{"id":2391,"date":"2025-05-17T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-17T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/?p=2391"},"modified":"2025-05-20T13:04:28","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T13:04:28","slug":"i-rarely-buy-drinks-from-co-op-but-7-35-bottle-blew-me-away","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/17\/i-rarely-buy-drinks-from-co-op-but-7-35-bottle-blew-me-away\/","title":{"rendered":"I rarely buy drinks from Co-op \u2014 but \u00a37.35 bottle blew me away"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t\t\"I\t<\/div>
The retailer has upped its wine game (Picture: Getty Images\/fStop)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I rarely ever buy wine from Co-op<\/a>. Sandwiches, sure. Emergency compostable bin bags, absolutely. A bag of spuds<\/a> when I inevitably realise we\u2019ve run out at 6:43pm on a Sunday, heck yes. But wine<\/a>? Not the first place I\u2019d look\u2026 until recently. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll preface this by saying I love Co-op \u2013 it\u2019s one of the supermarkets<\/a> that feels like it genuinely cares. It\u2019s democratic, community-minded and engages with local causes. It <\/em>was championing Fairtrade before it was trendy to pay your staff and suppliers fairly and it now sells over 100 Fairtrade wines \u2013 more than any other retailer.<\/p>\n

But, maybe that was the problem for me when it came to its wine.<\/p>\n

Because if I\u2019m honest, for as long as I can remember the Co-op wine aisle has given me functional, but not exciting. More than that, there was a earnestness and \u2018pick me, I\u2019m Fairtrade\u2019 vibe that was putting me off. (Plus, the wine labels were always a little practical-looking and I\u2019m superficial, so those two factors were never going to align.) \u00a0<\/p>\n

Then I tasted Muriel Tempranillo Vendimia Seleccionada Rioja<\/strong> and it was good, like really good. <\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"Rob\t<\/div>
This wine has changed everything I thought I knew about Co-op (Picture: Rob Buckhaven)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019d love to say that my eyes locked onto it whilst I was in store looking for cat litter and oat milk \u2013 although I actually have a dog and I drink cow\u2019s milk \u2013 but, no. It was at the Co-op wine tasting that I tried this bottle, along with 70 other of their spring\/summer wines. <\/p>\n

This Rioja is currently down to \u00a37.35 making it head spinning value for money and is basically the definition of a barbecue red. It\u2019s the real deal, pure \u2018Riojan roll\u2019, aged for seven months in French and American oak, so you get a suggestion of wood influence without feeling like you\u2019re running your tongue along a barn door.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s made by one of the oldest wineries in Rioja Alavesa, the northernmost and arguably most refined of Rioja\u2019s winemaking subregions. Bodegas Muriel has been going since 1926, but is now producing a modern, fruit-driven style. This is made from 100% Tempranillo, the classic Rioja grape, We\u2019re talking flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, damson, and dried mint flavours with a touch of baking spice. It\u2019ll work best with roast lamb in front of a Netflix documentary about exes from hell.<\/p>\n

So, while I was busy side-eyeing its Fairtrade Sauvignon, it seems Co-op has been quietly levelling up its wine game. Still making ethical, mindful choices, only now with much better wine and a ramped up sense of style. <\/p>\n

Here are six other bottles that caught my attention and should be front and centre on your shopping list\u2026<\/p>\n

Co-op\u2019s best Sparkling Wine for summer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Codorniu Gran Cr\u00e9mant Cava Brut Organic, Spain, \u00a310.25 (in store, \u00a311 delivered)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Dry, peachy, tingly and saline (Picture: Co-op)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019ll bang on about Cava\u2019s indecently good value for money forever if you\u2019re not careful. Start drinking it so I don\u2019t have to. It\u2019s made in the same way as Champagne, for goodness sake, yet this is only just over a tenner. Plus, it\u2019s organic and we all know what an expensive process that is. But, why is it using the French term \u2018Cr\u00e9mant\u2019? Probably piggybacking on the success of the Cr\u00e9mant category, and why not. You\u2019ve got to try this bottle, it\u2019s dry, peachy, tingly and saline. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Co-op\u2019s best White Wine for summer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Co-op Soave, Italy, \u00a35.65<\/strong><\/p>\n

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You can\u2019t really go wrong with this one (Picture: Co-op)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Italian whites are massively up in quality across the supermarkets. Here\u2019s a great case in point, given Soave can taste like mediocre dish water if it\u2019s not made well. The flavours are barely-there, it has to be said, but for the price this has some citrussy minerality and almond flavours going on, giving you lime sherbet happy ending. You really can\u2019t go wrong, then you can trade up to the \u2018Classico\u2019 version which sits at \u00a38.25. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Co-op Orvieto Classico, Italy, \u00a36.85<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"Co-op\t<\/div>
A crisp summer white wine (Picture: Co-op)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is the crisp summer white you\u2019ve probably never heard of. If you\u2019re Grigio devotee or you like sipping Soave, this should be on your drinking rotation, stat. Orvieto is from the Umbrian hills of central Italy, and for under \u00a37 you get a decent amount of dry lemon sherbet and macadamia nut flavours in your glass. Sometimes, keeping it simple tastes pretty good. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Co-op\u2019s best Ros\u00e9 wine for summer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Welmoed Ros\u00e9, South Africa, \u00a37.95<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"A\t<\/div>
A great choice for al fresco frolics (Picture: Co-op)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

South Africa seems to be the epicentre of good value ros\u00e9 at Co-op. This coral-coloured Fairtrade example is all blood orange and cantaloupe melon in the mouth, with a dry and spicy finish. It\u2019s lovely. No wonder it has a piquancy about it, it made from 100% Shiraz. A great choice for all the al fresco frolics and shenanigans we\u2019re inevitably going to be having over the summer.<\/p>\n

Co-op\u2019s best Red wine for summer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Muriel Tempranillo Vendimia Seleccionada Rioja, Spain, \u00a37.35 (save \u00a31.50 until 3rd June)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"A\t<\/div>
An incredible bargain (Picture: Co-op)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now for the main event, and what can I say that I\u2019ve not already said? Run, don\u2019t walk to grab some while it\u2019s still on deal. Even off promo, it\u2019s still an incredible bargain. This is classic elegance of Rioja meets the new movement from younger winemakers bringing the region up to date with the modern palate. Off you go\u2026<\/p>\n

\n
Comment now<\/title><span class=\"metro-comment-cta__text\">Have you tried Co-op\u2019s Muriel Tempranillo Vendimia Seleccionada Rioja?<\/span><\/span><a class=\"metro-comment-cta__button\" href=\"#metro-comments-container\">Comment Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><strong>Al Fresco Red, Spain, \u00a38.50<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The winemaker of this fun little number is a friend of mine, Ray O\u2019Connor MW. He\u2019s crafted a summer glugging wine for Co-op, mid-way between a ros\u00e9 and a red in colour and style, would that be a red\u00e9 or a rosed? Either way, it\u2019s innovative, and thankfully it tastes good, because that could have been an awkward conversation. It\u2019s made 100% from the juicy Garnacha grape, so think pomegranate and dragon fruit in flavour, light in texture and very, very morish. Must be chilled before sipping, it\u2019s the law.<\/p>\n<div class=\"factbox\" data-ico=\"factbox_article\" data-track-module=\"factbox_article\">\n<h2 class=\"factbox-title\">\n\t\t\t\tLooking for more expert drinks content?\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<div class=\"factbox-content\">\n<p>If you count yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, Metro\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/drink-up\/\">\u00a0Drink Up column<\/a>\u00a0is where you need to be.<\/p>\n<p>Immerse yourself in the world of good drink, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven \u2013 a place for readers to\u00a0whet\u00a0their\u00a0whistle\u00a0with the latest and greatest in the world of drinks. From\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/10\/05\/best-red-wines-10-aldi-tesco-lidl-21736213\/\">unpacking the best supermarket wines<\/a>\u00a0from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/aldi\/\">Aldi<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/tesco\/\">Tesco<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/lidl\/\">Lidl<\/a>, to introducing audiences to the wallet-friendly\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2023\/12\/02\/10-99-cremant-tiktokkers-say-better-champagne-19912183\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cremant out-bubbling the fanciest of French Champagnes<\/a>\u00a0(or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/09\/21\/this-best-wine-drink-sex-case-want-know-21612760\/\">the best wines to drink after sex<\/a>), and finding out what it\u2019s like to go on a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/03\/15\/went-a-bar-crawl-jason-momoa-even-cooler-expected-22708385\/\">bar crawl with Jason Momoa,<\/a>\u00a0this is a haven for those who love to celebrate.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/09\/07\/9-red-wines-radar-aldi-m-s-21551848\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stay ahead of the curve<\/a>\u00a0as Rob plucks from the vines the wines of the season and the spirits you need to know about; speaking with experts and mixologists while unpacking the latest concoctions, finding\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/10\/12\/expert-shares-best-low-non-alcoholic-drinks-octsober-21768360\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the best non-alcoholic options<\/a>\u00a0for those looking to moderate, discovering the best food pairings for your drops, and going up against the latest\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/tiktok\/\">TikTok\u00a0<\/a>chatter to demystify the liquid landscape.<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2023\/11\/18\/vodka-a-brita-filter-hack-actually-work-try-19837594\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can you really make cheap vodka taste expensive by putting it through a Brita filter?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2023\/10\/14\/drinks-expert-tests-the-social-media-drinks-hacks-so-you-dont-have-to-19659862\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What happens when you put wine in a blender?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2023\/10\/21\/best-places-to-store-wine-at-home-the-kitchen-isnt-one-of-them-19695499\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">And, truly, how\u00a0<\/a><\/em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2023\/10\/21\/best-places-to-store-wine-at-home-the-kitchen-isnt-one-of-them-19695499\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>should<\/em><\/a><\/strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2023\/10\/21\/best-places-to-store-wine-at-home-the-kitchen-isnt-one-of-them-19695499\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u200b\u00a0we be storing our wine?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/metro-drinks-club\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read More.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Get in touch by emailing <a href=\"mailto:MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk\">MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The retailer has upped its wine game (Picture: Getty Images\/fStop) I rarely ever buy wine from Co-op. Sandwiches, sure. Emergency compostable bin bags, absolutely. A bag of spuds when I inevitably realise we\u2019ve run out at 6:43pm on a Sunday, heck yes. But wine? Not the first place I\u2019d look\u2026 until recently. \u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ll preface […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2393,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2391","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2391","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2391"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2391\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2401,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2391\/revisions\/2401"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2393"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2391"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}