Today, the focus is on the Southern Hemisphere and opens with a great value red.
A Cape Classic with a Story
2025 The Whale Caller Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon (£6.50 – down from £7.50 until 15 September at Waitrose):
In Hermanus, a coastal town on South Africa’s Western Cape, the idea of a “whale caller” isn’t ecological folklore but a genuine tradition.
Since 1992, a costumed figure has patrolled the cliffs in the whale season, blowing a kelp horn to alert visitors (especially tourists) to sighted whales.
That horn could equally be used to call attention to the excellent value for money this shiraz blend offers – especially while on offer.
It is a gently aromatic red that opens with a delicate scent of roses, then settles into a comfortable, medium-bodied wine offering mulberry, damson and loganberry flavours.
These are wrapped in milk chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla elements and neatly finished with good acidity and soft, easy tannin.
Two stand-out Lidl whites
2025 Clare Valley Riesling (£8.49 in the latest Lidl Wine Tour and 11.5% abv):
The transition from monthly Wine Tours to quarterly promotions means that the featured bottles stay on the shelves in many stores for longer. Use the change to seek out this Australian white from the most recent “Tour” – although it may now be part of the core De Luxe range.
South Australia’s Clare Valley riesling pedigree owes much to the Silesian and German settlers who arrived in the 1840s, bringing centuries of Old World winemaking knowledge to South Australia.
That legacy is still evident in this crisp and characterful example and is helped geologically because the broken slate found in at least one Clare Valley sub-region, echoes Germany’s Mosel valley.
Stylistically, though, the wines diverge. Clare Valley rieslings finish bone dry with punchy citrus and firmer alcohol, while classic Mosel examples stay lighter, softer and often subtly off-dry.
On the Palate
As is evident in this example, however, authentic riesling often opens with a traditional whiff of kerosene. This is a characteristic not a fault and don’t let it put you off here – not least because smooth, fresh grapefruit, apple and apricot flavours soon replace it.
Then, bright and zesty lime acidity, with a gentle touch of ginger lingering on the finish also join the party.
If all that fails to convince you ….
2025 Macon Lugny. (£9.99 at Lidl in the latest Wine Tour but may be on “Remainder” shelves now – and 13% abv)
Any who resist the riesling should seek out the orchard-fresh aromas and classic, green apple, mango and ripe melon flavours this wine has to offer.
With its citrus acidity and creamy vanilla suggestions, it is about as traditional as you can get under a tenner.
BUSY SHOPPER SUMMARY
For readers short on time, here’s the verdict at a glance:
Which wine should I buy? 2025 The Whale Caller Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
Where, how much and what abv? £6.50 – down from £7.50 until 15 September at Waitrose – and 12% abv:
Why should I buy it? Pretty much as good as you can get for £6.50 soft, medium bodied red wine.
What does it taste like? A gentle, aromatic blend with damson, loganberry and chocolate flavours.
***
Which wine should I buy? 2025 Clare Valley Riesling
Where, how much and what abv? £8.49 in Lidl and 11.5% abv):
Why should I buy it? It is a great example of excellent Aussie riesling.
What does it taste like? Bright and zesty lime acidity ably supports fresh grapefruit, apple and apricot flavours.
Before we (I hope) meet again next week, do sample the eclectic mix of wine talk and recommendations from the knowledgeable team over on our MidWeek Wines Guild sister site – .
6 responses
Enjoyed your whale tale. Strange that the Cornish vineyards have not used the “Cornish Pilchard watcher” on their wines-Camel valley Sparkling Rosé, for example!
Our Cornish chap was called a Huer and took watch on a high clifftops looking for pilchard shoals,often sighted by flocks of diving seabirds and would blow his Huer’s trumpet like horn as a signal and shout- Hevva,Hevva- Here they are. A gorse bush would be hand waved in the direction of the shoal. Gorse flowers being bright yellow and a shrub that flowers every month of the year.
A Huer was there to raise a” hue and cry”.
Thanks for the shout out about the Guild where on Thursday ,we look at the excellent M&S Found range and Richard gets real about units of alcohol.
Didn’t know about the “pilchard pointer” in the South West so thanks for adding that nice story too.
By a rather fishy coincidence, on last night’s Antique Road Show (which I think was a repeat) someone brought in, and demonstrated, one of those horns!
A while back I remember that Pilchards were given an alternative name, Cornish Sardines. This was a marketing ploy, as pilchards were considered by many to be unfashionable, whilst sardines were way cooler. Indeed I don’t find pilchards in a tomato sauce particular appealing, reminding me of childhood high teas, whilst sardines in olive oil are much more attractive!
It was the tomato sauce that used to put me off pilchards – but, to me, little beats fresh sardines or whitebait if one is thinking small.
Very pleased to see true regionality in Aus represented in the way of Clare valley Riesling. Definitely worth trying if you haven’t
As you imply, Stuart, we often see inter and intra regional blending across the wine world. I understand the quest for consistency but a little local authenticity is also welcome. This riesling, in particular, draws on a deep vein of tradition as well as providing a nicely made wine..