Do you still think of Asda with a knowing “pocket tap” and the phrase “That’s Asda Price”? Me too. The retailer spent over 20 years as a sub-division of the US behemoth Walmart, but since its sale in 2021, it’s been trying to draw customers back and reclaim some of the ground lost to Aldi and Lidl. While there are many complexities to the grocer’s fortune and future, one area of particular interest is the wine aisles.
Asda might not be the first destination you immediately think of for your supermarket wine, but they’ve been working steadily to overhaul their premium range while keeping a keen eye on value for money. They recently launched the “Exceptional” range, which replaces the “Extra Special” range. The previous range was always a little hit or miss regarding whether things were indeed extra special but the new range impresses.
Boasting the largest offering in the past ten years, Head buyer Clive Donaldson has been leading his team to quiet success, which is gaining good traction from those who seek it out. This success is reflected by the most recent Decanter World Wine Awards 2026, announced this week, where Asda won an impressive eight gold medals, plus a spread of silver and bronze, in this prestigious competition regarded as a global benchmark of wine excellence.
There really is an impressive range of very good wines available, and the ten I’ve selected are just a snapshot. They regularly run deals, as well as the popular “Three bottles for £18” on a large number of their “Exceptional” range, so you can afford to be adventurous.
Exceptional by ASDA Champagne Benoît Renaud Blanc de Noirs Brut, France, NV
£21, Asda, 12% ABV
The Alsace region in eastern France makes some wonderful Crémants. Made in the same method as Champagne (as all Crémants are), this is a vibrant glass full of gold pears, apricots and a swirl of fresh cream and a generous mousse.
Exceptional by ASDA Crémant D’Alsace Brut, France, NV
£12, Asda, 12% ABV
The Alsace region in eastern France makes some wonderful Crémants. Made in the same method as Champagne (as all Crémants are), this is a vibrant glass full of gold pears, apricots and a swirl of fresh cream and a generous mousse.
There are a few whites, rosés, and sparkling wines on offer that are impressive for their priceCavino Assyrtiko Historoots, Peloponnese Greece, 2025
£9, Asda, 12.5% ABV
From a family-owned winery, this elegant Assyrtiko is full of delicate spring blossom, just-ripe white peaches, and a lovely mineral edge with a salty touch. It’s outstanding value for money and would make a great switch if you love Chablis or Gavi.
Four Lines Verdejo, Rueda, Spain, 2025
£9, Asda, 12.5% ABV
Verdejo is grown mostly in the north-western Spanish region of Rueda, and it’s a wonderful choice if you love zesty, aromatic, fresh wine and value for money. This is an easy-going wine with aromas of nectarines, fresh lemon and summer-cut grass.
Exceptional by ASDA Grillo, Sicily, 2024
£7.50, Asda, 12.5%
Could anything feel more summery than the island of Sicily and drinking a glass of its native hero, Grillo? This example is bursting with juicy peaches, squeezes of lemon and sun-ripened apricots.
ASDA Extra Special Côtes de Provence Notre-Dame des Anges, France, 2025
£9.75, Asda, 13% ABV
A beautifully approachable and elegant Provençal rosé that delivers a beautiful array of peaches and cream, fresh strawberries and a zest of orange finish. It’s worth the extra 75p to upgrade from the standard Côtes de Provence.
There are some excellent chilled reds on offerThe Wine Atlas Île-de-Beauté Red, Corsica, 2024
£5.50, Asda, 12.5% ABV
I’m not sure why this wine is priced as it is, but it definitely over-delivers. This smooth, medium-bodied, juicy number is a blend of neillucciu and sciaccarellu from Corsica, with enticing aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants and a wild herbaceous aroma too. I’d serve this chilled.
Exceptional by ASDA Central Otago Pinot Noir, New Zealand, 2023
£9, Asda, 13% ABV
This is an unbelievably good value Pinot Noir which would seriously deliver at twice the price! It’s full of gorgeous ripe plums, red cherries, wild strawberries, hints of fresh herbs and an appealing earthy edge.
Exceptional by ASDA Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia, 2023
£7.50, Asda, 14% ABV
I did a double-take when I saw the price of this wine. You get so much wine for your money and it seems the Decanter judges would agree with me, as they awarded it a gold medal. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Merlot, this is an elegantly structured wine with muddled blackcurrants, eucalyptus and a hint of wood smoke.
Extra Special Barbera D’Asti, Piemonte, Italy, 2022
£8, Asda, 14.5% ABV
I always think Barbera offers great value for money from what is a traditionally expensive region of north-western Italy. This is a full-bodied glass with juicy, bright black cherries, ripe plums and a warming spicy lick. (It’s a Decanter gold winner too.)
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