Another Wine Tour arrived in Lidl stores just before Easter and it contains some re-runs of previously featured wines.
Nothing wrong with that when they work well – and many of these do.
In fact, I have picked out two such stalwarts as today’s Top Tips.
Both have been consistently good over time.
By adding its own commune name after “Villages” the red signifies that it is in the next to top category of Rhône reds.
The white is a nicely crafted version of a grape quickly gaining recognition as a dry wine (as well as in its more familiar, sweet, style).
Do try them both – and use this site’s search facility for any others that catch your eye and that may have been featured here before.
Pictures should help you locate the wine in question in the distinctive Wine Tour displays.
Starting with the red
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Côtes du Rhône Villages Seguret
Why should I buy it? Few Rhône reds represent the quality sweet spot between entry-level and premier cru better than this Wine Tour regular. It delivers the depth, structure and other characteristics of the region’s wines without the premium price tag that the finest appellations command.
What does it taste like? Ripe damson and loganberry flavours form the backbone of this wine’s smooth and medium-bodied structure. However, lively orange acidity keeps things fresh while gentle tannin and hints of cumin and oregano complete the picture.
Where, how much and what abv? £8.99 while stocks last at Lidl and 14.5% abv.
And for the white…
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Tokaji Amethyst Furmint
Why should I buy it? Once again the furmint grape pops up in a Lidl Wine Tour but that’s a good thing as it is one of Europe’s most underrated white varieties. Furmint is best known as the backbone of legendary sweet Tokaji Aszú but it is increasingly impressive in this dry style – offering genuine complexity at an accessible price point.
What does it taste like? Minty aromas and textured depth introduce the pleasures this distinctive white offers. These are followed by complex clean apple, straw and honey flavours, partnered by fresh lemon acidity with gentle herbal hints.
Where, how much and what abv? £8.99 at Lidl while stocks last and 12.5% abv.
NB: Image is of a previous image.
OTHER GOOD OPTIONS
- Also from Hungary, with crisp gooseberry and sherbet lime elements – Haraszthy Sauvignon Blanc (£8.99).
- Greece’s underestimated Achaia Lagortthi Riesling (£6.99) with its clean apple and greengage flavours.
- And for a red – the cherry and spice influenced Passamano Frappato Syrah (£7.49).
Next Monday sees a return to muti-retailer Top Tips so make sure you join us then – and also call into our sister site MidWeek Wines Guild on Thursday and Saturday – www.midweekwinesguild.substack.com is the place to be.
11 responses
Hi Brian, good to see the dry Furmint back in Lidl. I remember some time back, our daughter enquired whether she could be coming around for supper, catching us out, as we were very busy with various things. We decided to order a sushi platter from our local Waitrose – and picked it up late afternoon. All very easy. & convenient. We served the Lidl Furmint to go with it. Very successful – we still talk about what great fun it was !
Yes, it has something pleasingly different to offer and, as you report, robust enough to match a variety of dishes.
Two nice wines there Brian, 100% agree with Richard, I’ve missed it, I shall be grabbing a few next time in store.
I’ve also bought than Rhone red before and enjoyed it.
Thanks Dave. I know you are a fan of furmint so pleased to see your endorsement of this one.
Last had these two years ago – since when the Rhone has increased in price by £1.50 but the Furmint remains the same so both now £8.99. Perhaps we should thank Mr Orban for maintaining price stability ….
The price increase of the Segruet probably reflects changes in the UK alcohol duty and tax regime which disadvantages wines of 14.5% abv compared to those of 12.5%.The duty on the Segruet bottle is £4 ,add VAT on the duty and that takes it up to £4.80.
The Furmint bottle attracts duty of £2.77 a bottle-only 10p greater than previous duty.Add VAT on the duty and it goes up to £3.32.
So the alcohol duty and VAT difference is £1.48 extra for the Segruet.
Perhaps nothing to do with politics in Hungary?
You are right, Paul, the duty changes are becoming increasingly apparent. Not just in prices but in the increased number of 11% and 10.5% abv’s arriving as producers chase the lower duty those strengths attract.
Typo alert! Seguret.Apologies.
Never thought of making that link, Phillip – nice one.
There’s also a sparkling, traditional method, vintage furmint on this Wine Tour. It is relatively light bodied, but at £9.99 a bottle, punches way above its weight
Pleased to hear reports on that, Howard, as I have not tried it yet. Anyone else out there with a view on it?