in the competition.
The judges noted generous citrus marmalade, tropical fruit and honeyed richness alongside refreshing acidity that keeps the wine balanced and lively.
Fortified Wines
Exceptional LBV 2020
Portugal | 95 points | Gold Medal | LBV Port Trophy Winner
£14.25 | Asda
One of the standout fortified wines of the entire Great Value competition.
This Trophy-winning Late Bottled Vintage Port impressed judges with concentrated dark berry fruit, chocolate richness, spice and remarkable depth for the price.
A superb introduction to premium Port styles.
Tesco Finest Late Bottled Vintage Port 2020
Symington Family Estates | Portugal | 95 points | Gold Medal
£14.75 | Tesco
Another exceptional Douro LBV Port from one of Portugal's most respected Port producers.
Rich blackberry fruit, cocoa, spice and polished tannins combine to create a wine with impressive complexity and ageing potential.
Tesco Finest Cream Sherry NV
González Byass | Spain | 93 points | Silver Medal
£7.75 | Tesco
Cream Sherry remains one of the wine world's underrated bargains.
This Silver medal-winning example offers caramel, dried fig, toasted nuts and sweet spice flavours with impressive richness for under £8.
A brilliant match for hard cheeses, desserts or after-dinner sipping.
The Bigger Story
The IWC Great Value Awards continue to show that outstanding wine no longer belongs exclusively to specialist merchants or luxury price brackets.
This year's winners highlight how supermarkets and major retailers are increasingly sourcing wines with genuine regional character and quality from Corsican rosé and German Riesling to Trophy-winning Port and Gold medal Malbec.
For wine drinkers, that means better bottles, better value and more opportunities to discover exceptional wines without spending a fortune.
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