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The Herald Scotland
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
I taste tested Aldi's award-winning wines with mixed reviews
But with so many fantastic options to choose from, it can be hard to find the perfect bottle that is just right for you. If you are looking for a great value wine, as well as something that tastes fantastic, I find the best place to start (as with most things) is Aldi. To help convince you further about Aldi's selection, 46 of their wines have recently been awarded medals at the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2025. From those award-winning tipples, social media wine expert and IWSC judge Andy Pincott, aka the Affordable Wine Hunter, picked the six best that you can buy for under £10. So, I took his advice and popped down to my local Aldi to grab a bottle of each. My wife and I, who have very different palates when it comes to wine, then spent an afternoon relaxing at home with a charcuterie board and these six wines, testing to see whether they lived up to the high praise. My take on Aldi's best award-winning wines Sous Les Mers (£6.99) The experts described Aldi's Sous Les Mers as "an easy-drinking French white that offers freshness and balance", and I agree. (Image: Patrick Glover) Andy described the Sous Les Mers as an "easy-drinking French white that offers freshness and balance". My wife and I couldn't have agreed more, both taken back by the softness of the flavour, and how "drinkable" it was. This was my wife's favourite of the six wines. No matter where you are drinking this wine, you can just imagine yourself sitting in a beer garden somewhere in the summer sun. On top of all that, it is "amazing value" at £6.99. Costières de Nîmes Blanc (£8.99) The Costières de Nimes Blanc is your traditional, dry white wine. (Image: Patrick Glover) This southern French white wine was extremely flavourful. Think your traditional, dry white wine with citrus flavours (although I swear I could taste apple). Ideal if you are looking for a wine to have with an evening meal. Both my wife and I agreed that the Costières de Nîmes Blanc was about middle of the range in comparison to the five others. Rosorange (£9.99) Aldi's Rosorange is one wine to avoid. (Image: Patrick Glover) Next, we ventured on to Aldi's Rosorange, which has proven itself as somewhat of a viral trend in recent years. Both my wife and I honestly didn't see the appeal. It ranked an extremely distant last when compared to Aldi's other award-winning wines. It was tangy, you couldn't really taste the orange, and it left a weird, overpowering aftertaste in your mouth. I'm sorry to say, as I hate wasting even a single drop of alcohol, the Rosé went straight down the sink after we'd finished the taste test. While the taste is bad enough, the Rosorange Rosé was the most expensive of the six wines as well at £9.99. Definitely one to steer clear of. Specially Selected Austrian Zweigelt (£7.99) The Austrian Zweigelt was my favourite wine of the six we tried. (Image: Patrick Glover) With the white wines out of the way, we cleansed our palates with some water and more cheese and made our way onto the red wines - my favourite. Having spent the first 26 years of my life in Australia, living off delicious reds from the likes of Penfolds, Yalumba and d'Arenberg, I am very much a full-bodied red wine drinker. So I was surprised when I discovered the medium-bodied Austrian Zweigelt to be my favourite Aldi wine. Giving off aromas of berries and forest fruits, it has a wonderful spicy taste accompanied by a smooth finish. While my wife didn't like it as much, I thought it was a fantastic wine and is definitely worth adding to your shopping list next time you visit Aldi. Specially Selected Caladoc Rouge (£7.99) This red wine is a mixture of Malbec and Grenache. (Image: Patrick Glover) The Specially Selected Caladoc Rouge received mixed reviews from my wife and I. It was one of my least favourite of the Aldi wines, while it was my wife's favourite out of the reds. This red is a mixture of Malbec and Grenache and, for me, was just a bit of flavour overload. There was just too much going on. It gave off a fruity aroma, said to be of "stewed plums and brambles", while the taste is described on the bottle as a combination of "earth, pepper and blackcurrants". Bureiras Vides Cabernet Franc – (£8.99) Aldi's Cabernet Franc is a classic full-bodied red wine with smoky/peppery flavours. (Image: Patrick Glover) The final wine on our tasting journey was the Argentinian Cabernet Franc. This is a classic full-bodied red with a smoky, peppery kind of taste, not too dissimilar to that of a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon. An ideal pairing for a dinner-time meal like beef stew. Worth a try for those traditional red wine drinkers out there, although is one of the more pricer options on the list at £8.99. RECOMMENDED READING: The last drop (conclusion) After a few hours of wine tasting, my wife and I concluded that despite both having our favourites, which were both extremely different, it doesn't matter what we think. Everyone has their own tastes. So what I like will be different from what my wife likes, which will be different again from what you, the reader, likes. So, take in our little taste testing notes, hopefully they are a helpful guide, but go out and buy the wine that you like. It might be from Aldi, it could be from M&S, or Asda. But wherever it's from, just follow your taste buds.
South Wales Argus
25-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- South Wales Argus
Testing Aldi's sensational spring and summer wine collection
The arrival of spring can mean only one thing in my book: a veritable smorgasbord of indulgence. Wine mainly, to be clear. Although when the blue heavens open I am partial to a run in the sun, a need to read, or even a seasonal fishy dish, I do accept my main vice is a cold glass of wine, or two, or a bottle. Sod your liver, life's short (all views my own). I tested Aldi's autumn and winter wine collection last November - recommended by several experts - and had a transformative experience with several 'showstoppers'. Now, I had the chance to dive into several bottles of their spring/summer collection. "Handpicked by Mistress of Wine, Sam Caporn, this year's under-the-radar heroes include a Macedonian Red, Bulgarian Pinot Noir Rosé, Zweigelt Rosé and Costières de Nîmes Blanc – introducing wine lovers to exciting new flavours and emerging regions this spring." In all honesty, I was most looking forward to the red and white wine, Rosé just ain't my bag, quite frankly. But could I be converted? Well, Aldi had the chance. Here is how the Aldi wines went down. (Image: Newsquest) Sharing a glass of wine amongst friends, family, and loved ones in the sun can summon a feeling of unity. For that afternoon or evening, you're all in it together. This, on a good day, leads to raucous laughter, flowing conversation, and a morish feeling of love among those you hold closest. On a bad day, smashed glasses, fists thrown, a tête-à-tête-killing obscenity and a possible divorce. But let's focus on the good. Here is how the Aldi wines went down. Macedonian Red £6.99 The first wine I tried was the Macedonian Red. Who's it for? Primitivo patrons Sam says: "A burst of youthful energy in the glass, this wine unfolds with aromas of sun-ripened red cherries, juicy plums and delicate raspberries. The palate is smooth and medium-bodied, offering a delightful dance of white pepper spice and a hint of decadent chocolate. Primitivo lovers, take note!" I used to be a staunch lover of red wine until I had a transformative experience travelling through Italy's vineyards a couple of years ago. From that day, red didn't take a back seat, so to speak, but it certainly had a challenger for my palate. I like Italian wine, Barolo is my favourite, but let's be honest, it's pricey. In this day and age, you need to find a good wine that doesn't sacrifice flavour for price, and Aldi seems to have found it. This medium-bodied offering was so smooth I couldn't quite believe it. It'd work with lamb or beef, but also as a conversation starter. The white was a particular favourite. (Image: Newsquest) Specially Selected Costières de Nîmes Blanc £8.99 Next up was my seasonal favourite, the white. The vibe: It's giving Gavi Sam says: "Imagine the crisp, clean flavours of a classic Gavi, but with its own unique twist. Light and refreshingly crisp, this tasty tipple offers a vibrant bouquet of ripe conference pear, juicy galia melon, delicate apricot blossom and zesty lemon. The palate is beautifully balanced, with an acidity softened by a smooth, inviting texture." Whack this in the fridge overnight (you could probably get away with a couple of hours) and let it sing for itself. Furthermore, you might find yourself doing a few renditions yourself after a glass or two, I certainly did. £8.99 is not bad for this fruity and lively white; it went down beautifully and did not last long, let me tell you that. Specially Selected Austrian Zweigelt Rosé £8.99 The first Rosé was up. The vibe: Navarra nights Sam says: "A gorgeous, vibrant pink hue leads to enticing aromas of red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate. The palate is dry and fresh with a tasty twist of tangerine on the finish. If you're a fan of the bright, fruity flavours of a Spanish Rosé from Navarra, you'll adore this." I've never been a big fan of Rosé, and when I have partaken in a glass, I've committed sommelier sacrilege. I introduced a few ice cubes. Judge me all you want. But this time around, I simply couldn't, and I'm glad. It was so surprisingly refreshing. Magnificent to be truthful. I would put this on par with the white in terms of refreshing, which I never thought I'd say. Recommended reading: Supermarket red wine review - Where sells the best wine? I tested Aldi's incredible autumn and winter wine selection Where sells the best wine? £5 supermarket white wine review Unearthed Thracian Valley Pinot Noir Rosé £8.99 And finally, the last Rosé. Who's it for? Provence partakers Sam says: 'Evoking the effortless elegance of a French Provençal Rosé, this is a vision of summer in a glass. With attractive notes of ripe strawberries, peach, melon and conference pear, this pretty pale pink blush is light and zesty, making an elegant tipple.' Sadly, Aldi didn't go four for four this time around, but it was no means bad; the other three were just levels above for me. I found the Pinot Noir to be a little bit too dry for my liking, but again, that is probably down to preference. I have no doubt there will be a lot of people out there who would thrive on this.
Glasgow Times
24-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Glasgow Times
Testing Aldi's sensational spring and summer wine collection
The arrival of spring can mean only one thing in my book: a veritable smorgasbord of indulgence. Wine mainly, to be clear. Although when the blue heavens open I am partial to a run in the sun, a need to read, or even a seasonal fishy dish, I do except my main vice is a cold glass of wine, or two, or a bottle. Sod your liver, life's short (all views my own). I tested Aldi's autumn and winter wine collection last November - recommended by several experts - and had a transformative experience with several 'showstoppers'. Now, I had the chance to dive into several bottles of their spring/summer collection. "Handpicked by Mistress of Wine, Sam Caporn, this year's under-the-radar heroes include a Macedonian Red, Bulgarian Pinot Noir Rosé, Zweigelt Rosé and Costières de Nîmes Blanc – introducing wine lovers to exciting new flavours and emerging regions this spring." In all honesty, I was most looking forward to the red and white wine, Rosé just ain't my bag, quite frankly. But could I be converted? Well, Aldi had the chance. Here is how the Aldi wines went down. (Image: Newsquest) Sharing a glass of wine amongst friends, family, and loved ones in the sun can summon a feeling of unity. For that afternoon or evening, you're all in it together. This, on a good day, leads to raucous laughter, flowing conversation, and a morish feeling of love among those you hold closest. On a bad day, smashed glasses, fists thrown, a tête-à-tête-killing obscenity and a possible divorce. But let's focus on the good. Here is how the Aldi wines went down. Macedonian Red £6.99 The first wine I tried was the Macedonian Red. Who's it for? Primitivo patrons Sam says: "A burst of youthful energy in the glass, this wine unfolds with aromas of sun-ripened red cherries, juicy plums and delicate raspberries. The palate is smooth and medium-bodied, offering a delightful dance of white pepper spice and a hint of decadent chocolate. Primitivo lovers, take note!" I used to be a staunch lover of red wine until I had a transformative experience travelling through Italy's vineyards a couple of years ago. From that day, red didn't take a back seat, so to speak, but it certainly had a challenger for my palate. I like Italian wine, Barolo is my favourite, but let's be honest, it's pricey. In this day and age, you need to find a good wine that doesn't sacrifice flavour for price, and Aldi seems to have found it. This medium-bodied offering was so smooth I couldn't quite believe it. It'd work with lamb or beef, but also as a conversation starter. The white was a particular favourite. (Image: Newsquest) Specially Selected Costières de Nîmes Blanc £8.99 Next up was my seasonal favourite, the white. The vibe: It's giving Gavi Sam says: "Imagine the crisp, clean flavours of a classic Gavi, but with its own unique twist. Light and refreshingly crisp, this tasty tipple offers a vibrant bouquet of ripe conference pear, juicy galia melon, delicate apricot blossom and zesty lemon. The palate is beautifully balanced, with an acidity softened by a smooth, inviting texture." Whack this in the fridge overnight (you could probably get away with a couple of hours) and let it sing for itself. Furthermore, you might find yourself doing a few renditions yourself after a glass or two, I certainly did. £8.99 is not bad for this fruity and lively white; it went down beautifully and did not last long, let me tell you that. Specially Selected Austrian Zweigelt Rosé £8.99 The first Rosé was up. The vibe: Navarra nights Sam says: "A gorgeous, vibrant pink hue leads to enticing aromas of red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate. The palate is dry and fresh with a tasty twist of tangerine on the finish. If you're a fan of the bright, fruity flavours of a Spanish Rosé from Navarra, you'll adore this." I've never been a big fan of Rosé, and when I have partaken in a glass, I've committed sommelier sacrilege. I introduced a few ice cubes. Judge me all you want. But this time around, I simply couldn't, and I'm glad. It was so surprisingly refreshing. Magnificent to be truthful. I would put this on par with the white in terms of refreshing, which I never thought I'd say. Recommended reading: Supermarket red wine review - Where sells the best wine? I tested Aldi's incredible autumn and winter wine selection Where sells the best wine? £5 supermarket white wine review Unearthed Thracian Valley Pinot Noir Rosé £8.99 And finally, the last Rosé. Who's it for? Provence partakers Sam says: 'Evoking the effortless elegance of a French Provençal Rosé, this is a vision of summer in a glass. With attractive notes of ripe strawberries, peach, melon and conference pear, this pretty pale pink blush is light and zesty, making an elegant tipple.' Sadly, Aldi didn't go four for four this time around, but it was no means bad; the other three were just levels above for me. I found the Pinot Noir to be a little bit too dry for my liking, but again, that is probably down to preference. I have no doubt there will be a lot of people out there who would thrive on this.
