Major discounters are admired for their keen prices but their wine ranges are sound in themselves as this list reveals; it brings you a variety of textures, styles and flavours from grapefruit and raspberry to orange and blackberry.
Try them and see.
Aldi’s focus is on ongoing prices rather than promotions so these details should apply for a while but, obviously, not indefinitely.
Click on any of the bottles shown for an enlarged image to help you pinpoint the wine on a crowded shelf.
Great value lively but substantial white
South Western France produces some great value wines often using, as here, grape varieties that really prosper locally.
Try, for example, the well priced fresh and lively 2014 Venturer Series Cotes de Gascogne Colombard Gros Manseng (£4.79) with its sweetish, blossom centred aromas, grapefruit acidity and pear based depth.
Shellfish’s cherished companion
Then, move west to “green Spain” – the bit at the top of Portugal – for a trendy white that strikes up a terrific partnership with seafood.
Although its apple and pink grapefruit flavours are restrained, 2014 The Exquisite Collection Rias Baixas Albarino (£5.99), has razor sharp acidity and a long stylish finish full of appealing savoury spices.
Complex sauvignon for grown ups
Aldi’s stars are not restricted to Europe, as this premium level New Zealand classic affirms – but wine of this complexity usually attracts double digit prices.
Inexpensive Kiwi sauvignon is often just about shouty acidity but the floral and layered 2014 The Exquisite Collection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (£7.99) has beautiful tropical fruit and orange centred depth, acutely defined flavours and vibrant tangerine based acidity.
The High Street’s biggest bargain?
Here, for under £4, is a a great value presentable red centred on the main Rioja grape but – and this is the key to its price – from a little known part of Spain.
The soft and warm 2014 Toro Loco Tempranillo (£3.79) provides bright, juicy cherry fruit with supporting hints of eucalyptus and all-spice, firm acidity and the mildest touches of tannin.
Under £6 Reserva from Rioja
Head next to the Rioja region itself and its famous classification system; reserva wines are in the second top category and have to be aged for three years – one of which must be in oak.
So, enjoy the woody aromas and cultured smoothness of 2009 Baron Amarillo Rioja Reserva (£5.49) with its cherry and bramble flavours enlivened by bright, clean acidity and minty, cinnamon finish.
Chic Kiwi pinot but look at the price?
Finally, let’s go back to New Zealand but to the northern side (just) of the Cook Strait for the delightful pinots of Wairarapa.
Soft and floral, 2014 Exquisite Collection New Zealand Pinot Noir (£6.99) has bright raspberry and red cherry fruit with fresh acidity, a savoury edge and neat plum stone and cinnamon finish
