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Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Asda's Screaming Devil is the best Whispering Angel dupe & over £9 cheaper – plus 5 other rose wines to try this summer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH summer finally here and our purses feeling tighter than ever before, if you're eager to find a rosé wine that's perfect for warm days and super affordable, you've come to the right place. When it comes to rosé, there's no doubt that Whispering Angel has secured itself an A-list reputation. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 Here, Abby Wilson tests six of the most popular supermarket Whispering Angel dupes Credit: George Keller 11 While Lidl's left her extremely disappointed, she reveals the affordable winner you'll need to nab Credit: George Keller So if the thought of spending £22.50 on a bottle of wine sends shivers down your spine, we've got you covered The popular rosé comes with plenty of celebrity backing, with Adele, Lady Gaga and the Beckhams pronounced as big fans of the tasty tipple. But unfortunately for those on a budget, it also boasts a VIP price tag of around £22.50 a bottle. However, luckily for those looking to cut costs on their alcohol stash, supermarkets have released a variety of similar styles that are much more cost-effective. So, with the weather heating up and picnic season in full swing, here, Fabulous' Senior Writer and self-proclaimed wine fanatic, Abby Wilson, tests out six of the high-street's best bottles. Breath of Paradise £10.99, Lidl 11 Lidl's offering scored a poor rating of 1 out of five Credit: George Keller I was excited to try the latest Whispering Angel dupe that hit Lidl shelves only recently, and while it looks practically the same, I have to say, I was thoroughly disappointed. Yes, it's a nice bottle, but this good-looking blush tribute is not getting a thumbs up from me. This Whispering wannabe might have the vibe of the real thing but unfortunately, it lacks the flavour. If you like wine that's bitter and vinegary, this Provençal tipple could be for you. Yes, it will keep your bank account in the pink, but it lacks depth and to be totally honest, has a nasty acidic taste that quite frankly, tastes cheap. 'Aldi, are you ok hun' wine pro exclaims as she calls store's £6.99 pink bubbles a 'crowd pleaser' you need to snap up For me, Lidl normally smash it out the park with their dupes, but in my opinion, this is simply style over substance. Unfortunately, it's not giving me a 'Breath of Paradise'. The only thing I'm noticing is a sigh of disappointment. There's not much of a fruity flavour and it definitely needs a bit of lemonade to sweeten it up. While aesthetically it looks the best of the bunch, the taste makes it the biggest loser in my books. Ranking: 1/5 Tesco Finest Provence Rosé £10, Tesco 11 The Tesco Finest dupe wasn't much better Credit: George Keller With the cost of our weekly grocery shop rising, there's no doubt that many of our wallets are feeling the pinch. But if you're wanting to scrimp on rosé, the Tesco Finest Provence Rosé may, or may not, be one to try. Where my taste buds are concerned, it's dry, weak and watery, with a somewhat tangy aftertaste. Yes, it's light, but that's about it. 5 delicious supermarket wines under £10 Fizz for popping! Corte Molino Prosecco Extra Dry NV (11% abv), Italy, Co-op, £9.50 Prosecco is always a winner, but not all Proseccos are created equal…the Corte Molino Prosecco Extra Dry NV is an example of the easy-drinking Italian fizz. With its sensational Tiffany-blue label, this delicious sparkler is floral on the nose and delicately fruity on the palate. It's also suitable for vegans. Cheers! Great value red for all your date-night faves CAMPANEO OLD VINES TEMPRANILLO 2023 (13.5% ABV), Spain, Morrison's stores & online from £5.45 A smooth, well-structured red wine with ripe raspberry and cherry flavours complemented by a touch of spice, this gorgeous Tempranillo is a great value alternative to pricier Spanish reds. It goes with Tapas, stews and casseroles and roast lamb, too. Great value white that will go with anything! Andrew Peace Signature Black Label Chardonnay 2024 (11% abv), Australia, Morrisons, £5.50 Making roast chicken, mac and cheese, prawn stir fry, or fish and chips? Or do you need something to go with a decadent dessert? The incredible value Andrew Peace Signature Black Label Chardonnay from Morrisons is hugely versatile. What's more, it's celebrated by critics and is only £5.50 a bottle making it instantly affordable. Eco friendly vegan wine for the planet lover Hidden Sea Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (14.5% abv), Australia, Co-op, £10 Did you know there's a wine brand that actually saves the sea? Lush, black fruit with a touch of spicy oak, this ripe, dark berry-fruit Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon by Hidden Sea boasts supple tannins that add elegance and complexity. And buying this wine removes the equivalent of 10 plastic bottles from the ocean. Rose for your sweetheart Baron De Ley Rosado de Lágrima Rioja 2023 (13% abv), Spain Asda, £8 (when on promotion) This gorgeous pale pink wine has white blossom aromas enhanced by hints of ripe red fruits. The palate is luscious and fresh, all perfectly balanced. Serve this Provence-style wine chilled as an excellent apéritif and also alongside grilled fish. It's perfect for gifting, too, as the bottle is a beaut! *Note, prices of wine are subject to promotion. Prices correct as of January 27. I'm normally a huge fan of the Tesco Finest range and can't get enough of their epic microwave meals that are perfect for lazy nights, but this own-brand buy hasn't cut the mustard for me. It's said to emit 'delicious stone fruit flavours' and has been hailed as 'crisp and delicate', but I'm not getting any of that with this beverage. The only upside is that it's cheap. You'll be able to enjoy a summer BBQ and toast to all the cash you've cashed with this, so I suppose if I had to, I could force it down if it meant saving a few pounds. Ranking: 3/5 Château Roquefeuille Côtes de Provence St Victoire £14, Tesco 11 Things looked up with this Château Roquefeuille Credit: George Keller If you're after a full body rosé wine, this bottle of Château Roquefeuille Côtes de Provence St Victoire should be one to add to your shopping list. It's got good depth and a nice sweetness, with a fruity flavour of fresh nectarine. You'll now be able to nab it for just £12, making it over a tenner cheaper than the real deal Abby Wilson As well as having soaring character, with an intense, lasting taste, the expensive-looking bottle is sure to impress your dinner party guests. It's a gem of a wine that's spot on when paired with a summer salad or a creamy pasta for an alfresco meal on a balmy night. At £14, it's not the cheapest of the bunch - but if you've got a Clubcard, you'll need to move quickly, as you'll now be able to nab it for just £12, making it over a tenner cheaper than the real deal. Ranking: 3.5/5 Les Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rosé £15, Tesco 11 Another Tesco buy, Les Sarrins has a sharp but round flavour Credit: George Keller For those after a wonder-wine that screams liquid sunshine, look no further. Wine enthusiasts will need to get their hands on a bottle of Les Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rosé, which has a sharp but round flavour. It's more than just a copycat - its deep flavour almost gave me goosebumps (in a good way). It covers all bases - it's a brilliant all-rounder wine that is sure to be liked by many at your next outdoor function. It'll get you ahead of the A-list but that's not all, as it's also a lovely bottle that's perfect for picnics and pre-drinks in the garden. Yes, it's not a mega bargain, but it's refreshing, elegant and gluggable, making it brilliant for those looking for a luxury pale pink wine that will dance on your tastebuds. Ranking: 4/5 La Balconne Organic Provence Rosé £18, M&S 11 M&S scored highly with 4.5 out of five Credit: George Keller If you can't afford to splash the cash on Whispering Angel, here's a wannabe that is well worth raving about. The La Balconne Organic Provence Rosé has been hailed by M&S bosses as 'elegant' and 'charming', and I have to say, I agree. It reaches near the top of the dupe test with flying colours. It has a light but luscious flavour, with a nice tang that had me reaching for more. It's floral and fruity, with mouth-watering tastes of berries and wild herbs. Celebrities with their own wine brands Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie - Château Miraval (Côtes de Provence) Cameron Diaz - Avaline (Low-intervention, made of organic grapes) Sarah Jessica Parker - Invivo X (Collaboration with a New Zealand winery) John Malkovich - Les Quelles de la Coste Rosé IGP Vaucluse (Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir blend) Drew Barrymore - Carmel Road Julianne Hough and Nina Dobrev - Fresh Vine Wine Rosé (Low-sugar blend of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir) Jon Bon Jovi (with his son Jesse and French wine-maker Gérard Bertrand) - Hampton Water Rosé Kylie Minogue - Kylie Rosé Post Malone - Maison No. 9 Danica Patrick - Danica Rosé Gordon Ramsay - Elegante Rosato Lisa Vanderpump - Vanderpump Rosé Graham Norton - Graham Norton's Rosé (Blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc) Sting and Trudie Styler - Tenuta Il Palagio Beppe Rosato Toscana IGT Ridley Scott - Mas des Infermières Rosé Nicki Minaj - MYX Light Rosé Mary J. Blige - Sun Goddess John Legend - Legend Vineyard Exclusives (LVE) Rosé Jay-Z - Ace of Spades Rosé (Sparkling) Paul Oakenfold (Spokesperson) - Domaine Bertaud Belieu Snoop Dogg - 19 Crimes Rosé It's been described as 'delicate yet complex' and for me, that's spot on. Yes, it's the most expensive of the bunch and isn't that much cheaper than the OG, but it's definitely worth it if you want something that's similar to Whispering Angel but not quite as pricey. Not only does it taste great and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, but to top things off, it's also a gorgeous bottle too. Ranking: 4.5/5 Screaming Devil £12.97, Asda 11 But it was Asda's high-class rosé that took the top spot Credit: George Keller But if you're eager to nab a rosé that's bold but not too sharp, with a strong flavour that hits you straight away, look no further. This Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence not only has a great name, but is of great value too. It's just like the costly celestial sip, but thankfully, a lot cheaper. This high-class bottle will save you an impressive £9.53 and not only that, it's also sure to make summer picnics in the park much more straightforward too. This thirst slacker from Asda is sure to ruffle the feathers of the big-name bottle Abby Wilson Thanks to the handy glass stopper, there's no need for a corkscrew, so you'll never find yourself desperately Googling hacks to remove a cork again - phew. It's a lovely, modern bottle and has a sweet and refreshing flavour of white peach. As well as being vibrant, this thirst slacker from Asda is sure to ruffle the feathers of the big-name bottle, and has a tasty zest that left me pouring a second (and third) glass within a matter of minutes. So if you can't make it to the South of France this summer, this dupe-tastic buy is a real winner and one that you'll definitely want to stock up on this season. Ranking: 5/5 Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 11 Asda's dupe-tastic buy has a delicious, tasty zest Credit: George Keller 11 Screaming Devil will save you an impressive £9.53 compared to a bottle of Whispering Angel Credit: George Keller
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Asda's Screaming Devil is the best Whispering Angel dupe & over £9 cheaper – plus 5 other rose wines to try this summer
WITH summer finally here and our purses feeling tighter than ever before, if you're eager to find a rosé wine that's perfect for warm days and super affordable, you've come to the right place. When it comes to Advertisement 11 Here, Abby Wilson tests six of the most popular supermarket Whispering Angel dupes Credit: George Keller 11 While Lidl's left her extremely disappointed, she reveals the affordable winner you'll need to nab Credit: George Keller So if the thought of spending £22.50 on a bottle of wine sends shivers down your spine, we've got you covered The popular rosé comes with plenty of celebrity backing, with Adele, Lady Gaga and But unfortunately for those on a budget, it also boasts a VIP price tag of around £22.50 a bottle. However, luckily for those looking to cut costs on their alcohol stash, supermarkets have released a variety of similar styles that are much more cost-effective. So, with the weather heating up and picnic season in full swing, here, Fabulous' Senior Writer and self-proclaimed wine fanatic, Abby Wilson, tests out six of the high-street's best bottles. Advertisement Read more Fabulous stories Breath of Paradise £10.99, Lidl 11 Lidl's offering scored a poor rating of 1 out of five Credit: George Keller I was excited to try the latest Whispering Angel dupe that hit Lidl shelves only recently, and while it looks practically the same, I have to say, I was thoroughly disappointed. Yes, it's a nice bottle, but this good-looking blush tribute is not getting a thumbs up from me. Advertisement This Whispering wannabe might have the vibe of the real thing but unfortunately, it lacks the flavour. Most read in Fabulous If you like wine that's bitter and vinegary, this Provençal tipple could be for you. Yes, it will keep your bank account in the pink, but it lacks depth and to be totally honest, has a nasty acidic taste that quite frankly, tastes cheap. 'Aldi, are you ok hun' wine pro exclaims as she calls store's £6.99 pink bubbles a 'crowd pleaser' you need to snap up For me, Lidl normally smash it out the park with their dupes, but in my opinion, this is simply style over substance. Advertisement Unfortunately, it's not giving me a 'Breath of Paradise'. The only thing I'm noticing is a sigh of disappointment. There's not much of a fruity flavour and it definitely needs a bit of lemonade to sweeten it up. While aesthetically it looks the best of the bunch, the taste makes it the biggest loser in my books. Ranking: 1/5 Advertisement Tesco Finest Provence Rosé £10, Tesco 11 The Tesco Finest dupe wasn't much better Credit: George Keller With the cost of our weekly grocery shop rising, there's no doubt that many of our wallets are feeling the pinch. But if you're wanting to scrimp on rosé, the Advertisement Where my taste buds are concerned, it's dry, weak and watery, with a somewhat tangy aftertaste. Yes, it's light, but that's about it. 5 delicious supermarket wines under £10 Fizz for popping ! Corte Molino Prosecco Extra Dry NV (11% abv), Italy , Co-op, £9.50 Prosecco is always a winner, but not all Proseccos are created equal…the Corte Molino Prosecco Extra Dry NV is an example of the easy-drinking Italian fizz. With its sensational Tiffany-blue label, this delicious sparkler is floral on the nose and delicately fruity on the palate. It's also suitable for vegans. Cheers! Great value red for all your date-night faves CAMPANEO OLD VINES TEMPRANILLO 2023 (13.5% ABV), Spain, Morrison's stores & online from £5.45 A smooth, well-structured red wine with ripe raspberry and cherry flavours complemented by a touch of spice, this gorgeous Tempranillo is a great value alternative to pricier Spanish reds. It goes with Tapas, stews and casseroles and roast lamb, too. Great value white that will go with anything! Andrew Peace Signature Black Label Chardonnay 2024 (11% abv), Australia, Morrisons, £5.50 Making roast chicken, mac and cheese, prawn stir fry, or fish and chips? Or do you need something to go with a decadent dessert? The incredible value Andrew Peace Signature Black Label Chardonnay from Morrisons is hugely versatile. What's more, it's celebrated by critics and is only £5.50 a bottle making it instantly affordable. Eco friendly vegan wine for the planet lover Hidden Sea Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (14.5% abv), Australia , Co-op, £10 Did you know there's a wine brand that actually saves the sea ? Lush, black fruit with a touch of spicy oak, this ripe, dark berry-fruit Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon by Hidden Sea boasts supple tannins that add elegance and complexity. And buying this wine removes the equivalent of 10 plastic bottles from the ocean. Rose for your sweetheart Baron De Ley Rosado de Lágrima Rioja 2023 (13% abv), Spain Asda, £8 (when on promotion) This gorgeous pale pink wine has white blossom aromas enhanced by hints of ripe red fruits. The palate is luscious and fresh, all perfectly balanced. Serve this Provence-style wine chilled as an excellent apéritif and also alongside grilled fish. It's perfect for gifting, too, as the bottle is a beaut! *Note, prices of wine are subject to promotion. Prices correct as of January 27. I'm normally a huge fan of the Tesco Finest range and can't get enough of their epic microwave meals that are perfect for lazy nights, but this own-brand buy hasn't cut the mustard for me. It's said to emit 'delicious stone fruit flavours' and has been hailed as 'crisp and delicate', but I'm not getting any of that with this beverage. Advertisement The only upside is that it's cheap. You'll be able to enjoy a summer BBQ and toast to all the cash you've cashed with this, so I suppose if I had to, I could force it down if it meant saving a few pounds. Ranking: 3/5 Château Roquefeuille Côtes de Provence St Victoire £14, Tesco 11 Things looked up with this Château Roquefeuille Credit: George Keller Advertisement If you're after a full body rosé wine, this bottle of It's got good depth and a nice sweetness, with a fruity flavour of fresh nectarine. You'll now be able to nab it for just £12, making it over a tenner cheaper than the real deal Abby Wilson As well as having soaring character, with an intense, lasting taste, the expensive-looking bottle is sure to impress your dinner party guests. It's a gem of a wine that's spot on when paired with a summer salad or a creamy pasta for an alfresco meal on a balmy night. Advertisement At £14, it's not the cheapest of the bunch - but if you've got a Clubcard, you'll need to move quickly, as you'll now be able to nab it for just £12, making it over a tenner cheaper than the real deal. Ranking: 3.5/5 Les Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rosé £15, Tesco 11 Another Tesco buy, Les Sarrins has a sharp but round flavour Credit: George Keller Advertisement For those after a wonder-wine that screams liquid sunshine, look no further. Wine enthusiasts will need to get their hands on a bottle of It's more than just a copycat - its deep flavour almost gave me goosebumps (in a good way). It covers all bases - it's a brilliant all-rounder wine that is sure to be liked by many at your next outdoor function. Advertisement It'll get you ahead of the A-list but that's not all, as it's also a lovely bottle that's perfect for Yes, it's not a mega bargain, but it's refreshing, elegant and gluggable, making it brilliant for those looking for a luxury pale pink wine that will dance on your tastebuds. Ranking: 4/5 La Balconne Organic Provence Rosé £18, M&S Advertisement 11 M&S scored highly with 4.5 out of five Credit: George Keller If you can't afford to splash the cash on Whispering Angel, here's a wannabe that is well worth raving about. The It has a light but luscious flavour, with a nice tang that had me reaching for more. Advertisement It's floral and fruity, with mouth-watering tastes of berries and wild herbs. Celebrities with their own wine brands Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie - Château Miraval (Côtes de Provence) Cameron Diaz - Avaline (Low-intervention, made of organic grapes) Sarah Jessica Parker - Invivo X (Collaboration with a New Zealand winery) John Malkovich - Les Quelles de la Coste Rosé IGP Vaucluse (Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir blend) Drew Barrymore - Carmel Road Julianne Hough and Nina Dobrev - Fresh Vine Wine Rosé (Low-sugar blend of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir) Jon Bon Jovi (with his son Jesse and French wine-maker Gérard Bertrand) - Hampton Water Rosé Kylie Minogue - Kylie Rosé Post Malone - Maison No. 9 Danica Patrick - Danica Rosé Gordon Ramsay - Elegante Rosato Lisa Vanderpump - Vanderpump Rosé Graham Norton - Graham Norton's Rosé (Blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc) Sting and Trudie Styler - Tenuta Il Palagio Beppe Rosato Toscana IGT Ridley Scott - Mas des Infermières Rosé Nicki Minaj - MYX Light Rosé Mary J. Blige - Sun Goddess John Legend - Legend Vineyard Exclusives (LVE) Rosé Jay-Z - Ace of Spades Rosé (Sparkling) Paul Oakenfold (Spokesperson) - Domaine Bertaud Belieu Snoop Dogg - 19 Crimes Rosé It's been described as 'delicate yet complex' and for me, that's spot on. Yes, it's the most expensive of the bunch and isn't that much cheaper than the OG, but it's definitely worth it if you want something that's similar to Whispering Angel but not quite as pricey. Not only does it taste great and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, but to top things off, it's also a gorgeous bottle too. Advertisement Ranking: 4.5/5 Screaming Devil £12.97, Asda 11 But it was Asda's high-class rosé that took the top spot Credit: George Keller But if you're eager to nab a rosé that's bold but not too sharp, with a strong flavour that hits you straight away, look no further. Advertisement This It's just like the costly celestial sip, but thankfully, a lot cheaper. This high-class bottle will save you an impressive £9.53 and not only that, it's also sure to make summer picnics in the park much more straightforward too. This thirst slacker from Asda is sure to ruffle the feathers of the big-name bottle Abby Wilson Thanks to the handy glass stopper, there's no need for a corkscrew, so you'll never find yourself desperately Googling hacks to remove a cork again - phew. Advertisement It's a lovely, modern bottle and has a sweet and refreshing flavour of white peach. As well as being vibrant, this thirst slacker from Asda is sure to ruffle the feathers of the big-name bottle, and has a tasty zest that left me pouring a second (and third) glass within a matter of minutes. So if you can't make it to the South of France this summer, this dupe-tastic buy is a real winner and one that you'll definitely want to stock up on this season. Ranking: 5/5 Advertisement Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 11 Asda's dupe-tastic buy has a delicious, tasty zest Credit: George Keller 11 Screaming Devil will save you an impressive £9.53 compared to a bottle of Whispering Angel Credit: George Keller 11 But you'll need to move fast to nab these affordable wines Credit: George Keller Advertisement
South Wales Argus
21-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
I tested Whispering Angel wine to Lidl's Breath of Paradise
This 75cl light pink concoction costs £10.99 per bottle and was made as an alternative to Whispering Angel. Produced by Château d'Esclans it is made from choice grapes in the Esclans Valley and the Cotes de Provence region. It has proved to be quite a popular option for the summer season, but it's not exactly cheap. Most sites I've found list it for around £22.50, which is what I picked it up for from Ocado. While I am not a massive wine drinker, the fact that Lidl had prioritised quite a bit of their marketing for Breath of Paradise in highlighting it as an alternative to Whispering Angel begged for a comparison to be done. Both wines are bottled in France, with Lidl's option being made from grenache, syrah and cinsault grapes, so it would be interesting to see if that made enough of a difference in the taste. For Lidl, a £10.99 wine is expensive for them, so it still had a lot to live up to, but the emphasis was still on Whispering Angel to justify the extra cost. I compared Whispering Angel rosé wine to Lidl's Breath of Paradise As mentioned previously, I am not a big wine drinker, but I have slowly progressed from liking prosecco to white wine and rosé every now and again. I'm still not quite there with red wine yet, but I hope in the next few years my palate expands a bit and becomes more sophisticated. After purchasing the wines, it was interesting to see how much inspiration Lidl had taken in the design of the bottle. The two bottles were very similar in design (Image: Newsquest) The gold seal, white label, calligraphic writing and crest in the centre of the bottle all added up to a very similar overview. While the design was very close, how would the taste compare? I decided to try the Whispering Angel first, as it was the original, and there was a bit of trouble in getting the cork out. In my first go of it, the corkscrew got in, but then partially disintegrated the cork in the attempt to pull it out. The Whispering Angel was crisp and went down smoothly (Image: Newsquest) A second attempt was more successful, but it did mean bits of cork were now floating about in the light pink drink. After filtering the wine to make sure we got bits out, it was finally time to give it a taste. It should be said that both wines had been placed in the fridge at the same time, so they were at the same temperature. The wine was crisp, had floral notes in the taste and went down fairly easily. There wasn't much to separate the two wines (Image: Newsquest) I've not had a huge amount of rosé wine in my time, but it seemed decent, although with the price tag attached, it should be. After cleansing my palate with a bit of water (I'm told that's what wine critics do), I then went onto Breath of Paradise. What I found remarkable is outside of some subtle differences in flavour, there really wasn't much to separate them. Recommended reading: Both are crisp and go down quite nicely on a warm evening, but there's not a lot to indicate that one is £11 more expensive than the other. Obviously, it should be noted I am not a professional wine critic, and I imagine there are those in the industry who would take my observations with a grain of salt, saying there's plenty to differentiate them. However, the average shopper isn't going to be at that level, and I imagine they might arrive at the same conclusion.
South Wales Guardian
21-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
I tested Whispering Angel wine to Lidl's Breath of Paradise
This 75cl light pink concoction costs £10.99 per bottle and was made as an alternative to Whispering Angel. Produced by Château d'Esclans it is made from choice grapes in the Esclans Valley and the Cotes de Provence region. It has proved to be quite a popular option for the summer season, but it's not exactly cheap. A post shared by Lidl GB (@lidlgb) Most sites I've found list it for around £22.50, which is what I picked it up for from Ocado. While I am not a massive wine drinker, the fact that Lidl had prioritised quite a bit of their marketing for Breath of Paradise in highlighting it as an alternative to Whispering Angel begged for a comparison to be done. Both wines are bottled in France, with Lidl's option being made from grenache, syrah and cinsault grapes, so it would be interesting to see if that made enough of a difference in the taste. For Lidl, a £10.99 wine is expensive for them, so it still had a lot to live up to, but the emphasis was still on Whispering Angel to justify the extra cost. As mentioned previously, I am not a big wine drinker, but I have slowly progressed from liking prosecco to white wine and rosé every now and again. I'm still not quite there with red wine yet, but I hope in the next few years my palate expands a bit and becomes more sophisticated. After purchasing the wines, it was interesting to see how much inspiration Lidl had taken in the design of the bottle. The two bottles were very similar in design (Image: Newsquest) The gold seal, white label, calligraphic writing and crest in the centre of the bottle all added up to a very similar overview. While the design was very close, how would the taste compare? I decided to try the Whispering Angel first, as it was the original, and there was a bit of trouble in getting the cork out. In my first go of it, the corkscrew got in, but then partially disintegrated the cork in the attempt to pull it out. The Whispering Angel was crisp and went down smoothly (Image: Newsquest) A second attempt was more successful, but it did mean bits of cork were now floating about in the light pink drink. After filtering the wine to make sure we got bits out, it was finally time to give it a taste. It should be said that both wines had been placed in the fridge at the same time, so they were at the same temperature. The wine was crisp, had floral notes in the taste and went down fairly easily. There wasn't much to separate the two wines (Image: Newsquest) I've not had a huge amount of rosé wine in my time, but it seemed decent, although with the price tag attached, it should be. After cleansing my palate with a bit of water (I'm told that's what wine critics do), I then went onto Breath of Paradise. What I found remarkable is outside of some subtle differences in flavour, there really wasn't much to separate them. Recommended reading: I tested Aldi's new 'wine of the summer' and almost lost all my street cred The 3 delightful Rosés from Aldi you don't want to miss and the 1 to avoid The own-brand supermarket wines that beat bottles costing hundreds Both are crisp and go down quite nicely on a warm evening, but there's not a lot to indicate that one is £11 more expensive than the other. Obviously, it should be noted I am not a professional wine critic, and I imagine there are those in the industry who would take my observations with a grain of salt, saying there's plenty to differentiate them. However, the average shopper isn't going to be at that level, and I imagine they might arrive at the same conclusion.
The Herald Scotland
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
I tested Whispering Angel wine to Lidl's Breath of Paradise
Produced by Château d'Esclans it is made from choice grapes in the Esclans Valley and the Cotes de Provence region. It has proved to be quite a popular option for the summer season, but it's not exactly cheap. Most sites I've found list it for around £22.50, which is what I picked it up for from Ocado. While I am not a massive wine drinker, the fact that Lidl had prioritised quite a bit of their marketing for Breath of Paradise in highlighting it as an alternative to Whispering Angel begged for a comparison to be done. Both wines are bottled in France, with Lidl's option being made from grenache, syrah and cinsault grapes, so it would be interesting to see if that made enough of a difference in the taste. For Lidl, a £10.99 wine is expensive for them, so it still had a lot to live up to, but the emphasis was still on Whispering Angel to justify the extra cost. I compared Whispering Angel rosé wine to Lidl's Breath of Paradise As mentioned previously, I am not a big wine drinker, but I have slowly progressed from liking prosecco to white wine and rosé every now and again. I'm still not quite there with red wine yet, but I hope in the next few years my palate expands a bit and becomes more sophisticated. After purchasing the wines, it was interesting to see how much inspiration Lidl had taken in the design of the bottle. The two bottles were very similar in design (Image: Newsquest) The gold seal, white label, calligraphic writing and crest in the centre of the bottle all added up to a very similar overview. While the design was very close, how would the taste compare? I decided to try the Whispering Angel first, as it was the original, and there was a bit of trouble in getting the cork out. In my first go of it, the corkscrew got in, but then partially disintegrated the cork in the attempt to pull it out. The Whispering Angel was crisp and went down smoothly (Image: Newsquest) A second attempt was more successful, but it did mean bits of cork were now floating about in the light pink drink. After filtering the wine to make sure we got bits out, it was finally time to give it a taste. It should be said that both wines had been placed in the fridge at the same time, so they were at the same temperature. The wine was crisp, had floral notes in the taste and went down fairly easily. There wasn't much to separate the two wines (Image: Newsquest) I've not had a huge amount of rosé wine in my time, but it seemed decent, although with the price tag attached, it should be. After cleansing my palate with a bit of water (I'm told that's what wine critics do), I then went onto Breath of Paradise. What I found remarkable is outside of some subtle differences in flavour, there really wasn't much to separate them. Recommended reading: Both are crisp and go down quite nicely on a warm evening, but there's not a lot to indicate that one is £11 more expensive than the other. Obviously, it should be noted I am not a professional wine critic, and I imagine there are those in the industry who would take my observations with a grain of salt, saying there's plenty to differentiate them. However, the average shopper isn't going to be at that level, and I imagine they might arrive at the same conclusion.
