It is now over 10 years since the Lidl Wine Tours evolved from that retailer’s Wine Cellar concept; initially there were three or four Tours a year.
Prices in 2015 were mostly clustered between £5 and £7 and – given average price rises since – Today’s Tours represent broadly similar value.
In the intervening years, Wine Tours have become more regular (monthly now) but smaller in scale.
The goal is unaltered though – wine from less common regions or grapes with a very attractive price/quality ratio.
One downside persists however; the best bottles can sell out quickly.
I have picked out a couple, though, that were still in my local store last week, yet I suggest deserve your attention.
The usual Top Tip four question format has been applied to them.
Pictures are provided to make them more obvious in the wooden boxes that form part of the Wine Tour layout.
This, in particular. caught my eye
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Encostas de Caiz Avesso
Why should I buy it? This is from Vinho Verde’s Amarante sub-region where versions from the avesso grape tend to be fuller and more complex than those from further north. Quality focused producers are increasingly interested in Amarante avesso which is seen, incidentally, as a great match for the local egg-yolk-based pastries. [Aside: Try Lidl’s versions of those pastries – I rate them highly].
What does it taste like? Fresh and inviting, it opens with appealing citrus aromas before delivering generous flavours of apple, melon and mango. Lively acidity keeps everything feeling bright and fresh, while a pleasantly clean finish carries just a hint of mineral saltiness
Where, how much and what abv? £8.99 at Lidl while stocks last – and 13% abv
Equally compelling was this companion red
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Duca de Sasseta Nero di Troia
Why should I buy it? Legend has it that, once the Trojan War ended, Diomedes sailed to Southern Italy and there he planted these vines. Although – apparently – at least one Holy Roman Emperor loved the wine, the variety’s muscular and tannin-dominated characteristics relegated it to a blending partner for most of last century. However, improved wine-making nowadays has given its distinctive flavours a new lease of life – as this example amply illustrates.
What does it taste like? It is a rich and satisfying red that starts with inviting dark fruit aromas and then leads into damson, bramble and mulberry flavours on the palate. Good firm acidity and gentle tannins provide a solid backbone, while appealing hints of cocoa, coffee and earthy spice add impressive complexity.
Where, how much and what abv? £7.99 in Lidl while stocks last – and 13.5% abv.
Next Monday sees a return to the two-retailer format and I hope to see you then. Meanwhile, pay our sister site (MidWeek Wine Guild) a visit on Thursday or Saturday. Last week’s post there, incidentally, included two more Lidl Wine Seller recommendations from me.
2 responses
Pasteis de Nata- the wonderful egg custard and shattering two bites pastry delights.The wife and I were invited by the Portuguese community in Wrexham to a cookery workshop where a retired chef helped us to make them and the Mayor turned up and ate one of our efforts.
The Wrexham Portuguese rate Lidl and the Co-op’s versions.
In our Vasca da Gama cafe usually sprinkled with cinnamon from a pepper pot and accompanied by a Bica- small strong espresso.
Good to have authoritative sources like your Portuguese community sharing my view of the Lidl Pasteis de Nata. Found some frozen ones in the local Lidl store which, with 6-8 minutes in the air fryer, came up nicely. Having them hot gives a different angle.