WE’RE funny, aren’t we, people. We can make decisions based on preconceived ideas; decisions based on perceptions, not fact. Take Aldi wine.
Remember that advertising slogan “it is a Skoda honest” …. well how about, “it is from Aldi, honest”.
Maybe Aldi is the retail equivalent of Skoda; in the public’s mindset it may not necessarily be synonymous with good wine. But perhaps the public should think again.
This year, the Aldi wine, beer and spirits range has received 92 accolades from internationally recognised competitions, including 22 awards at the International Wine Challenge; 37 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition and 13 at the International Spirits Challenge.
It has also been crowned Which? Supermarket of the Year 2012. Are you thinking again?
Aldi wines’ core range has made its mark – and now it is taking its game up to another level.
Later this month (November 22) Aldi is releasing a number of “premium wines”. It will include a grand cru non-vintage champagne and a sweet tokaji.
More on those later. My “it is from Aldi, honest” moment came this week as I tried three bottles from the Aldi wine core range.
They may not be stunners; but each is an award-winner, good value for money and very enjoyable too. So what’s not to like.
Macon Villages, Henri De Lorgére Chardonnay (£4.99) is a good example of the body and character of Burgundy white wines from the Mâcon Villages appellation. Made entirely from chardonnay, it is medium bodied and has the mouthfeel of a light, lemony, creamy sauce but with hints of hazelnut. Very nice.
Baron Amarillo Rioja Reserva 2006 (£5.99) is medium bodied with balanced, smooth, red spicy fruits from the tempranillo grape.
This was a good match with my Sunday lamb roast and a sweet partner to a crunchy parsnip.
Despite 13.5% ABV, it was not overpowering and very easy to drink.
A classic rioja reserva – aged for three years in oak barrels.
Champagne Brut NV by Philizot (£12.99) is a blend of the classic Champagne grapes, with chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier, each making up a third of the wine.
There’s apple and brioche on the nose, and a fizz-bomb of apples and red fruit to taste with a slate of minerality.
This is fresh and fantastic value for money.
Don’t expect fireworks, but if you want a party champers without a high society price, you can’t go far wrong.
So back to Aldi’s upcoming range, on the shelves in time for Christmas. I haven’t had chance to taste these (I add Aldi’s own tasting notes) but on the basis of the core range, they’re worth seeking out.
Champagne Grand Cru NV £22.99 – intense and complex, with an almond nuttiness
Puligny Montrachet £16.99 – fresh and taut with balanced spicy oak and butter intensity
Chateau Marquis d’Alesme Becker, Grand Cru Classé £22.99 – silky texture and deliciously complex fruit
Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos 2000 £17.99 (50cl) – sublime orange marmalade, honey, lemon and dried apricots.
Another Champagne Charles Mignon Brut Premium Reserve NV Magnum £34.99 is to be released on November 29, – and, just in time for parties – Prosecco D.O.C. Extra Dry 2011 Magnum £14.99 is on sale from December 6. As too is Barolo 2008 £9.99.
This article first appeared in the Liverpool Post in November 2012