M&S expands its range of small wine bottles: a review of the best offers.

According to The Sun: If you want to enjoy a glass of wine without compromising on quality, a compact bottle is the perfect solution.

M&S has recently updated its range of small bottles, adding more options for those who want to drink a glass of wine without the risk of wasting any left over.

So, which small bottles offer the best value for money?

Drink expert Helena Nicklin offers her review.

Pinot Grigio delle Venezie 25cl, £2.39, Lidl – 4/5

This classic white wine in a 25 cl bottle corresponds to two small standard glasses or one large, depending on your mood.

I've really been enjoying modern Pinot Grigios lately.

Due to climate change in northern Italy, the wine is gaining more mature flavors.

This is a "blush" wine thanks to its delicate pink color.

It has a rich taste with notes of peach and creamy almond.

A pleasant texture and excellent value for money make it great for drinking on its own or pairing with white fish or chicken.

Cimarosa Cabernet Sauvignon 25cl, £2.39, Lidl – 2/5

This bottle will provide you with approximately two glasses of red wine.

Perfect if you want to enjoy wine in the evening without needing to open a larger bottle.

This is also a good option if you have different preferences in wine color.

Cabernet is a powerful grape variety with a distinctive taste, especially if it's from the New World, like Chile.

The wine is rich and smoky, with notes of spicy blackcurrant.

On the palate, it is a bit more robust but pairs well with protein-rich foods such as hard cheeses or red meat.

A bit rough, but great value.

House Sauvignon Blanc, 18.7cl, £2.25, Sainsbury’s – 5/5

This Sauvignon Blanc from Sainsbury's is incredibly good value and significantly cheaper than in a restaurant.

The bottle contains a large glass of South African Sauvignon, delivering all the desired flavor notes without rough tones or acidity.

It has a fresh fruity aroma with classic notes of creamy lemon, fresh herbs, and light tropical fruits.

It pairs perfectly with salads and goat cheese. I see no downsides.

Kooliburra Chardonnay 25cl, £2.39, Aldi – 1/5

As a Chardonnay lover, I had high hopes for this small bottle of white, but unfortunately, Aldi did not live up to expectations.

On the positive side, it has fruity notes of peach and pineapple and is a great price for two glasses.

However, it has an unpleasant odor reminiscent of plastic or burnt rubber that leaves a taste on the tongue.

This is a bold experiment, but not in the best way, and I dare say it might lead to a hangover the next morning.

Drink it very cold and let it breathe to improve the taste.

It’s useful to consume with hard cheeses.

Classics Claret Bordeaux Half 35.7cl, £5.50, M&S and Ocado – 5/5

The new line of half bottles from M&S is a wonderful addition, as the selected wines in smaller formats impress not only with their taste but also with their value, proving that the best things come in compact packages.

This French red wine has a somewhat larger volume and thus a price.

I adore this classic claret (as they call red Bordeaux).

The wine has notes of blackcurrant with a hint of smoke, mineral undertones, and cedar spices.

Genuinely a great option, a true elite choice – and it looks the part!

It pairs wonderfully with mid-month spaghetti or lasagna.

Casa Mana Chardonnay 18.7cl, £1.80, Tesco – 2/5

Casa Mana is a simple Chardonnay from Tesco, a full bottle of which costs less than five pounds, and this small one is priced under two pounds for a large glass, so don’t expect anything extraordinary.

This low-volume Spanish drink has some roughness, but it's still drinkable.

It has a slight rubbery note; it could be brighter, but still has Chardonnay notes with juicy melon and tropical fruits.

Best consumed very cold, with food like chicken with halloumi or even salted chips.

This won't exceed your expectations, but for such a price, it's quite acceptable.

Ultimately, you'll only be drinking one glass.

Exceptional Zinfandel 18.7cl, £2.74, Asda – 5/5

It’s rare to find red Zinfandel in a small format, and this one turned out to be not only good value but also very impressive.

This is a classic example of this grape from Lodi, California, with a rich fruity flavor and pleasant notes of raspberry, plum, and Earl Grey tea.

On the palate, it is saturated, with intense fruity notes but balanced, without excessive cleverness.

This is the perfect wine for food - it pairs excellently with grilled ribs or blue cheese.

This is a pricier option for a single serving, but if you only enjoy it once, then the price fully justifies the expense for the pleasure of savoring it after a long day.