Organic wines that won't cost the Earth

From a 'zippy' muscadet to a 'dangerously drinkable' malbec

Red and white grapes, a glass of wine and a corkscrew on a marble slab
'Drink less, but better': eco-friendly wines are a 'bright' spot in a 'troubled' wine market
(Image credit: Alamy / Zoonar GmbH)

Wine sales are in general global decline – with one notable exception. The organic wine market is booming, and set to triple in value by 2030, according to a recent report cited by The Drinks Business.

But is pesticide-free vino an "overpriced gimmick" or could it be instrumental in helping the wine industry recover? Organic wine is certainly a "bright" spot in what has been a particularly troubling time for wine producers, said Rosamund Hall in The Independent. It seems consumers are beginning to follow a "drink less, but better" mantra, which favours eco-friendly wines.

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Yalumba Organic Viognier South Australia

With its "gentle floral, honeyed touch", delicate notes of peach and apricot, and "creamy mouthfeel", this "beautiful winter white will transport you to warmer months", said Hall in The Independent.

£7.99, waitrose.com

Muscadet Chemin des Prières, Domaine Huchet 2022

Grown in the granite-based soils of Château-Thébaud, this elegant muscadet is "bursting with citrus and has a zippy saline flavour", said Lyons in The Times. Its mineral freshness makes it the perfect pairing for light seafood dishes and charcuterie.

£12.50, thewinesociety.com

Morrisons The Best Organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

This "vibrant" montepulciano is made using organic grapes grown by Abruzzo's largest producer, said Hannah Crosbie in The Guardian. Ideal for pairing with rich, meaty dishes, its notes of cherry and blackberry are expertly balanced with peppery dark chocolate.

£8, morrisons.com

Co-op Fairtrade Irresistible Malbec

"You'd be forgiven for thinking" this "dangerously drinkable" Argentinian malbec is "much more expensive" than it is, said Stacey Smith in Good Housekeeping. Expect "plump, dark fruit flavours" with a "spicy finish" and "well-rounded savoury edge".

£9, coop.co.uk

Vina Elena Pacheco Organic Monastrell 2023

Made by a well-known producer in Jumilla, this "robust and delicious" monastrell is "the kind of wine you want in terracotta jugs on a table filled with an abundant spread to share with friends", said Hall in The Independent. Notes of "brambly dark berries" and "deep black cherry" are followed by a "sweet balsamic glaze finish".

£12.50, noblegreenwines.co.uk

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Irenie Forshaw is a features writer at The Week, covering arts, culture and travel. She began her career in journalism at Leeds University, where she wrote for the student newspaper, The Gryphon, before working at The Guardian and The New Statesman Group. Irenie then became a senior writer at Elite Traveler, where she oversaw The Experts column.