So, What Has Aldi Got in Store

As is often the case, Aldi kicked off the (now complete) run of Autumn and Winter Press Tastings.

Every retailer uses these opportunities to show off what they feel are the highlights of their particular range.

Cherished newcomers often make their first appearance at these events.

The Aldi one can be of special interest because the two premium discounters remain “disrupters” of the general grocery scene, including wine.

 And, unlike Lidl’s monthly Wine Tour promotions, we only get a window on Aldi’s thinking at their twice a year Press Tastings.

Here are seven that were on display that I think you will enjoy – not least because of the value for money that these disrupters seem to secure.

Adopting my traditional format, images accompany the assessments of the wines but there are no hyperlinks this time.

Let’s start in Sicily

2024 Fiano (£5.99  at Aldi and 12.5% abv):

Fiano is among the best known of the Italian white grape varieties rescued from near-extinction in recent decades.

It thrives in southern Italy, particularly Campania, producing – at its top end – honeyed, complex wine with good aging potential.

Smooth with excellent clarity, this entry-point version from Sicily has a centre-piece of restrained grapefruit and orchard fruit flavours.

The finish contains nut and savoury herb influences to counterbalance the zesty acidity that runs through all but this wine’s opening phase.

Then a French returning hero

2024 Muscadet (£7.69  at Aldi and 11.5%):

Made from the melon de bourgogne grape in the Loire Atlantic region, muscadet was the go-to seafood wine of the 1980s – until over-production seriously tarnished its reputation.

However nowadays, dedicated winemakers have given it new lease of life through controlled yields and a firm focus on “sur lie” richness – and it is currently doing really well.

Pale with apple blossom fragrances, this example exhibits delightfully clean and ripe red apple and William pear flavours.

Lively and proportionate lemon acidity provides energy while depth and a trace of salinity add extra texture.

Next over the Equator

2025 Specially Selected Stellenbosch Chardonnay (£6.99 at Aldi and 13.5%): Stellenbosch, South Africa: 13.5%:

Stellenbosch has long been the epi-centre of South Africa’s wine industry especially for red Bordeaux blends, but recently its cool area chardonnay has also excelled.

Harvest reports suggest that 2025 could be especially good – and this out-rider for the vintage certainly gives credence to those predictions.

Fresh pineapple dominates both the nose and palate of this example.

But it also features pear, mango and cooked apple flavours coupled with citrus acidity all built into a smooth, crème brûlée texture.

Moving on to reds.

2024 Chassaux et Fils Costières de Nimes (£6.29 at Aldi and 13.5%):

On the western edge of the Rhône wine region, Costières de Nîmes has similar large, heat-retaining, pebbles to those in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

That certainly helps maintain temperatures (and, hence, increase ripeness) but this region’s wines tend to be simpler, more approachable when young and less expensive than most Châteauneuf.

This one is full bodied yet the tannin behind its substantial plum and cherry flavours is only very gentle.

Supplementary traces of allspice, oregano and dark chocolate embellish the final result – as does firm acidity.

And a new world option

2024 Specially Selected  Patagonia Malbec (£8.99  at Aldi and 13.5% abv):

Well to the south of Mendoza, Patagonia is probably best suited to white wines or pinot noir.

However, here it joins the malbec club for which the rest of Argentina is famed.

The result is less intense than versions from further north, but it does display the savoury elements which some contend characterises Patagonian reds.

Dark with raspberry aromas, it features smooth mulberry, cherry and plum flavours coupled with balanced acidity and modest tannin.

Hints of baking spice, mocha, liquorice and a slightly tarry finish add concluding complexity.

Much prized in its home nation.

2024 Specially Selected Ribera del Duero (£8.99 at Aldi and 13.5%):

To many in Spain, tempranillo from Ribera del Duero is even more desirable than versions from Rioja.

For sure, Ribera is less structured around aging processes, but the wine itself often seems more concentrated with darker fruit components than its lower altitude “rival” to the north-east.

Bold aromas of black fruit do indeed characterise this wine and enhance its foundation of damson, black cherry and loganberry flavours.

These are accompanied by firm acidity and restrained tannin, with subtle traces of clove, rosemary and minerality.

My top choice among the reds.

2021 Specially Selected Iskar Rarà Neagra (£7.99 at Aldi and 13.5%):

Although Moldavian offerings are not seen often in the UK, wine plays a big part in that country’s economy – and once enjoyed a high reputation for quality.

Its prime grape is the Fetească Neagră that we have seen in Romanian wines but here we find the lighter and lesser known Rarà Neagra (probably given help here by international varieties).  

The result’s initial minerality is swiftly replaced by soft, skillfully balanced black cherry and ripe blackberry flavours.

These are bathed in a gentle acidity and partnered by hints of mint, cinnamon and subtle sweetness.

A very successful newcomer and one that, here, easily outperforms its modest price label

Join me again on Monday to see what I am I recommending as the latest Top Tips among other High Street retailers.