The International Wine Challenge has just announced its first set of results (Tranche 1) for 2016, and it includes a record number of 21 gold medals being awarded to UK supermarket own-brand and exclusive wines. I’m mentioning all those gold medal winners here, plus the IWC 2015 Great Value awards that went to British supermarket beverages.

That should set you up for a treat or a bargain, whichever you’re looking for this festive season. There are lots of fortified wines among the winners, including port, sherry and vin santo, plus a few nice sparkling wines too. Chuck ’em in your trolley and enjoy!

Aldi

A couple of excellent white wines under £7 here. Available in store only.

• White: Aldi The Exquisite Collection Hunter Valley Semillon, 2013 (£6.99)
• White: Aldi The Exquisite Collection Clare Valley Riesling, 2014 (£6.99)
• Red: Exclusive to Aldi – Lot 08 Colchagua Carmenere, 2012 (£9.99)
• Fortified: Exclusive to Aldi – Maynard’s 40 Year Old Tawny Port (£29.99)
• Fortified: Exclusive to Aldi – Maynard’s LBV Port 2011 (£9.99)

Asda

One of the best value supermarket sparkling wines here, just £5.48.

• Red: Exclusive to Asda Noster Nobilis Priorat 2010 (£7.98) << 2010 vintage unavailable but 2013 vintage is £7.98 and gets good reviews from wine critics
• Red: Asda Extra Special El Mesón Gran Reserva Rioja, 2005 (£9.98) << on offer this week for £9.00
• Sparkling: Asda Asti, NV (£5.48)

Marks & Spencer

As you might have noticed, M&S won the most gold medals among the supermarkets this year!

• White: Marks and Spencer Mineralstein Riesling, 2014 (£10.00)
• White: Marks and Spencer Paul Cluver Late Harvest Riesling, 2013 (£14.99) << sorry, not currently available online
• Sparkling: Marks & Spencer Graham Beck The Rhona Blanc de Blancs, 2010 (£13.00)
• Sparkling: Marks and Spencer Oudinot Rosé (£28.00)
• Sparkling: Marks & Spencer Oudinot Brut Vintage, 2007 (£31.00) << on offer for £21.00 per bottle this week, also available by the case
• Fortified: Marks and Spencer 10 Year Old Tawny Port (£16.00) << not currently available online
• Fortified: Marks & Spencer Da Vinci Vin Santo, 2008 (£20.00)
• Fortified: Marks and Spencer Dry Old Palo Cortado, NV (£7.49)
• Fortified: Marks and Spencer Dry Old Amontillado (£7.49 per half-bottle)
• Fortified: Marks and Spencer Dry Old Oloroso (£7.49 per half-bottle)
• Fortified: Marks and Spencer Rare Pedro Ximenez (£7.49 per half-bottle)

Morrisons

I’ve taste tested these and can confirm they’re all excellent.

• White: Morrisons Chablis 1er Cru, 2013 (£15.00)
• Fortified: Morrisons Signature Oloroso Dry (£6.00 per half-bottle)
• Fortified: Morrisons Signature Pedro Ximénez (£6.00 per half-bottle) << PAIRS WITH Christmas pudding, mince pies and chocolate desserts

Sainsbury’s

• Sweet: Winemakers’ Selection by Sainsbury’s Moscatel de Valencia (£5.00)
• Red: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Côtes du Rhône Villages, 2013 (£7.00) << PAIRS WITH TURKEY
• Red: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, 2013 (£14.00) << PAIRS WITH TURKEY, currently on offer for £12
• Sparkling: Winemakers’ Selection by Sainsbury’s Blanc de Blancs Brut, NV (£20.00) << on offer for £15 this week

Tesco

• White: Tesco finest* Sancerre 2014 (£11.00)
• White: Tesco finest* Chablis, 2013 (£13.99) on offer at £8.00 this week
• Rosé: Tesco finest* Sancerre Rosé, 2014 (£9.00)
• Sparkling: Tesco finest* Vintage Grand Cru Champagne, 2007 (£24.99)
• Sweet: Tesco finest* Dessert Semillon, 2009 (£6.79 per half-bottle – currently unavailable, sorry)

That’s the run-down for the latest IWC award winners – let me know if you see any more great wines that have won other awards!