Latest news with #HelenaNicklin
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I tested best supermarket wines to pair with BBQ food for under £10 – winner is perfect with 3 dishes
Scroll down for the exact kind of wine that makes your steak really pop RED, WHITE AND BBQ I tested best supermarket wines to pair with BBQ food for under £10 – winner is perfect with 3 dishes Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITAIN will bask in 30-degree heat this weekend, so it's time to fire up the barbie and eat al fresco. But when you are buying the best foods to enjoy grilled in the garden, don't forget to think about what to drink. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Helena Nicklin has matched barbecue dishes with the perfect wine accompaniments Credit: Oliver Dixon 10 Pick up the perfect vino pairing in the supermarket to enjoy alongside your barbecue creations Credit: Getty Whether it's charred, smoky burgers, sizzling sausages or griddled chicken wings, you can pick up the perfect vino pairing in the supermarket to enjoy alongside. Wine expert Helena Nicklin suggests the best wines to sip this summer with popular barbecue foods – all for a tenner or less. Best for burgers RED: Toro Loco Superior Tempranillo, £5.29, Aldi 10 Aldi's iconic Toro Loco is a gluggable strawberry and herb-scented drop Credit: Aldi WHETHER it's traditional beef or fancy lamb burgers on the menu for your garden buffet, this bargain bottle of red will have you covered when you tuck in. Offering extraordinary value for what I regard as a 'proper' wine, Aldi's iconic Toro Loco is a gluggable strawberry and herb-scented drop with enough grip to take on the meaty protein from your grill, but light enough to chill too. Whatever you smother your bun in – ketchup, mayonnaise, tomatoes or onions – it will go down a treat. It can even handle the sides, from chips to garlic bread and even coleslaw. At just over a fiver it's a bargain, too. RATING: 4/5 Best for sausages ROSÉ: Ramon Bilbao Rosado £8.75, Co-op in store 10 This Spanish sipper is the perfect pink plonk to wash sausages down with Credit: Co-op WHO can resist the delicious aroma of a smoky, slightly burnt sausage? Whether you like your bangers as they come or in a bun with all the trimmings, this Spanish sipper is the perfect pink plonk to wash them down with. It's had a makeover for the 2024 vintage – and what's inside the bottle is just as pretty as the very photogenic bottle. Think strawberries and cream with a refreshing crispness thanks to those high-altitude vineyards. It pairs perfectly with pork sausages, and also chicken and veggie options, so it's the perfect standby for al fresco dining. And it is excellent value. RATING: 5/5 Best for halloumi WHITE: Sicilia Doc Grillo £9 (£8 Nectar), Sainsbury's 10 Sicilia Doc Grillo works well with halloumi Credit: Sainsburys SALTY Greek halloumi cheese is a perennial favourite on the barbie, with its rubbery texture holding together and tasting delicious when warmed over coals. To drink alongside, try this Grillo, which is one of Sicily's own grape varieties that makes wine taste of sunshine. This one's a great example with its crowd-pleasing notes of orange blossom, peach and pineapple. Its refreshing fruitiness will balance out the salt of the cheese perfectly, as well as pair nicely with creamy or starchy sides such as potato salad. It'll love a buttery corn on the cob too, should you have one. A great garden vino that's just a bit different. RATING: 3/5 Best for veggie grills WHITE: Unearthed Gemischter Satz, £8.99, Aldi 10 Sauvignon Blanc is a go-to for greens, but a much more interesting option is this awesome Austrian blend Credit: Aldi VEGETABLES often need just the right vino or it throws things off balance, so it's worth getting a bottle of this if there'll be veggies at your do. Sauvignon Blanc is a go-to for greens, but a much more interesting option is this awesome Austrian blend. Part of Aldi's Unearthed range championing lesser-known styles of wine, its name Gemischter Satz translates as Field Blend. There's a bit of everything in this, from subtle tropical fruit notes to citrus and a cool, mineral freshness. A great all rounder for on-the-skewer items like peppers, onions and aubergines. It will slip down nicely with veggie burgers, too. RATING: 4/5 Best for chicken WHITE: Wakefield Pinot Grigio £10, Tesco 10 Not all Pinot Grigio is created equal and this Aussie version is a world away from some of the cheap Italian offerings Credit: Tesco SMOKY charred chicken is an al fresco essential and Pinot Grigio is the perfect plonk to glug with it. Not all Pinot Grigio is created equal however, and this Aussie version is a world away from some of the cheap Italian offerings that don't taste of much. Hailing from the cooler Clare Valley in South Australia, this wonderful white offers the clean, thirst-slaking purity that the Pinot Grigio grape is famous for, but with more character in the form of fresh lemon, subtle white blossom and a twist of creamy almond. Pricier than other Pinot Grigios, but worth it. It's a dream with grilled chicken. RATING: 4/5 Best for sticky ribs RED: Castellore Primitivo Puglia £6.49, Aldi 10 Castellore Primitivo Puglia is nice and affordable, and is becoming a cult classic Credit: Aldi IF trendy ribs are on the menu in your garden kitchen and you're serving them with a sweet, sticky sauce, you'll need a red that packs a punch in the ripe fruit department. They need some similar, plummy spice notes. Enter Primitivo, from Puglia in Italy. This simple yet sultry Italian is hard to ignore with its full-on and full-bodied, chocolate-dipped raisin style. The great news is that it's often seriously affordable too – and this Aldi version is becoming a cult classic. Perfect for share-and-tear spares or any other glazed, smoky meaty eats. At this price, it's definitely one to try. RATING: 3/5 Best for baked potatoes WHITE: Macon-Villages Reserve £9.82, Asda 10 Macon-Villages Reserve pairs nicely with baked potatoes, which taste great during barbecue season Credit: Asda WHO doesn't love a barbecued baked potato with lashings of butter in the sunshine? In most cases, a decent, fruity white with crisp acidity like this Chardonnay will suit, especially if you're talking toppings such as sour cream, cheese, salmon and chicken. The ripe melon and peach flavours stand up to the richness of the spud, and the acidity cuts through, cleansing the palate from the charred carbs. White Burgundy with its subtle oak is perfect here, and this little Macon has just had a price rollback so it's worth treating yourself while on offer. RATING: 3/5 Best for steak RED: Deluxe Argentinian Malbec £6.29, Lidl 10 Whether it's a T-bone, ribeye, sirloin or filet, any steak needs a bold red like the Deluxe Argentinian Malbe Credit: Lidl IF there's one thing that Lidl does brilliantly in the wine department, it's great-value Malbec. If you're going all out on a cut of steak for the barbecue then this wine is the one to drink with it. This deluxe edition hails from the premium cooler Uco Valley, which means concentrated flavours of ripe blueberry and chocolate spice. Whether it's a T-bone, ribeye, sirloin or filet, any steak needs a bold red and this one delivers in fruit, flavour and texture. It'll cover you for your burgers too, and the slight smokiness will sing with the grill. For the price it's hard to beat, so stock up for summer occasions. RATING: 3/5
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I tested best supermarket wines to pair with BBQ food for under £10 – winner is perfect with 3 dishes
BRITAIN will bask in 30-degree heat this weekend, so it's time to fire up the barbie and eat al fresco. But when you are buying the best foods to enjoy grilled in the garden, don't forget to think about what to drink. 10 Whether it's charred, smoky burgers, sizzling sausages or griddled chicken wings, you can pick up the perfect vino pairing in the supermarket to enjoy alongside. Wine expert Helena Nicklin suggests the best wines to sip this summer with popular barbecue foods – all for a tenner or less. Best for burgers RED: Toro Loco Superior Tempranillo, £5.29, Aldi WHETHER it's traditional beef or fancy lamb burgers on the menu for your garden buffet, this bargain bottle of red will have you covered when you tuck in. Offering extraordinary value for what I regard as a 'proper' wine, Aldi's iconic Toro Loco is a gluggable strawberry and herb-scented drop with enough grip to take on the meaty protein from your grill, but light enough to chill too. Whatever you smother your bun in – ketchup, mayonnaise, tomatoes or onions – it will go down a treat. It can even handle the sides, from chips to garlic bread and even coleslaw. At just over a fiver it's a bargain, too. RATING: 4/5 Best for sausages WHO can resist the delicious aroma of a smoky, slightly burnt sausage? Whether you like your bangers as they come or in a bun with all the trimmings, this Spanish sipper is the perfect pink plonk to wash them down with. It's had a makeover for the 2024 vintage – and what's inside the bottle is just as pretty as the very photogenic bottle. Think strawberries and cream with a refreshing crispness thanks to those high-altitude vineyards. It pairs perfectly with pork sausages, and also chicken and veggie options, so it's the perfect standby for al fresco dining. And it is excellent value. Best for halloumi WHITE: Sicilia Doc Grillo £9 (£8 Nectar), Sainsbury's SALTY Greek halloumi cheese is a perennial favourite on the barbie, with its rubbery texture holding together and tasting delicious when warmed over coals. To drink alongside, try this Grillo, which is one of Sicily's own grape varieties that makes wine taste of sunshine. This one's a great example with its crowd-pleasing notes of orange blossom, peach and pineapple. Its refreshing fruitiness will balance out the salt of the cheese perfectly, as well as pair nicely with creamy or starchy sides such as potato salad. It'll love a buttery corn on the cob too, should you have one. A great garden vino that's just a bit different. Best for veggie grills WHITE: Unearthed Gemischter Satz, £8.99, Aldi VEGETABLES often need just the right vino or it throws things off balance, so it's worth getting a bottle of this if there'll be veggies at your do. Sauvignon Blanc is a go-to for greens, but a much more interesting option is this awesome Austrian blend. Part of Aldi's Unearthed range championing lesser-known styles of wine, its name Gemischter Satz translates as Field Blend. There's a bit of everything in this, from subtle tropical fruit notes to citrus and a cool, mineral freshness. A great all rounder for on-the-skewer items like peppers, onions and aubergines. It will slip down nicely with veggie burgers, too. Best for chicken WHITE: Wakefield Pinot Grigio £10, Tesco SMOKY charred chicken is an al fresco essential and Pinot Grigio is the perfect plonk to glug with it. Not all Pinot Grigio is created equal however, and this Aussie version is a world away from some of the cheap Italian offerings that don't taste of much. Hailing from the cooler Clare Valley in South Australia, this wonderful white offers the clean, thirst-slaking purity that the Pinot Grigio grape is famous for, but with more character in the form of fresh lemon, subtle white blossom and a twist of creamy almond. Pricier than other Pinot Grigios, but worth it. It's a dream with grilled chicken. Best for sticky ribs IF trendy ribs are on the menu in your garden kitchen and you're serving them with a sweet, sticky sauce, you'll need a red that packs a punch in the ripe fruit department. They need some similar, plummy spice notes. Enter Primitivo, from Puglia in Italy. This simple yet sultry Italian is hard to ignore with its full-on and full-bodied, chocolate-dipped raisin style. The great news is that it's often seriously affordable too – and this Aldi version is becoming a cult classic. Perfect for share-and-tear spares or any other glazed, smoky meaty eats. At this price, it's definitely one to try. Best for baked potatoes WHITE: Macon-Villages Reserve £9.82, Asda WHO doesn't love a barbecued baked potato with lashings of butter in the sunshine? In most cases, a decent, fruity white with crisp acidity like this Chardonnay will suit, especially if you're talking toppings such as sour cream, cheese, salmon and chicken. The ripe melon and peach flavours stand up to the richness of the spud, and the acidity cuts through, cleansing the palate from the charred carbs. White Burgundy with its subtle oak is perfect here, and this little Macon has just had a price rollback so it's worth treating yourself while on offer. RATING: 3/5 Best for steak RED: Deluxe Argentinian Malbec £6.29, Lidl IF there's one thing that Lidl does brilliantly in the wine department, it's great-value Malbec. If you're going all out on a cut of steak for the barbecue then this wine is the one to drink with it. This deluxe edition hails from the premium cooler Uco Valley, which means concentrated flavours of ripe blueberry and chocolate spice. Whether it's a T-bone, ribeye, sirloin or filet, any steak needs a bold red and this one delivers in fruit, flavour and texture. It'll cover you for your burgers too, and the slight smokiness will sing with the grill. For the price it's hard to beat, so stock up for summer occasions.
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I tested all the supermarket Champagne for under £20 – Aldi winner was £5 cheaper than Sainsbury's bubbly
You simply don't get better champagne bang for your buck than our winner TOP OF THE POPS I tested all the supermarket Champagne for under £20 – Aldi winner was £5 cheaper than Sainsbury's bubbly Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN it comes to popping the cork on a bottle of real French bubbly, don't think you have to splash out a fortune for a famous bottle brand. Some of the best fizz can be found on supermarket shelves for bargain prices. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Great French champagne doesn't have to cost a fortune - thanks to your local supermarket Credit: Getty 10 Wine expert Helena Nicklin samples what is on offer in the supermarkets for less than £20 and gives her verdicts Credit: Oliver Dixon Aldi's Veuve Monsigny was voted the world's best champagne, despite costing just £14.95 a bottle. But it is not the only budget champers worth sipping. Wine expert Helena Nicklin samples what is on offer in the supermarkets for less than £20 and gives her verdicts. Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut NV £14.95 Aldi 10 Award-winning champagne that delivers rich, complex flavours without the high price tag Credit: supplied THIS corker has been top of the pops among wine writers for ages, with plenty of us singing its praises. And following its triumph at the World Champagne Awards, that is now official. Key fizz grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are blended together to create these bubbles but the real surprise is the depth of those spiced brioche and baked apple flavours. A delicious flute that proves you don't have to spend a fortune on a famous name. You simply don't get better champagne bang for your buck than this. Stock up now for the summer, while you still can. 5/5 Wine expert taste tests the newest supermarket dupe of Whispering Angel Etienne Dumont Champagne Brut NV £14.95 Sainsbury's 10 A good standby supermarket-saver bottle or one to grab any time when you want real bubbly without a bonkers price tag Credit: supplied A FROTHY French fizz, this classic champagne blend is not a bad budget option to consider for less than 15 quid. In your flute, this will give you a little almond, a little green apple and a little toast flavour. It also has a satisfyingly deep colour. In the mouth, though, it's maybe just a tad weedy and thin, with bubbles that don't last as long as they could. But it's a perfect candidate for champagne cocktails and at this price, it works. A good standby supermarket-saver bottle or one to grab any time when you want real bubbly without a bonkers price tag. 2/5 Henri Cachet Champagne Brut NV £14.98 Asda 10 Affordable and approachable, this creamy champagne offers fresh pastry notes and smooth vanilla aromas—ideal for celebrations without the hefty price Credit: supplied ASDA's cheaper champers is a gentle, mid-way style that should keep everyone happy. Well below the price of a bottle of any famous branded fizz, this froth is soft and creamy. It is more about fresh pastry flavours than tart and tangy apple and has a lovely, almost vanilla-like aroma. Perhaps less complex than some fizzes at the same price. But that isn't a problem because it's still highly gluggable even when enjoyed alone. Perfect for parties, nicely chilled, or any special occasion where you would like to raise a glass of the real thing but don't fancy breaking the bank. 3/5 Comte de Senneval Champagne Brut NV £9.99, Lidl in store 10 Not, perhaps, the most refined of French fizzes, with its savoury, clunky mineral notes and a whiff of something like cheese rind, but there's a lot of flavour there Credit: supplied THESE bubbles have done well for Lidl, for good reason. And currently reduced from £13.99 to £9.99, they are a serious bargain. What you get here is not perhaps the poshest or most refined of French fizzes, with its savoury, clunky mineral notes and a whiff of something like cheese rind, but there's a lot of flavour there. And of course you are still popping the cork on a bottle of the real deal. For me, this is one to serve well chilled and sip with party canapés – or some nibbles and snacks if you are drinking at home, to soften it up a bit. A tasty tipple and great value for your hard-earned money. 3/5 Louis Delaunay Brut Champagne NV £15, Tesco 10 Super value for money, this delivers a proper champers experience, loaded with all the toasty apple goodness you could ever want Credit: supplied HATS off to French fizz-maker Louis Delaunay and Tesco for managing to bring this in at such an affordable price. Super value for money, this delivers a proper champers experience, loaded with all the toasty apple goodness you could ever want. It's a lovely golden colour, too, so looks pretty in the glass. The only downside for me is a slight lack of freshness on the finish. Nothing a good chill can't sort out, though. Get this one nice and cold in the fridge before you pop the cork and celebrate what a bargain you've bought. Great as a present, too. 4/5 Pol Guyot Selection Champagne Brut NV £19, Sainsbury's 10 Think plenty of apple flavour, with a bit of toast and butter for that exclusive feel Credit: supplied I'M a big fan of this fizz, for just under 20 quid, and also love how the 'Pol' nods to the more glamorous and pricey Pol Roger brand for a luxe vibe. It's a proper bargain, which tastes more expensive than it is. Definitely a step up in superiority from those £15 club fizzes, for only an extra £4. Think plenty of apple flavour, with a bit of toast and butter for that exclusive feel. The finish on this sparkling treat packs a subtly bitter kick that might not be for everyone, so that's something to bear in mind. But this is a serious sipper for the price, nonetheless. 4/5 Louvel Fontaine Champagne Brut NV £18.48 Asda 10 It's a properly posh-seeming drink that will take you from aperitifs though canapés and even on to a main course, should you like Credit: supplied DON'T be fooled into thinking that because the bottle looks less fancy, the fizz inside may disappoint. Well-known names and glitzy labels are fine but it's the froth in your flute that counts – and this tipple seriously overdelivers for the price. Despite costing less than 20 quid, it stays crisp and fresh as you drink, while loaded with hazelnut, brioche and citrus flavour. It's a properly posh-seeming drink that will take you from aperitifs though canapés and even on to a main course, should you like. Great for parties, gifting, toasts, a night in or anything you fancy really. It's often on offer, too, so keep checking. A real off-the-radar gem. 5/5 Nicolas de Montbart Champagne Brut NV £13.99 Aldi 10 Think soft, bruised apples and a sprinkling of chopped almonds when you sip – but it could do with increased acidity to balance things up Credit: supplied ANOTHER French fizz from Aldi at a very affordable price. It's great that the supermarket chain has sourced a back-up champagne for when its prize-winning Veuve Monsigny dries up, and this is a decent drop. But the taste is just a little bit generic for my liking, and noticeably sweet. Think soft, bruised apples and a sprinkling of chopped almonds when you sip – but it could do with increased acidity to balance things up. One for cocktails rather than sipping on its own, in my opinion. So a great option for those summer party Kir Royals and knocking up a tasty Buck's Fizz. 2/5 Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I tested all the supermarket Champagne for under £20 – Aldi winner was £5 cheaper than Sainsbury's bubbly
WHEN it comes to popping the cork on a bottle of real French bubbly, don't think you have to splash out a fortune for a famous bottle brand. Some of the best fizz can be found on supermarket shelves for bargain prices. Aldi's Veuve Monsigny was voted the world's best champagne, despite costing just £14.95 a bottle. But it is not the only budget champers worth sipping. Wine expert Helena Nicklin samples what is on offer in the supermarkets for less than £20 and gives her verdicts. Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut NV £14.95 Aldi THIS corker has been top of the pops among wine writers for ages, with plenty of us singing its praises. And following its triumph at the World Champagne Awards, that is now official. Key fizz grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are blended together to create these bubbles but the real surprise is the depth of those spiced brioche and baked apple flavours. A delicious flute that proves you don't have to spend a fortune on a famous name. You simply don't get better champagne bang for your buck than this. Stock up now for the summer, while you still can. 5/5 Wine expert taste tests the newest supermarket dupe of Whispering Angel Etienne Dumont Champagne Brut NV £14.95 Sainsbury's A FROTHY French fizz, this classic champagne blend is not a bad budget option to consider for less than 15 quid. In your flute, this will give you a little almond, a little green apple and a little toast flavour. It also has a satisfyingly deep colour. In the mouth, though, it's maybe just a tad weedy and thin, with bubbles that don't last as long as they could. But it's a perfect candidate for champagne cocktails and at this price, it works. A good standby supermarket-saver bottle or one to grab any time when you want real bubbly without a bonkers price tag. 2/5 Henri Cachet Champagne Brut NV £14.98 Asda ASDA's cheaper champers is a gentle, mid-way style that should keep everyone happy. Well below the price of a bottle of any famous branded fizz, this froth is soft and creamy. It is more about fresh pastry flavours than tart and tangy apple and has a lovely, almost vanilla-like aroma. Perhaps less complex than some fizzes at the same price. But that isn't a problem because it's still highly gluggable even when enjoyed alone. Perfect for parties, nicely chilled, or any special occasion where you would like to raise a glass of the real thing but don't fancy breaking the bank. 3/5 Comte de Senneval Champagne Brut NV £9.99, Lidl in store THESE bubbles have done well for Lidl, for good reason. And currently reduced from £13.99 to £9.99, they are a serious bargain. What you get here is not perhaps the poshest or most refined of French fizzes, with its savoury, clunky mineral notes and a whiff of something like cheese rind, but there's a lot of flavour there. And of course you are still popping the cork on a bottle of the real deal. For me, this is one to serve well chilled and sip with party canapés – or some nibbles and snacks if you are drinking at home, to soften it up a bit. A tasty tipple and great value for your hard-earned money. 3/5 Louis Delaunay Brut Champagne NV £15, Tesco HATS off to French fizz-maker Louis Delaunay and Tesco for managing to bring this in at such an affordable price. Super value for money, this delivers a proper champers experience, loaded with all the toasty apple goodness you could ever want. It's a lovely golden colour, too, so looks pretty in the glass. The only downside for me is a slight lack of freshness on the finish. Nothing a good chill can't sort out, though. Get this one nice and cold in the fridge before you pop the cork and celebrate what a bargain you've bought. Great as a present, too. 4/5 Pol Guyot Selection Champagne Brut NV £19, Sainsbury's I'M a big fan of this fizz, for just under 20 quid, and also love how the 'Pol' nods to the more glamorous and pricey Pol Roger brand for a luxe vibe. It's a proper bargain, which tastes more expensive than it is. Definitely a step up in superiority from those £15 club fizzes, for only an extra £4. Think plenty of apple flavour, with a bit of toast and butter for that exclusive feel. The finish on this sparkling treat packs a subtly bitter kick that might not be for everyone, so that's something to bear in mind. But this is a serious sipper for the price, nonetheless. 4/5 Louvel Fontaine Champagne Brut NV £18.48 Asda DON'T be fooled into thinking that because the bottle looks less fancy, the fizz inside may disappoint. Well-known names and glitzy labels are fine but it's the froth in your flute that counts – and this tipple seriously overdelivers for the price. Despite costing less than 20 quid, it stays crisp and fresh as you drink, while loaded with hazelnut, brioche and citrus flavour. It's a properly posh-seeming drink that will take you from aperitifs though canapés and even on to a main course, should you like. Great for parties, gifting, toasts, a night in or anything you fancy really. It's often on offer, too, so keep checking. A real off-the-radar gem. 5/5 Nicolas de Montbart Champagne Brut NV £13.99 Aldi ANOTHER French fizz from Aldi at a very affordable price. It's great that the supermarket chain has sourced a back-up champagne for when its prize-winning Veuve Monsigny dries up, and this is a decent drop. But the taste is just a little bit generic for my liking, and noticeably sweet. Think soft, bruised apples and a sprinkling of chopped almonds when you sip – but it could do with increased acidity to balance things up. One for cocktails rather than sipping on its own, in my opinion. So a great option for those summer party Kir Royals and knocking up a tasty Buck's Fizz. 2/5
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I tested supermarket dupes of posh Whispering Angel rosé… flavour-packed winner is as good as original at half the price
Read on to find out which dupe has the vibe of the real thing but also flavour - for around half the price HEAVENLY DUPES I tested supermarket dupes of posh Whispering Angel rosé… flavour-packed winner is as good as original at half the price Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN it comes to popular pink wines, Whispering Angel has an A-list reputation. Fans include Adele, Lady Gaga and the Beckhams. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 When it comes to popular pink wines, Whispering Angel has an A-list reputation - but it comes with the price tag, too Credit: Amazon 10 Here, wine expert Helena Nicklin looks at the best supermarket dupes to keep you in the pink Credit: Oliver Dixon While this stylish rosé comes with plenty of celebrity backing, it also boasts a VIP price tag of around £20. But supermarkets have similar styles on their shelves at smaller prices. This week, Lidl launched its new blush tribute Breath of Paradise at a more palatable £10.99. And there are other more affordable alternatives elsewhere worth shouting about too. Here, wine expert Helena Nicklin looks at the best bottles to keep you in the pink. Breath of Paradise £10.99, Lidl LIDL says this tipple offers all the taste of Whispering Angel at half the price. The original's popularity is partly due to the stunning packaging, as well as the delicious wine. 10 Think ripe white peaches, sliced strawberry and cantaloupe melon, all held in by a slick of saltiness And while some alternatives are simply good-looking copies, others are decent rosé wines with similar flavour profiles but from different places. Lidl's blatant but beautiful Whispering Angel dupe has the vibe of the real thing but also flavour. This fellow Cotes de Provence wine knocks it out of the park as an alternative. Think ripe white peaches, sliced strawberry and cantaloupe melon, all held in by a slick of saltiness. Just like the costly celestial sip, but a lot cheaper. 5/5 Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel Sainte Victoire Provence Rosé £10.99, Aldi ANOTHER wannabe that is well worth making some noise about. Sainte Victoire is actually its own, high-quality, designated area in Provence, while Whispering Angel is rosé wine made with a blend from all over the Cotes de Provence. 10 A perfect drop to enjoy in the garden on a warm summer day if you can't make it to the South of France Credit: Supplied This makes Aldi's a particularly high- class dupe – and the price even more notable. Sainte Victoire pinks are especially crisp, lean and mineral with subtle strawberry and peach notes in the background. A classy thirst slaker that is on the leaner, paler, more complex side. Delicious, and looks beautiful in the glass. A perfect drop to enjoy in the garden on a warm summer day if you can't make it to the South of France. 4/5 The Best Touraine Rosé £8.50, Morrisons FOR this Whispering wannabe, we are stepping away from Provence in the South of France and moving north to the Loire Valley. But that does not mean you won't get a similar sip in your glass. 10 A new pink pretender that is worth grabbing Credit: Morrisons This rosé region offers a lot of what you want from Whispering Angel. A glass of this gives a blend of juicy Gamay and crunchy Cabernet Franc grapes, so you can expect a pleasing dollop of tangy, red fruit. There is a zippy acidity and cool mineral character keeping it all balanced. It is excellent value as well. A new pink pretender that is worth grabbing – so get ahead of the A-list and give it a try. Tell your friends Touraine is the next big thing. 4/5 Fleur De Lise Rosé £8.50, M&S THIS pretty pink, which you can pick up for less than a tenner, packs a super flavour punch without being too sweet or acidic. Hailing from Saint-Mont in the foothills of the Pyrenees, it is another option that is not from Provence but is still surprisingly elegant when you consider it is made with bold red grapes lsuch as Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon. 10 Have a glass when you are dining alfresco in the sunshine and toast to all the money you will have saved Credit: Ocado The result is a dry, savoury, textural vino that is crisp, gluggable and lovely with a barbecue. Have a glass when you are dining alfresco in the sunshine and toast to all the money you will have saved by opting for a less spendy but still seriously enjoyable bottle. 3/5 Bijou Sophie Valrose Coteaux de Beziers £9.25 (£7.75 Nectar), Sainsbury's BIJOU translates from French as jewel and this is definitely a gem of a wine that pays tribute to Sophie Valrose, who challenged the exploitation of women in vineyards in the 19th century. The bottle is as photogenic and appealing as Whispering Angel, which is not to be overlooked if you are posing for all-important social media pics. 10 A decent drop at a super-saving price Credit: Sainsbury's The content takes a sideways step from Provence to the Languedoc region, where you find excellent-value pinks that have a splash more fruit thanks to a slightly warmer climate and different soils. It is refreshing with some soft, raspberry fruit. A decent drop at a super-saving price. 3/5 Gérard Bertrand Cote des Rosés £10, Co-op ANOTHER Languedoc legend, ex- French rugby pro turned winemaker Gérard Bertrand makes this perfumed pink that punches way above its weight for a tenner. Made with the same blend often used in neighbouring Provence, it is fuller than some but still elegant and refreshing. 10 Perfect for a party, especially if you have bottles out where guests can see them Think beautiful, ripe berry notes from the Grenache and Syrah balancing a crisp tang from the Cinsault grape. This doesn't just look appealing, in a beautiful bottle designed to look like a rose bloom, it has won plenty of prizes, too. Perfect for a party, especially if you have bottles out where guests can see them. A great gift, too. 4/5 La Vieille Ferme Rosé £8.50, Tesco THE original Whispering Angel dupe and it is still very worthy. The famous 'Chicken Wine' has won many rosé lovers' hearts thanks to its pretty packaging, appealing pastel hue and surprisingly pocket-friendly price tag. 10 This is one to ruffle the feathers of the big-name bottle Credit: Tesco It is more than just a copycat, too. This hails from the warmer Rhone Valley and is made by the famous Perrin wine family, with the same grapes as many Provence styles. The result is a riper, more fruity style but everything is perfectly in balance. Now enjoying cult status, it is one to ruffle the feathers of the big-name bottle and is a long-time bargain. 3/5 Mare Meua Pinot Noir Rosé £5.52, Asda IF it is a poolside party vibe you are after for not much cash, you need to try this. With an enticing beach scene on the bottle, its label gives off glamorous Cote d'Azur looks. But, in fact, this blush hails from Spain. 10 It gets a little rough as it warms up, so keep it super-chilled Credit: Supplied And what is inside is very good for the price. Made with Pinot Noir, it has more of a ripe, raspberry tang but it is pale and refreshing with a touch of sweetness. It gets a little rough as it warms up, so keep it super-chilled so it is only the holiday feel heating up. You could throw in ice cubes to enhance the 'by the beach' experience and drink it in your cossie in the garden. 3/5
