‘New’ Kid On the Wine Block- Aldi Supermarket Undergoes Beverage Revamp

Aldi first burst onto the scene in 1913, and have grown steadily since. Every week one new stores opens in the UK.  In 1961 the supermarket rebranded as Aldi. They are a high street supermarket synonymous with quality at an affordable price. Their ‘no-frills’ approach i.e. simple store layout, stock of staple items means they pass cost savings directly to the consumer.  Recently their wine and beverages section has undergone a ‘revamp’ with an influx of wines from the New World and Eastern European countries.

Here are some of our recommendations, all reasonably priced. From left to right, wines are as detailed below.

Toro Loco Tempranillo 2011, 12.5% abv, Denominacion de Origen Protegida.  This Spanish grape has produced a wonderful, almost smoky red that is juicy and moreish on the palate. We found the bouquet had the toastiness of oak. Enjoy with spicy foods and dishes, or of course, on its own. Retails at around £3.59.

Domaine Des Cantreaux Muscadet Sevre Et Maine Sur Lie Appelation D’Origine 12% abv.

Produced from a vineyard near Nantes in north-west France, the Melon de Bourgogne grape is grown on rocky soils which produce the fruitiness of this wine. We found overtones of yeastiness which give the wine character. Best drunk young and as an accompaniment to fish and seafood dishes. This wine is one of Aldi’s limited stock ‘Special Buy’ s, and due to its popularity may no longer be on the shelves. Retails at £4.99. 

Hope River Silver Series Sparkling Rose Scala Dei Prior 2008, 5.5% abv.  The only sparkling wine amongst our selection, and with good reason. Described as bright and fruity on the bottle, and we had to agree. This wine is just bursting with red fruit and the lightearted fizz means this is definitely one you don’t want to spoil by overshadowing with a meal. Fun at any time of the day! – The price and lower alcohol content witll benefit your purse and well being. Retails at £3.29.

FREEMAN’S BAY MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011, 13.0% ABV. FULL OF ZEST LIME AND PASSIONFUIT, SOME SOURNESS IS INTRODUCED BY THE HINT OF GOOSEBERRY. DELICIOUS ON IT OWN OR WITH WHITE MEAT DISHES, THIS IS A WINE NOT TO BE MISSED. RETAILS AT £5.49.

For more details of national and regional stockists see http://www.aldi.co.uk/

At all times please drink responsibly. See www.drinkaware.co.uk for guidance.