Fairtrade wines: explained and top picks
As Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off, Decanter experts have selected some of the best Fairtrade wines for you to enjoy.
Established in 1992, the Fairtrade Foundation’s distinctive logo was something of a curiosity when it first began appearing on our bottles of wine (and bags of coffee, bars of chocolate, bunches of bananas…).
Scroll down to see our selection of the best Fairtrade wines
Today, however, it is surely one of the world’s most recognisable trademarks, it pronouncing that whichever product finds its way into your shopping basket has been made in a more sustainable and ethical manner, or, as Fairtrade itself says, it’s about ‘better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms for farmers and workers around the world’.
Other than guaranteeing a minimum price for its in excess of 1.9 million farmers and growers when they sell their products, the Fairtrade initiative also provides extra funds which are invested into local, environmentally friendly initiatives (this Fairtrade premium amounted to £169m in 2020).
The polish and quality of Fairtrade wines continue to soar, so in celebration of Fairtrade Fortnight (which runs 27 February to 12 March) we’ve picked out some recommendations for you.
Our Fairtrade wines recommendations:
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Co-op, Fairtrade Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa, 2021
A steely, unoaked Chenin with notes of hay, blossom, pear and citrus. Refreshing and savoury on the palate, with vibrant acidity. Versatile and extremely enjoyable....
2021
Co-op
La Riojana, Santa Florentina Pinot Gris, Famatina Valley, La Rioja, Argentina, 2018
This Fairtrade Pinot Gris hails from Famatina Valley in northern Argentina, where producer La Riojana employs over 2,000 local families. Fresh and fruity nose, with...
2018
La Riojana
Sainsbury's, Taste the Difference Fairtrade Chenin Blanc, Wellington, South Africa, 2019
88
This includes 2% of naturally fermented Chenin vinified on skins and 2% of sweet Chenin from raisined grapes. Yellow stone fruit is cut through with mouthwatering acidity, leading to a crisp, chalky finish with grapefruit pith.
2019
Sainsbury's
Waitrose, Blueprint Fairtrade Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2020
87
The Blueprint range was designed to offer outstanding, great-value examples of classic wines. A South African Chenin Blanc at this price level is never going to blow your mind, but this is fresh and easy drinking. Bottled under screwcap and unoaked, it's clean with juicy stone fruit flavours. Some of the profits go to the community on the Stellenrust wine farm where it's produced.
2020
Waitrose
Co-op, Welmoed Rosé, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2021
88
Canned peach and blood orange on the nose. Juicy red apple and ripe strawberry on the palate, seasoned with peppery spices. There is a touch of spiced tannin felt on the gum, followed by some warmth on the finish. A Fairtrade rosé from Stellenbosch made with 100% Shiraz. A value choice for summer parties.
2021
Co-op
Marks & Spencer, Classics no16 Pinotage, Swartland, South Africa, 2020
90
<p>Rustic, earthy and a little funky on the nose at first before ripe berry fruit takes over. The smooth palate is all primary fruit – raspberries, cherries and mulberries – with crisp acidity and a lick of oak. Fairtrade certified and made by Journey's End – a glass would be great with a ploughman's lunch.</p>
2020
Marks & Spencer
Argento, Artesano de Argento Organic Malbec-Cabernet Franc, Mendoza, Argentina, 2018
Argento is the largest organic producer in Mendoza, with 305ha of certified vines. This Malbec blend contains 30% Cabernet Franc, which adds freshness and cranberry...
2018
Argento
El Esteco, Don David Fairtrade Malbec, Salta, Argentina, 2019
89
Roasted coffee aromas over canned cherry on the nose; smokey prune and ripe dark fruits on the palate, plus a hint of game. Ripe but solid tannins provide structure, spiced by black tea and liquorice from 12 months of oak contact. Warming prunes and wood on the finish.
2019
El Esteco
La Pausa, Organic Malbec, La Rioja, Argentina, 2021
89
An organic and Fairtrade wine from the small region of Famantina in La Rioja. Bright cherry and blackcurrant fruit pastille aromas, with a touch of menthol. Fresh black cherry, blackberry and plum palate, with soft tannins and juicy acidity. An easydrinking style of Malbec that offers decent value for money.
2021
La Pausa
El Esteco, Malbec, Cafayate, Salta, Argentina, 2020
88
Dark ruby in colour with a purple hue, the Fairtrade Malbec from Cafayate has a nose of wood-spiced dark fruits when the reductive notes clear out. Juicy black cherry, prune and blackberry liqueur on the palate with robust tannins to provide a kick. A serious, structured red calling for heavy meat dishes.
2020
El EstecoCafayate
