Maison Bouachon
Le Moulin Teyroud Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Aldi bring some great wines to the masses and this Cairanne from the Cotes Du Rhone is reasonable. Dry, yes but it’s not what I would say is intense or full bodied as said on the bottle. Its smooth with plenty of red berry flavours and very drinkable but a little lacking for what it’s meant to be. That said at under £8 a bottle it’s worth half a dozen bottles for easy drinking.
Aldi, Mount Ridge, Sauvignon Blanc, 2023, Marlborough, New Zealand
Aldi, Mount Ridge, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is a classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Dry, crisp with citrus, gooseberry and green apple with a touch of grass. It’s typical with a little extra. It’s no Gold medal wine, its not subtle but very drinkable. At under £10 a bottle it’s reasonable value. At £5 a bottle on offer I wished I had bought more than 3 bottles.
Topuku, Sauvignon Blanc, 2023, Marlborough, New Zealand
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has had a hard time in recent years with sub standard wine coming to the market. Thus one from Topuku from the Marlborough region is rather good, very good. Yes it’s a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, dry, gooseberry but with green apple, grass and nettle coming through. At £12 a bottle it’s well worth buying.
Aldi, Occasional, Malbec, 2023, Mendoza, Argentina
At £4 a bottle you have to be realistic on the wine in the bottle is going to be like. Unfortunately even at £4 a bottle it’s not one I can give too many compliments on. Dry with harsh tannins and vinegar notes it’s best to open and let it breath, give it 24 hours and it does soften a bit but pay a bit more, is my advice.
Leftfield, Albarino, 2023, Gisborne, New Zealand
This was the first Albarino from Gisborne in New Zealand that I have tasted and I’m blown away by the quality. Soft and rounded with lemon, peach, melon and a hint of herbs. It’s balanced and delicious and at under £15 a bottle great value. Forget food, just enjoy it on its own and loss yourself in the flavours.
Felix Solis Avantis, Casa Solis, Carmenère, 2023, Chile
I generally like Carmenère very much but this one was quite a disappointment. It was flat, non descript and lacked that Carmenère wow. On the positive side it was drinkable and easy to knock back and tasted of red wine, it just lacked that solid black fruit flavours, oak, tobacco and intensity that you should get with a Carmenère.
The Retreat, Sauvignon Blanc, 2023, Marlborough, New Zealand
A typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is best in describing this wine. Dry, crisp with citrus and hints of gooseberry. Pair with seafood or a zesty salad. On offer at Aldi for under £5 it was good value, normal price is under £10 which is a little high. It’s like getting a VW Golf but finding it’s just like a VW Polo. You wanted a Golf.
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.
Aldi sells some great wines and although it’s not great when you consider the price of £4 a bottle it’s hard not to be impressed. It’s a cheap red wine for sure, dry, unbalanced on the tannins and flavours. There are positives. Reasonable red fruit and tannins don’t overwelm. It’s better to chill this a little and drink it in the garden on a summer’s day.