Exploring Majestic wine: Top recommendations and scores

As the last wine specialist chain of any scale left the UK high street (or edge-of-town retail park), Majestic has a distinctive niche in UK wine retail.

We may not go there for the very finest wines in the world – although from time to time we may encounter one or two at often very reasonable prices – but we do expect Majestic to offer a step up on the supermarkets in quality and diversity of range, while still providing plenty in the way of good value.

How well does it live up to that billing, almost six years after being taken over by current owners Fortress Capital?

Scroll down to see notes and scores for recommendations from Majestic

Curated for gastronomic pleasure

It was sheer joy tasting through Majestic’s spring and summer offerings – an 80-strong range, plus some no- and low-alcohol options – at Vagabond’s new artisan-chic, urban winery-slash-wine bar in Canada Water.

What caught my attention immediately was the breadth of sparkling wines, just in time for the high season of weddings, parties and outdoor gatherings. From light-hearted carbonated fizzes to rich fruity Crémant de Loire – many priced around £15 – through to more sophisticated traditional-method bottles from Italy, South Africa and England, alongside the merchant’s exclusive Champagnes.

There’s also plenty to stock up on among the crisp, scented whites from Vinho Verde, Abruzzo and Chile’s Colchagua Valley, many just under £10. Regional classics from Sancerre, Provence and Marlborough sit at slightly higher price points, offering typicity and distinct flair.

There are plenty of gems in the red range, too: aged claret, richly structured Valpolicella Ripasso, saline, poised Xinomavro and mint-tinged, chocolatey Australian reds – all clearly curated for immediate enjoyment and gastronomic pleasure.

In a hurry? Here's our 'save or splurge' cheatsheet:

See notes and scores for the finest from Majestic’s new season

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