With the so-called premium discounters still stealing headlines, here is my current top three from Aldi – plus, of course, great value options from Sainsbury’s and Morrisons in my new “Good Buys Elsewhere” feature.

Awards and plaudits continue to rain down on the wine selections in the UK’s premium discounters so here is my top three from those currently on the shelves at Aldi.

In addition to that type of single retailer review, check out today’s hot tips in other retailers that you can pick up on the weekly shopping run.  

Click on any of the bottles shown for an enlarged image to help you pinpoint the wine on a crowded shelf.

Heads Up for Riesling Refuse-niks

EXQUISITE COLLECTION CLARE VALLEY RIESLINGEven those still clinging to outdated prejudices about German riesling cannot, surely, deny the joy and quality of versions from South Australia’s Clare Valley. Conversion courses for remaining doubters start here!

Bone dry with firm acidity, 2015 Exquisite Collection Clare Valley Riesling (£6.99 and 13% abv) has textured, ripe, apple fruit with just a hint of nectarine – all nicely supported by contrasting grapefruit and sherbet lime acidity. Beautiful wine!

And a red to match

Exquisite Collection Argentinean MalbecThe intensity of sunlight and the slightly higher altitude makes the Uco Valley one of Argentina’s best wine regions, with excellent chardonnay these days – but its malbec is worth a second look too.

Those gifts of nature serve to emphasise the richness and floral elements that underpin the medium bodied, raspberry and red plum fruit in 2015 Exquisite Collection Malbec (£5.99 and 13.5%) and the balanced acidic freshness, limited tannin and touches of chocolate that support it.

Switching back to Europe

Vintage now moved on
Vintage now moved on

Anyone seeking a budget BBQ red can end their search now – with this skilfully crafted primitivo (aka Zinfandel of course) from Puglia in the heel of Italy.

With firmer tannin that the malbec and a fuller, savoury edge, 2015 Venturer Primitivo (£4.99 and 13%) brings you intense cassis, black cherry and elderberry fruit with suggestions of vanilla, mocha, pepper and cinnamon yet good acidity too.

 

Good Buys Elsewhere

Here, then, are my two picks from stars available in other retailers – Sainsbury’s and Morrisons this time.

An old friend from Spain

Torres Vina SolYou don’t need to spend much time in Spain to meet up with the wines of Torres and, in particular, this white wine made from the cava grape, parellada – supplemented now by white grenache.

Ever reliable, 2015 Torres Vina Sol (£5 – instead of £6.50 until 9 August – at Sainsbury’s and 11.5%) majors on red apple and orange fruit but keeps everything fresh with grapefruit based acidity.

Surely on every Trattoria wine list

Confusingly sharing its name with a sangiovese producing village, the montepulciano grape is even more of a standby Italian red as the primitivo mentioned earlier and, here, at a cracking price.

Again with mocha and vanilla touches, 2014 Signature Montepulciano (£5.50 – down from £6 until 7 August – at Morrisons and 13%) provides warm, sour plum and elderberry fruit with firm acidity but only modest tannin.

 

 

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3 responses

  1. Hi Brian,
    I’m Popping in to Aldi tomorrow, I can vouch for the Clare Valley Riesling and the Malbec both excellent and a regular buy for me.
    Will stick a bottle of the Primitivo in my basket (not tried this yet), might even try some of the Exquisite Cotes de Provence Rosé and the Marsanne as well.

    Always a bottle of Torres Vina Sol in my rack, great for the hot weather.

  2. Just tried the Venturer Primitivo 2015 and what a surprise, this was pretty decent for £4.99.
    Mainly sweetish dark fruits, mouth watering acidity, with hints of chocolate and spice.
    For the price you don’t expect much but this punches well above its weight and hey ! its only £4.99.

  3. Fully agree, Dave; perfect for an informal summer BBQ without breaking the bank. More £4.99 wine in the upcoming post too!

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