Editor’s note: We’ve changed how we cover supermarket wines to make things easier for you. We’ve brought together the best bottles from every major UK supermarket into one easy-to-use seasonal guide, so you no longer have to search through hundreds of individual recommendation lists. Every major wine category is covered, ie white, rose, white, sparkling etc – with recommendations chosen for what you’ll actually want to drink at those times of year.
- Best UK Supermarket Wines for Spring
- Best UK Supermarket Wines for Summer
- Best UK Supermarket Wines for Autumn
- Best UK Supermarket Wines for Christmas
We drink a lot of red wine for a living (well we drink a lot of wine in general), and a hefty proportion of that comes from supermarket shelves. So when we say Sainsbury’s wine aisle is worth a detour, it’s not because we were in a rush or feeling charitable. It’s because we tasted properly.
How we tasted
All wines were tasted by Slake’s editorial team during a dedicated tasting in October 2025, focused on wines suited to winter drinking through to 2026. We judged each bottle on balance, flavour, and drinkability rather than scores, medals, or branding — because the only metric that matters is whether you’d happily open the bottle again.
Best Red Wines at Sainsbury’s (jump links)
- Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
- Taste the Difference Saint-Émilion 2023
- Éminence de Bijou Pinot Noir 2023
- Perrin Gigondas 2019
- Taste the Difference Brouilly Château de Pierreux 2023
- Taste the Difference Gamay Comté Tolosan 2024
- Taste the Difference Côtes du Rhône Villages 2022
- Taste the Difference Saint-Chinian 2023
- Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz 2023
- Taste the Difference Maipo Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Scroll for the full tasting notes and judgement below.
Best Cabernet Sauvignon at Sainsbury’s
Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
South Africa – 14% – £14
Cabernet Sauvignon can be an imposing grape in its youth, all stern tannins and muscle-flexing structure, but this South African version has been softened beautifully by Stellenbosch sunshine. Rustenberg have delivered a young Cab that’s already drinking smoothly, with gentle tannins and just enough ripeness to make it glide. Think ripe blackcurrant, a flicker of cedar, and a broad, sun-warmed palate. A modern classic for those who want boldness without the bite.
Best Merlot at Sainsbury’s
Taste the Difference Saint-Émilion 2023
France – 13.5% – Vegan – £15
87% Merlot with a supporting cast of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this Saint-Émilion doesn’t reinvent the wheel – but it’s not trying to. Instead, it’s all about quiet charm: fine tannins, a whisper of menthol, and soft red fruit that feels instantly soothing. There’s elegance, but no need to overthink it. Immensely drinkable and comforting – everything good Merlot should be.
Best Pinot Noir at Sainsbury’s
Éminence de Bijou Pinot Noir 2023
France – 13% – Vegan – £14.50
Not from Burgundy, but unmistakably French. The Éminence de Bijou is crafted by a producer better known for their rosé, and here they’ve coaxed out a richly textural Pinot Noir with creamy oak and baking spice warmth. Aged in wooden vats and French barrels, it’s smooth and subtly toasty, with dark cherry fruit and a silky glide. Perfect for Pinot fans looking for something plush but affordable.
Best Full-Bodied Red Wine at Sainsbury’s
Famille Perrin Gigondas 2019
France – 14.5% – £25
Gigondas may sit in the shadow of Châteauneuf-du-Pape geographically, but this wine confidently steps into the spotlight. A blend dominated by Grenache (60%) with Syrah for depth and peppery complexity, it’s everything we love about southern Rhône reds: juicy, spiced, slightly wild, but impeccably balanced. A full-bodied, rustic beauty that wears its heritage proudly.
Best Smooth & Easy-Drinking Red Wine at Sainsbury’s
Taste the Difference Brouilly Château de Pierreux 2023
France – 13.5% – Vegan – £17
Brouilly is one of the ten Beaujolais crus, known for plush black fruit and a softer structure than its peers. This bottle from Château de Pierreux delivers all that in spades. Juicy, perfumed, and supple, it’s the kind of red that works whether lightly chilled or room-temp, with or without food. Pure pleasure in a glass.
Best Light Red Wine at Sainsbury’s
Taste the Difference Gamay Comté Tolosan 2024
France – 12% – Vegan – £9
Gamay (the Beaujolais grape) from the south of France? Yes, and it’s a joyful surprise. Warmer climates bring a bit of extra ripeness and body, while the grape’s naturally light profile keeps things breezy. Expect vibrant berry fruit, a gentle sweet spine, and an overall feel that’s as carefree as a picnic in late spring. A must for fans of chillable reds.
Best Red Wine Under £10 at Sainsbury’s
Taste the Difference Côtes du Rhône Villages 2022
France – 14% – Vegan – £9.50
Proof that good Côtes du Rhône doesn’t have to cost more than a tenner. This one comes from 25–40-year-old vines, which lends it surprising depth and concentration. Juicy red fruit, a flicker of spice, and fine chalky tannins make it feel far more grown-up than its price suggests. Brilliant value and an ideal “house red” contender.
Best Red Wine Under £15 at Sainsbury’s
Taste the Difference Saint-Chinian 2023
France – 14% – Vegan – £11.50
Saint-Chinian hails from the Languedoc — a region known for its rugged hills and generous reds. This bottle is rustic in the best way: earthy, herbal, and savoury on the finish, with enough polish to keep it modern. A great pick if you like your reds a little wilder and more soulful.
Best Premium Red Wine at Sainsbury’s
Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz 2023
Australia – 14.5% – £26
Penfolds is a household name, but navigating the numbered “Bin” wines can be confusing. Bin 8 is 71% Shiraz and 29% Cabernet, and it’s all about bold fruit, firm structure, and polish. Blackberry and blackcurrant dominate, supported by fine yet chalky tannins. It benefits from a bit of air, so decant or swirl generously. A worthy splurge for fans of the classic Aussie powerhouse style.
Hidden Gem Red at Sainsbury’s
Taste the Difference Maipo Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Chile – 14% – Vegan – £11
From Chile’s Maipo Valley, a region known for producing structured yet drinkable Cabernet, this is a surprisingly lithe take on the grape. Despite its 14% ABV, the body feels lifted and fresh, with a core of blackcurrant, damson, and summer berries. Not as dense as you’d expect, which makes it great for sipping without food. A clever little find.
FAQs
How do I tell if a red wine at Sainsbury’s will be smooth or tannic?
Check two things on the label: grape and alcohol level. Grapes like Gamay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir tend to be smoother, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are usually more tannic. As a rough rule, wines around 12–13.5% ABV are often softer and more easy-going than those pushing 14.5% and above.
Does vintage matter for supermarket red wine?
Yes — but not in the way people think. For most supermarket reds, newer is usually better, especially for lighter and fruit-forward styles. Older doesn’t mean better unless the wine was made to age. If it’s meant for drinking now, trust the fresher vintage.
How long will an opened bottle of red wine last?
Once opened, most red wines will keep for 2–3 days if resealed and stored in the fridge. Lighter wines fade faster; structured wines hold on a bit longer. If it smells flat or tastes bitter, it’s time to let it go.
Love red wine, but don’t shop at Sainsbury’s? We’ve got you