Go globetrotting with Marks & Spencer around some of the world’s most famous wine regions with the launch of its new wine range: CLASSICS! Launching in stores this month, the CLASSICS is a specially curated collection, created in partnership with expert winemakers across the globe, and features the best examples of the most popular wine styles and regions.
Featuring well-known wines that M&S customers know and love – from a fresh and fruity Côtes de Provence rosé from the south of France, to a light, crisp Pinot Grigio from northern Italy, and a bold and juicy Rioja from Spain – the initial collection boasts 18 wines to choose from, predominantly from Old World regions (Europe). Additionally, a further 16 wines from New World regions (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, South America) will be included in the collection later this year. Priced between SGD34.90 to SGD79.90, the new wines offer great value, allowing customers to discover their new favourites and broaden their wine knowledge.
To create the range, M&S’ award-winning in-house winemakers Belinda Kleinig and Sue Daniels – who boast a combined total of over 40 years’ experience in the wine industry between them – worked closely with expert regional winemakers and wineries around the world.
Sue commented: “It was really exciting to sit down, map out the best wines and regions in the world and then set out to make our own. We sought out specialists in every region to bring in the best examples of the style possible in this price range. We’re really proud of the results, which amount to a fantastic introduction to the whole world of wine. The range is accessible for those who are just ‘dipping their toe’ into wine, but has enough options that even dedicated wine fans could discover something new and broaden their wine knowledge.”
Having been part of M&S’s expert wine team since 1995, Sue shares her top tips for choosing the perfect bottle:
- If you are new to wine, try an off-dry (i.e. sweeter) white, rosé or sparkling wine to start with. Many people find it easier to get used to sweeter wines at the beginning, and then gradually move on to drier whites and bold reds with more tannins.
- Be sure to read the back label to see a wine’s tasting notes, and try styles that mention flavours you know you already like. For example, if you love the taste of cherries, go for an Italian red or a French Pinot Noir – such as our CLASSICS Bourgogne Pinot Noir – which are packed full of ripe cherry flavours.
- It’s much easier to pair wines with foods that are salty, acidic or creamy. Salty food brings out the fruit flavours in wine and decreases the bitterness, while acidic or creamy foods balance out high-acidity wines – which is why oak-aged Chardonnay goes so well with both vinaigrette salads and creamy fish dishes.
- If in doubt, go for a wine from the same country or region as the food you’ll be eating. There’s a reason French cheeses go so well with wines from the same area – these wines have been refined over centuries to pair perfectly with the local cuisine.
- Try a new style of wine every so often to help broaden your palate. If you experiment occasionally, you may just find a new style that becomes a firm favourite. If you already like white wine, branch out into sparkling wine and rosé, and then lighter reds – or try a new wine that you know will be a good match with your favourite foods.
The new CLASSICS wines are available at all M&S Foodhalls and on the M&S Singapore App. For a limited time only, enjoy 20% off all wines (not exclusive to CLASSICS range) when you purchase 12 or more bottles via the M&S Singapore App.
The CLASSICS wine range launched in September includes:
- No.1 CLASSICS Bourgogne Chardonnay, 2018 – SGD59.90
- No.2 CLASSICS Riesling – SGD59.90
- No.3 CLASSICS Gavi, 2019 – SGD49.90
- No.4 CLASSICS Pinot Grigio, 2019 – SGD29.90
- No.8 CLASSICS Soave Classico, 2019 – SGD34.90
- No.10 CLASSICS Barossa Chardonnay, 2019 – SGD39.90
- No.11 CLASSICS Corbières, 2019 – SGD34.90
- No.14 CLASSICS Albariño, 2019 – SGD69.90
- No.15 CLASSICS Picpoul de Pinet, 2019 – SGD39.90
- No.17 CLASSICS Prosecco, NV – SGD39.90
- No.20 CLASSICS Côtes du Rhône Villages, 2019 – SGD34.90 (75cl) | SGD13.90 (25cl)
- No.21 CLASSICS Rioja Reserva, 2014 – SGD59.90
- No.22 CLASSICS Côtes de Provence Rosé – SGD49.90
- No.32 CLASSICS Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 – SGD39.90 (75cl) | SGD13.90 (25cl)
- No.33 CLASSICS Vouvray Demi Sec, 2019 – SGD59.90
- No.34 CLASSICS Claret, 2019 – SGD34.90 (75cl) | SGD13.90 (25cl)
- No.35 CLASSICS Beaujolais Villages, 2019 – SGD39.90
- No.36 CLASSICS Bourgogne Pinot Noir, 2018 – SGD79.90
For more info on shop locations and opening hours, visit Marks & Spencer.
