Spain and Italy take centre stage as today’s Top Tips which include a Bonus Item revealing an upcoming Aldi Wine of the Week.
Their styles lighten up a bit as we pass the Equinox and head for summer at the start of the last full week in 2026’s third (yes, third!) month.
As ever, seeking reliable quality at a keen price is the principle underpinning all the Top Tip selections.
I hope you get a chance to enjoy all today’s choices.
Pictures and, where appropriate, hyperlinks should help you track down these recommended wines.
First the “Italian job”
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Fenaroli Pecorino Superiore
Why should I buy it? Pecorino is a grape variety rescued from near extinction 30 years ago and now a rising star of Abruzzo and Marche — and this Waitrose exclusive, sourced from lower-yielding hillside vines and hand-harvested, shows its qualities to good effect.
What does it taste like? Crisp citrus aromas and a satisfyingly weighty texture set this one apart from many Italian whites. Its clean apple, grapefruit and orange flavours are embellished with a zesty lime edge, intriguing floral notes and a touch of spice.
Where, how much and what abv? £9 – down from £11.50 until tomorrow – at Waitrose and 13% abv
Next, to Spain for a red
Which wine should I buy? 2024 The Gathering Storm Red
Why should I buy it? As Jean-Claude Mas and several others have done in Languedoc, Félix Solís is currently creating characterful Spanish wines with sensational price to quality ratios – often by thinking outside the box. This is a good example.
What does it taste like? Soft fruit fragrances draw you in, then ripe cherry, damson and strawberry flavours take over. It is light on tannin but with lively acidity and medium bodied in texture. Warm hints of aniseed, vanilla and cinnamon round things out nicely.
Where, how much and what abv? Starts at £6 in Majestic – £7 from 6 April – and 12% abv):
BONUS ITEM
Sticking with Felix Solis’s Spanish offerings, try Las Pinzas Garnacha (12.5%) – Aldi’s Wine of the Week from this coming Thursday – and until (inappropriately) 1 April.
Normally priced at £7.99, it drops to £4.99 in this promotion.
Superstar wine? No. Nicely crafted, everyday red wine that showcases its grape variety well? Most definitely!
Ruby coloured with aromas of dark fruit, it delivers medium bodied damson, black cherry and raspberry flavours.
These are coupled with grapefruit acidity, gentle tannin and suggestions of nuts, thyme, chocolate and savoury spices.
Do drop by our sister site – midweekwinesguild.substack.com – on Thursday for a chance to understand sherry better. Next Monday, of course, sees another Top Tips (involving a great rosé and an unusual version of familiar grapes).
14 responses
Hi Brian, The Spanish Tempranillo ‘Gathering Storm’ has been on my radar for a while especially at £6 (mix six), Just haven’t got around to it yet, I will now you’ve mentioned it.
Whatever people say about Félix Solís, they do have some fabulous wines, as in Aldi’s ‘Baron Amarillo’ wines from Pagos del Rey, part of the Felix Solís group, which are very authentic tasting Spanish wines.
I will pick up a bottle of the Garnacha as well
I think both will tick boxes Dave
I was mention of the Las Pinzas Garnacha that interested me. I happened to be browsing the wines in Aldi last week and to be honest it was the only bottle that appealed. (Was it the rather arresting label of the lobster?!?) Seemed a good punt for £7.99 and, as you note Brian, turned out to be the ideal weekday wine. At £4.99 I’ll be back again for more later this week!
Glad we are at one on this Keith but the £4.99 price will not apply throughout the UK. Will be just over £6 in Scotland at least.
Had it with an Aldi steak tonight (Sunday) loved it, seemed cracking value for £4.99…lovely weight and nose to it too!
Thank you for joining the Comments section my friend, Do keep your thoughts coming – and it is pleasing to see that Aldi red winning more friends. Dare I say it is a good option at its list £7.99 price.
Worth mentioning The Gathering Storm white wine ,Majestic from £6, which I think you previously recommended? Stunning Spanish white which tastes a lot more expensive.A lot of care and skill has been showcased by their oenologists who blend Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc and the Chardonnay component short aged on its lees in American oak barriques- which is unusual, but very welcome ,at this price.
All five reviews on the website gave it five stars.Difficult to argue against that.
PS Did not receive your above post,so have resubscribed!
Thanks Paul – a problem with email. It should be out to everyone later today.
Brian on the subject of Felix Solis wines from Aldi. The Supermarket has until Thursday a wine of the week called FYI (For your Information) Merlot. It is priced at £3.99 instead of £5.99.Whilst I don’t usually opt for Merlot this is decent especially at this price.
Not tried it Andrew but pleased it gets a thumbs up from you. That is exactly the type of steer that this site is designed to encourage – thank you.
25% off six or more at 3 leading supermarkets this week. Time to stock up.
Indeed and thanks for heads up. Your advice is very much the strategy these days. Use the time between 25% promotions to establish what is currently showing well and then stock up when the starter’s gun signals the multi=buy promotion beginning.
Las Pinzas Garnacha …. What a great little wine, suits my taste exactly! First sip was quite sweet but really delicious . Well impressed for the price and thanks for the heads up x
Nice to hear from you again Brenda and pleased that the garnacha gets your seal of approval. As an unpretentious “House Red” it certainly ticks many boxes.