A sweet success is just great to taste.

Byline: Laurence McCoy

Wine competitions can be a good pointer to seeking out some bargains on the high street. Success in something like Decanter's annual event means winning bottles simply fly off the shelves.

Which is apparently what has been happening with Sainsbury's own-label Taste the Difference Amarone Della Valpolicella.

It won a trophy, reserved for the most distinctive wines in the competition, and since then sales have soared by 23 per cent, despite it retailing at pounds 14.99. Over at the Co-op there was a similar result after a good value Santa Helena Pinot Noir 2008, from Chile (pounds 7.99) scooped a trophy, with a rush of shoppers making a beeline for it.

Some other trophy winners to look out for include Cono Sur Bio Bio Reserva Riesling (pounds 6.99 at Waitrose and Tesco) and Kaapzicht Estate Steytler Pinotage (pounds 19.99 at www.virginwines.co.uk).

Meanwhile, with the summer at an end and the nights drawing in it may be time to seek out some gutsier-style reds to accompany seasonal fare.

A delicious Syrah from New Zealand would go down a treat with a multitude of autumnal meals, from a warming stew, or Sunday joint, to pheasant or game. Vidal Syrah 2007 (pounds 9.99 at Waitrose) is smoky and peppery with intense and glossy black fruit and fine balance.

A meaty and tightly-structured Rioja, Berberana Vina Alarde Gran Reserva 2002, is pounds 8.99 (down from pounds 12.99 if you buy two bottles) at Majestic. It has complex aromas of tobacco and red fruit with a sweet seam of vanilla spice.

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Wine: Checking out competition winners can lead to great bargains.