From Bulgaria to Ukraine, 6 off the beaten track wines to try

Thinking about some fresh buys for spring, new horizons and going down a path less travelled?

With the switch in season, sense of adventure and milder weather sparking thoughts of faraway places, there couldn’t be a better time to explore some lesser-known wine regions.

Especially if you’re tired of the same old choices, and fancy stocking the wine rack with something a little more niche than the broad appeal of international grapes.

Moreover, while some wine-producing countries may be familiar holiday playgrounds, they can easily fall off the radar when you’re back on home turf – and forget how much you enjoyed the local vino.

From the Balkan Peninsula to eastern Europe, here’s what’s piqued our interest and put us in a sunny mood…

1. M&S Found Dimyat 2024, Bulgaria, £8, Ocado

One of Bulgaria’s most popular whites, think fresh, crisp and aromatic with frisky acidity-balancing citrus, green apple, and ripe, peachy fruit. Unoaked with hints of florals and citrusy overtones, the wine’s appeal is heightened by its mouthwatering finish – serve with stuffed vine leaf appetisers and mezze dishes.

2. Waitrose Loved & Found Viorica 2024, Moldova, £9.50, Waitrose

Nestled between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova’s winemaking history dates back centuries. Today, it’s enjoying a wine renaissance and one of its best-known indigenous varieties, viorica, another delightfully fragrant style with white blossom and elderflower in the mix. Light, crisp with herbal nuances, there’s a certain something to this refreshing white. Perfect with spicy Middle Eastern dishes.

3. Tesco Finest Greek Assyrtiko 2024, Greece, £11, Tesco

While a Greek hideaway can be one of our favourite sunspots, the country’s flagship grape can lose its shine when you open a bottle back in old Blighty. Step in this distinctive and delicious drop with lively aromas of zesty citrus and orchard fruits. Similar flavours unfold with a streak of minerality and persistent finish, it’s one for taramasalata dips, fried calamari and salty cheeses.

4. Babele Rosé 2023, Vin Varietal, Romania, £8.99, Laithwaites

Romania loves to turn its hand to most grapes, and rosé is on the rise; moreover, leading producer Cramele Recas is behind this blushing beauty. Deliciously fruity and approachable, scented notes of raspberries and pretty florals dominate, leading to a lively palate of fresh summer berries, strawberries, Gala apples and hint of soft spice. Very moreish, meet your new go-to summer pink. Funky label too.

5. Bolgrad Select Saperavi 2024, Ukraine, £8.49, Lidl, in-store

For wine-lovers in the know, Ukraine’s wine scene is on the up and up. Along with popular grapes such as chardonnay and merlot, saperavi is one of its lesser-known varieties; and if you’re fond of a malbec, this fruit-driven red is lots of fun. With an open bouquet of spiced blackberry, cherry and brambly fruits, it’s packed with flavour displaying a plummy, fruity, spicy character with smooth tannins and lingering finish. Brilliant value and lusciously plump.

6. M&S Found Feteasca Neagra 2020, Moldova, £8.50, Ocado

Another Moldovan gem in Marks & Spencer’s stable of unfamiliar grape varieties, feteasca neagră translates to ‘black maiden’ – and a key red grape. Appreciated for its rich, complex flavour profile, this one’s bursting with blackberry, plums, spicy, toasty nuances and hint of dark chocolate. Versatile and food friendly, it works like a dream with spicy pork sausages, new potatoes and mixed peppers. A delicious discovery.