As the nation goes awww thanks to Aldi’s new Christmas mascot Kevin the Carrot and it’s insanely cute seasonal TV ad, we recently went wow at the retailer’s Christmas wine tasting, not just because it was held at the stylish venue Farrier and Draper, but because the level of quality we found was remarkable, and with those prices, within the reach of everyone.
Below, we share five of our top picks which are currently available in stores across Ireland…
Philippe Michel Crémant du Jura
Jura, France
€10.99
This 100% Chardonnay bubbly is generous in both aromas and flavours of green apples and fresh lemon.
Its lively attack and its crisp acidity make it a lovely welcome glass, and its versatility and great value will come handy if you feel like pouring bubbles all night.
Sancerre
Loire Valley, France
€9.99
One of Sauvignon Blanc’s finest expressions, Sancerre is famous for its mouth-watering mix of sharp acidity and mineral notes.
This example offers quite a pleasant combination of lemon, gooseberries and green apple.
Argentinian Malbec Magnum
Uco Valley, Argentina
€16.99
They say good things come in small packages but this 1.5 L bottle of berryfic Malbec is a welcome exception. Smooth tannins and plenty of ripe, red fruit such as red plum and cherries.
Youthful and vibrant, this is a flavourful red that will go well with simply seasoned red meat dishes.
Exquisite Collection Fleurie
Beaujolais, France
€9.99
Gamay is the grape, Fleurie the Beaujolais cru and cherries the main descriptor. This mellow, delicate red is ideal for those who are into shy tannins and lots of strawberries and raspberries.
To enjoy it at its best, serve it slightly chilled.
Valpolicella, Italy
€18.99
The partially-dried grapes from which this style of wine is made from, confer it a powerful intensity that will make it a good choice for stews and rich meat dishes.
It’s a big, bold, complex red with prune, toast, blackberry jam and cocoa notes and serious tannins.
Gabriela’s passion for writing is only matched by her love for food and wine. Journalist, confectioner and sommelier, she fell in love with Ireland years ago and moved from Venezuela to Dublin in 2014.
Since then, she has written about and worked in the local food scene, and she’s determined to discover and share the different traditions, flavours and places that have led Irish food and drink to fascinate her.
Gabriela Guédez Gabriela Guédez