Best Co-op wine buys: Editor's picks from the current range

The Co-op’s latest press tasting showcased a line-up of around 70 wines, an eclectic selection that inevitably majored on options for the spring and summer season, with fizz, whites and rosés the main focus. One advantage that Co-op offers over other supermarkets – a particular bonus as the weather gets warmer – is that its entire white and rosé selection is refrigerated in store, so your choice isn't limited if you're looking to grab a chilled bottle for opening immediately.

What were the highlights of the tasting? First and foremost, a strong showing at the value end, with a plethora of well-made wines that would have wide appeal priced at under or around the £10 mark. This includes many under Co-op's 'Irresistible' own label, such as the Prosecco, which you'll find in pretty much all 2,500 UK stores; the Assyrtiko from northern Greece; and the peach-scented Viognier from the Languedoc.

Moving on to red wines, the smartly packaged Al Fresco, a Navarra Garnacha, is a clear winner for summer sipping, an easy drinking, fruit-driven red with sour cherry and strawberry flavours – chill it briefly before serving. From Portugal, the 1000 Paths red – a third Syrah and the rest a mix of Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet – is another value pick, this more on the black fruit spectrum and a good choice for summer barbecues.

Lastly, Co-op deserves recognition for the fact that it is the retailer selling the most Fairtrade wines in the world. Our star pick from the tasting was the Cape Point Sauvignon Semillon blend from South Africa, an expressive lemony, buttery white that puts a New World spin on the traditional white Bordeaux blend.

In a hurry: here's our 'save or splurge' cheatsheet:

Best Co-op wine buys: top picks on the shelves right now

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