The Wine Society: The best buys this summer
We are now in the second half of the year when the Wine Society celebrates its 150th anniversary – and what a year it has been. Another important chapter in the retailer’s incredible and long history. Politics, sport and business have kept consumers on their toes, not always with a reason to celebrate, but hopefully with a sense of happy change.
A suitable mood to explore the range of Decanter’s Outstanding Wine Merchant of the Year 2023 which itself has undergone exciting changes and expansions, particularly through the release of special anniversary collections.
Generation Series
Following the First release of the Generation series in January 2024The Wine Society has since published the following two reports. Each report covers half a century of the Society’s history, focusing on the styles and regions that were more popular and/or relevant during each 50-year period.
After an initial exploration of the wines that marked the Society’s early days and the turn of the 20th century, the second and third editions provide an interesting overview of the changes in consumer demand and the dominant regions from 1924 to the present day. The rise of South Africa and Chile as reliable sources of inexpensive quality wines is recorded alongside the growth of Prosecco and Argentinian Malbec.
It is worth exploring and stocking up on the latest Generation offerings while they are still available and before the fourth and final edition is released in September. A unique opportunity to purchase superb wines produced exclusively for The Society, from producers such as Susana BalboBen Glover and Ricasoli, for less than £20.
Lateral thinking
One of the Society’s great strengths is that, thanks to long-standing relationships with producers and a talented purchasing team, it can offer extremely good value for money even in categories that today demand breathtaking prices. White Burgundyone of the retailer’s members’ favourites. The spring/summer range is rich with options; our favourites include Santenay and St-Aubin, below.
However, it’s worth considering alternatives to the flagship styles and regions – a perfect way to discover new favorites and more affordable alternatives. Instead of white Burgundy, consider: white Rioja or even a dry Furmint; try crémants from the Loire and Alsace – both with great deals on the society’s website – instead of Champagne; opt for a Baden Spätburgunder or a Chilean Pinot instead of the obvious French counterparts. And if you want to explore entirely new categories, it might be worth looking at the structured South American whites, like the Marsanne below.
Dark freshness
At Decanter we are big fans of chilled red wines as the perfect summer drinkThe company’s offering is not lacking – not least in the Generation Series Range. The South African red wine in the second release is an interesting and lively interpretation of Cinsault, while the outstanding Valpolicella produced by Bertani at Tenuta Novare – and now available in its third edition – is elegant, refreshing and wonderfully nuanced.
But it’s also worth experimenting with the serving temperature of meatier red wines – such as The Society’s Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – to create a pleasant, surprisingly juicy summer drink.
The Wine Society: Top buys this summer
Prices do not include special offers or multiple purchase offers.
Prices are correct at the time of writing
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