'I ditched Asda wine for superior quality bottles at £6 each'

I hold three wine qualifications, which required considerable dedication, including studying maps, sitting exams and, naturally, sampling over 100 wines throughout the process. Consequently, I've developed a fairly refined palate, and whenever I pop into my local Asda, I find myself longing for a more impressive range.

Whilst some bottles on supermarket shelves are perfectly acceptable, when I'm parting with more than a tenner per bottle, I can't help but feel I'd discover superior value and quality by shopping elsewhere. I'd heard glowing reports about Naked Wines, and was fortunate enough to sample their wine advent calendar some years back, but I'd never actually ordered a full case.

That changed last week. I browsed through their available case selections and whilst I'm partial to a velvety red and zesty white, I didn't opt for that particular box. Instead, I examined the bottles included in the Adventurer's Mixed Selection Case and concluded it was worth taking a punt.

The way Naked Wines operates is subscribers contribute £25 monthly in credit which can be redeemed against their wine selection - with the option to let their specialists choose on their behalf if preferred. However, first-time subscribers can secure a £144.99 case for £69.99 by redeeming a voucher, reducing the cost to £5.83 per bottle - considerably cheaper than the supermarket for inferior quality wine, reports the Mirror.

This competitive pricing is achieved because Naked Wines eliminates the middleman to deliver wine directly from producers to consumers. The order arrived just last week, landing on my doorstep in perfect time for the weekend.

However, three days on, the wines featured as part of the box on the website have been updated, with the Tempranillo rosé and Pinot Grigio I brought along to my book club now replaced. The frequent rotation of wines is something I appreciate - for anyone keen to explore different varieties, it appears to be a reliable way to ensure there's always something new available in the selections.

That said, Angels - the term for Naked Wines subscribers - have the ability to review their wines and include them in subsequent orders provided they remain in stock, meaning there's still a chance to reorder personal favourites. Additionally, there's a complimentary bottle of wine included with every case of 12 purchased.

Provided someone has adequate storage space for the wine, I believe this represents excellent value, as I can envisage 12 bottles lasting me several months. Two bottles were enjoyed over the weekend with my book club, and I'm already considering the pinotage for a special dinner when my closest friend visits.

What I particularly appreciate is the QR code printed on the reverse of each bottle, which directs you to a comprehensive description of the wine's characteristics. There's also a concise overview of the wine alongside recommendations for ideal food pairings.

This feature makes it remarkably convenient to select a bottle after dinner has been prepared or even to design a meal specifically around the wine. The bottles sampled thus far have been absolutely delightful.

I selected both a white and a rosé which we enjoyed alongside hummus and tortilla chips whilst discussing our latest literary choice. The wine proved such a success that my aunt enquired where she might purchase it herself.

The Tempranillo rosé is a crisp and 'ready to party' wine which perfectly suited the occasion. It features characteristic hints of strawberries, cherries and a touch of grapefruit. Whilst it can complement fish, vegetables and spicy cuisine, we chose to enjoy it without a hot meal, simply sipping as we chatted.

The Giano Pinot Grigio DOC proved remarkably drinkable. Boasting notes of peach and green apple combined with a zesty lemon character, it worked well with hummus though would suit a light pasta course even better.

This ranks as the finest pinot grigio I believe I've encountered. Whilst these aren't the most intricate wines I've experienced (that honour belongs to some very mature red bottles I've no desire to revisit), they're wonderfully approachable.

It's vital to always consume alcohol responsibly, but I believe that's readily achieved with a quality bottle of wine worth savouring. I've sampled and thoroughly enjoyed various wine subscription services, with Virgin Wines (offering cases from £122.88) having introduced me to some absolute gems including Gruner Veltliner, whilst Good Pair Days particularly impressed with their superb wine accessories perfect for al fresco dining or entertaining at home.

The pricing is remarkably similar across providers. One thing's certain - I can clearly see the advantages of purchasing wine online rather than taking a punt at the local supermarket. The quality is vastly better.

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