There was a lot to love at the Tesco press tasting last week but I thought for this note it would be good to highlight some white, single grape variety sippers that are excellent examples of their type.
Aiosa Lucido 2025, £8 NEW
This lesser-known, ancient Sicilian grape is a different clone of Catarrato and gets its name from its shiny ‘lucid’ skin. Fresh, savoury-mineral and saline with a touch of creamy lemon and apricot, this is the kind of wine that’s going to take the summer by storm! New to Tesco and so well priced, stock up on this for your barbecues.
Tesco Finest Pecorino, Terre d’Abruzzo IGT 2025, £8.25
Pecorino is never going to be a grape that sets the world on fire with its personality but that’s often why people like it. This one has always been ‘fine’ but the 2025 vintage is showing more character with its subtle pear and guava nose and fleshier texture. Simple, smashable and affordable. A good example of the grape.
Tesco Finest Viñas del Rey Albariño 2025, £12
This has always been a great benchmark Albariño (that’s the grape) for the price and this new vintage is a corker. Lots of lovely, zesty lemon with ripe peach and a thirst-slaking saltiness on the finish. It’s a tad rounder and riper than previous vintages, which just makes it even more drinkable.
Piccozza Alto Adige Pinot Bianco 2024, £12.75
Every time I taste the Pinot Blanc (Bianco in Italy) grape, especially from this premium Italian region for white wines, I wonder why I don’t drink more of it. Textured, creamy and aromatic, with anotes of ripe pear, yellow apple and almond this is a substantial white but doeasn’t shout too loudly. A great food wine with chicken or pasta.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
In May, I’m back at the Cowes Fringe on the Isle of Wight together with the Chocolate Detective herself, Chantal Coady OBE to host two delicious chocoalte pairing events: one with wine and one with spirits. Join us for a Chocolate and Spirits pairing at 5pm on Sat 23rd May and Wine & Chocolate at 2.30pm on Sunday 24th May.
Tickets now on sale!
The HelenaSips Podcast - Launches THIS THURSDAY!
Thursday April 2nd sees the launch of my all new, lifestyle podcast, where I talk to successful creatives about the sensory rituals that make them tick. If you’re subscribed to my newslatter already, you’ll see these fortnightly updates with links in your emails but you can also listen on Spotify, Apple or wherever you normally listen.
If this is not for you, feel free to manage your updates from so you only see this bits you want.
Have a wonderful week and let me know what you’ve been sipping over on my Instagram @helenasips !
Cin cin x