Lidl Wine Tour and Keen Prices Elsewhere

No one, surely, has failed to notice how so many everyday pleasures seem to cost appreciably more than they did.

Wine is no exception but knowing where to look can still secure you real quality without a grimace at the till.

A good answer to the “Where to Look” question is Portugal, where a reputation for producing good quality wines at affordable prices has made it an attractive choice for consumers

So, no surprise that three of today’s selections are Portuguese.

Others are from Lidl’s latest Wine Tour and also over-deliver on quality for their price.

The first Portuguese offering

Which wine should I buy? Torre de Lapela Vinho Verde.

Why should I buy it?  Simpler than the Avesso featured later, this is undemanding white wine but, with limited alcohol and a generous price tag, it provides the perfect guilt-free summer sipper. Better still, it delivers flavour and depth that is by no means common at this alcohol level.

What does it taste like? Mild lemon aromas and a faint prickle set the scene for light bodied, subtle apple, grapefruit and tangerine touches, all cushioned by gentle acidity and centred on flavours reminiscent of old style green “Refresher” sweeties.

Where, how much and what abv? A mere 9.5% abv and just coming back in Asda stores at £6.

Dropping a little further south

Which wine should I buy? 2023 Mimo Moutinho Lisboa Red.

Why should I buy it? Fire up the barbecue — this bold yet smooth Portuguese red was made for it. At around £6, it punches well above its price when matched with grilled meats, and gives you the kind of satisfying, full-bodied experience that summer entertaining demands.

What does it taste like? Opening with a violet-scented nose, this has textured, full bodied, warm loganberry and plum flavours at its core with vanilla, cedar and baking spice supporting elements, but all balanced by fresh acidity and modest tannin.

Where, how much and what abv? £5.79 at Aldi (but £6.34 in Scotland – because of minimum unit pricing) and 13% abv

BONUS ITEM

The start of a new month heralds a new Wine Tour from Lidl and here are three of its components that I think you will enjoy.

For me, these Tours have lost a bit of their magic – remember the magnificent “Claret Offensive” of, was it, 2014?

However, they do remain a source of good value wines even if the innovative flair has dimmed a little.

Let’s look, then, at the trio I have chosen; all are priced at £8.49.

First to Spain

2024 Hacienda Uvanis Garnacha Old Vines (14% abv):

Old vines yield fewer grapes but with far greater concentration, as is ably demonstrated here.

Raspberry-scented and medium bodied, this wine features plum, loganberry and chocolate flavours partnered by good acidity and soft tannin.

Also in evidence are appealing spicy hints of thyme, cedar and orange peel.

It’s from a producer that appears regularly in Wine Tours – with good reason.

Then to Alsace

2024 Camille Meyer Vieilles Vignes Gewürztraminer (12.5%):

Love it or loathe it, Gewürztraminer is not only distinctive wine but a must-have with anything even a little spicy.

Here, exotic lychee aromas lead into a smooth, honeyed palate of tangerine and orchard fruit.

These are joined by gentle acidity, a warming ginger finish – yet a touch of sweetness too.

A great example that rivals many £12+ versions.

Finally – where else – Portugal

2025 Encostas de Caiz Avesso (13%):

July is the perfect moment to discover this refreshing, characterful white.

This represents the next level up from the delightful, light Vinho Verde from the same area recommended earlier.

Its opening of fresh citrus aromas and gentle tingle are an introduction to bright grapefruit, apple and greengage flavours.

In support, come lively acidity and a clean, rounded finish backed by touches of pear and peach.

Overall, then, a new vintage that is as impressive as the 2024 version I praised in March.

Let’s get together for more well priced offerings next Monday but, meanwhile, take a look at our sister site – MidWeek Wines Guild – with a broad range of insights every Thursday and Saturday.