Ferreira, SF Trompete Corte Bordalês, Bordeaux blend, Brazil
Made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot this is a classic Bordeaux blend made 1600m above sea level, so even in Brazil you can get a climate that allows grapes to grow to make decent wine. Its decent wine, not amazing but its got decent length, reasonable red and black fruit flavours. Its just a little nondescript.
I much prefer Crémant’s to Champagne for their easier and fresher drinking style and this Crémant D’alsace from Aldi is a rather good example. Dry, fresh with notes of strawberry and raspberry. Its £10 at Aldi which makes this an easy choice. A step up from the usual Prosecco.
Simpsons, Rabbit Hole, Pinot Noir, 2020, UK
English Pinot Noir has in the past been a little lack luster, but this one from Simpsons is rather good. Red fruit flavours with soft well integrated tannins, notes of tobacco and leather with a slight earthiness and oak make this a classy Pinot Noir. At £25 a bottle its fairly priced too for english Pinot Noir. It’s like an old fashion Rolls Royce.
Aldi, Blütengarten, Riesling, 2023, Germany
Aldi have done it again with a great dry(ish) white white that is just meant to be drunk, enjoyed and not thought about. Its not going to win a gold medal but at £4.40 a bottle, yes, that cheap its amazing value. Citrus, green apple, melon, a light minerality and freshness sits in the back ground. Its one that I do buy every now and again because its just nice to have something light and easy. It’s like a fiat 500, does the job of getting you around but does shout about it.
Chapel Down, Brut, NV, England
Sparkling English wine, it’s really good nowadays and Chapel Down is a big producer in the UK. However, there are some that are better than others. Unfortunately , this one from Chapel Down is a bit lack luster. Fizzy with little flavour and high acidity. At £20 a bottlei can’t recommended it. It’s like an Austin Alegro car. Sorry Chapel Down.
Crooked Mick, Shiraz, 2021, South Eastern Australia
Good quality Australian Shiraz is the best I can come up with for this Crooked Mick Shiraz. Its not bad, dry with reasonable amount of black fruit, spice and hints of leather and chocolate. At under £10 a bottle its a good wine at a good price. Think of a cheap Skoda car, solid.
Aldi, Bottelary Winery, 2024, Western Cape, South Africa
Could this be the best £5 bottle of white wine of 2025. Dry, crisp, and fresh with citrus, pineapple and apple, its got lots of flavour, a bit strong, its not subtle. It’s not Gold medal winning wine but it’s a wine to just drink by the case or a party. It’s like an old fashion mini car, great fun and one you want to have. Great work Aldi.
Pondview Estate, Bella Terra Meritage, 2016, Ontario, Canada
Canadian wines are getting better and better and can age very well. This 8 year old red wine from Pondview Estate is a classic example. Red and black fruit is beautifully integrated with notes of oak, tobacco, vanilla and hints of an earthy under note. With great length and smoothness its a red wine that say to be sipped and enjoyed rather than to be guzzled. At CAD35 a bottle its decent value.
This Syrah from San Juanito in Mexico is pretty good. Bold and dry with reasonable length and rounded flavours of black fruit, oak and spice. Its a wine to try with friends and ideally with food, but its good enough to drink on its own in front of the fire.
Quinta Vale D Maria really knows how to make good red wine. This is pretty good although at £45 a bottle it should be. This is an issue as many people won’t try what is an excellent dry red wine. Red and black fruit are here in bucket loads, hints of strawberry and spice poke through with an under note of Vanilla. Its all very well integrated and make as a wonderful package.