In a retail climate where a pint or a fast-food meal often costs more, Marks & Spencer is offering a lifeline to cost-conscious consumers with a little-known range of wines priced at just £5.75 or less.
A Budget Range for Tough Times
Discovered just before the festive period in December 2025, this selection arrives when many wallets are feeling the strain post-Christmas. Wine expert Rob Buckhaven highlighted the range, noting it's a savvy move from the retailer. Creating a palatable wine at this price point is a significant challenge, given the heavy burden of new duty rates, production, and logistics costs.
The range simplifies choice with descriptive names like ‘Round and Plummy’ and ‘Crisp and Zesty’. These wines are positioned not for show but as honest mid-week sippers, designed to be lower in alcohol to reduce duty and calories.
Putting the Budget Wines to the Test
The collection comprises six wines: three whites, a rosé, and two reds. While Waitrose has a similar-priced line and Asda one under £4, the M&S offering benefits from the retailer's dedicated team of winemakers. Here’s the breakdown of the standouts.
Soft & Tropical White (9%, Australia, £5.25): Buckhaven's favourite white, offering expressive banana, papaya, and guava notes with a soft, citrussy acidity. It delivers exactly what the label promises.
Rich & Smooth Red (10.5%, Australia, £5.50): Topped as the best red, with flavours of mulled cherries and spiced blood orange. This Shiraz-led blend is light enough to be slightly chilled and represents excellent value under £6.
The Vibrant & Zesty White (10%, South Africa, £5.75) provides clean, dry notes of pear and apple blossom. The Round & Plummy Red (10.5%, Chile, £5.75) is a straightforward, creamy Merlot. The Soft & Fruity Rosé (10.5%, Australia, £5.25) is a dry, Grenache-based pink with candied strawberry notes.
One outlier is the Crisp & Zingy White 1L (10%, Italy, £9.50 in-store), which works out more expensive per bottle and wasn't deemed to justify the higher price.
A Smart Sip for Savvy Shoppers
This budget range demonstrates M&S's understanding of current financial pressures on households. While not complex fine wines, two in particular—the Soft & Tropical White and the Rich & Smooth Red—prove that character can indeed be found for under £6, offering reliable quality for everyday enjoyment without the guilt.
