Lidl’s June Wine Tour

It’s time for another Lidl Wine Tour and – judging by this site’s metrics – the enthusiasm for them among MidWeekers seems undimmed.  

There is a clear Italian theme in the current one – and some wines featured have appeared before.

Lidl now include regional variations in these promotions, so not all the complete Wine Tour components will be in every store.

Consequently, I have concentrated on the “UK wide” list for this review but, in any event, some stores do sell out of popular options very quickly.

Equally, though, stores may also have wines selected to be exclusive to the local area.

These have not been considered in this review.

All that said, here are the bottles that, for me, are the highlights of this time’s widely available Wine Tour constituents.

Do use the Comments section to let me know what you think.

As is normal here, pictures and hyperlinks are provided where possible to guide you straight to the right wine on shelf or web page.

Starting with a white

2024 Haraszthy Sauvignon Blanc (£8.99 at Lidl while stocks last and 12.5% abv):

Although Tokaj steals most headlines about Hungarian wine, other regions also have a good story to tell.

This is from Etyek-Buda, west of Budapest, and claims to offer New World style sauvignon.

To me though it is more like supercharged, yet subtle, Loire versions – and there is nothing whatever wrong with that.

In fact, it is a good illustration of the (probably climate induced) shift of Europe’s prime sauvignon territory.

Opening with lemon based aromas, the wine itself delivers rounded apple, greengage and melon flavours.

These are ably supported by lively grapefruit acidity, crunchy green pepper elements and a lingering finish.

Now a quartet of reds

2023 Passamano Frappato Syrah (£6.99 at Lidl while stocks last and 14%):

I have featured this wine before (with its distinctive white paper covering) but it justifies a return visit because it is such a perfect summer red.

It combines the soft, fruity, lightness of Sicily’s aromatic Frappato grape with a bit of syrah backbone.

The result is an uncomplicated offering with gentle, minty strawberry and red cherry flavours.

A touch of clove, firm tannin and mineral edged savouriness adds to the attractiveness of a wine that, on the palate, defies its substantial alcohol level.  

Moving north east.

2023 Primitivo del Salento (£8.99 at Lidl while stocks last and 14%):

Along with the montepulciano grape, Puglia’s primitivo remains the “safe option” in Italian restaurants.

However, inspired or influenced by the brilliant versions from Manduria, Salento primitivos in particular are on an upward curve towards even greater heights.

Take this example – it has aromatic, medium bodied cherry, loganberry and fruit tea flavours that give it real depth on your taste buds.

Cinnamon and star anise lead the accompanying elements with a twist of sweetness that, to me, includes a trace of peach.

On to Central Italy

2023 Casato dei Medici Riccardi Chianti Montalbano (£8.99 at Lidl while stocks last and 13%):

Back in March, Lidl’s Wine Tour included (and I recommended) this producer’s Chianti Rufina.

This is from a different Chianti sub-zone (Montalbano) – on the other side of Florence – and often considered an area that produces slightly softer and fruitier wines.

Within that subzone, incidentally, lies the area that was the first to incorporate cabernet sauvignon into chianti.   

Medium bodied and slightly herbal, this version exhibits textured black cherry, bramble and tomato flavours.

Aromas of black fruit, firm tannin, good acidity and suggestions of vanilla and sugared almond sweetness complete the picture.

And finishing in France.

2023 Côtes du Rhône Villages Seguret (£7.99 at Lidl while stocks last and 14%):

Last year I recommended the previous vintage of this Southern Rhône red.

It is from one of the handful of communes allowed to add its name to the “Côtes du Rhône Villages” designation.

2023 was a cooler and less drought afflicted year and, as a result, the wines seem more balanced and finessed – and I can certainly recommend this example.

Dark in colour with black fruit aromas, it has smooth bramble, cherry and damson flavours as its foundation.

Joining the party are lively acidity, balanced tannin plus mint, olive and dark chocolate influences together with a graphite edge.  

Friends Re-united.

As I said at the outset, several wines re-appear this time and, if you have previously enjoyed any of those listed below, the current versions seem consistent with what has gone before:

• Greco di Tufo (£8.99).
• Nero d’Avola Sicilia (£7.99).
• Duce di Saswta Viognier Terrre Siciliane (£7.49)

Call in again on Monday when the spotlight falls on Top Tips from other retailers that offer especially good value at a store near you.