Why Wine Lovers Shop at Discount Supermarkets
Buying your wine from Aldi and Lidl is a bit of a badge of honor these days - an indication that you're confident enough to recognize good value for money and not worry that the people don't judge you. Of the two, I find Lidl more interesting for its fortnightly "Wine Tour", a range of WIGIG wines (when it's gone, it's gone) which can be purchased for a specific period.
The attraction, of course, is the great pricing, made possible by a huge Germany-based buying operation that serves 30 countries across Europe and beyond. The way it works in the UK is that the selection is vetted by a panel of Masters of Wine - namely, Ed Adams, Richard Bampfield and Caroline Gilby, although it is Bampfield's name that appears on the resulting scores. Frankly, however, I would take these with a pinch of salt, as like most international wine competitions they occupy a narrow range of around 82-92 and are awarded without reference to the price of the wine. You might be happier, for example, with an 84 point wine at £5.49 than an 88 point wine at £13.99.
Previously the Lidl's Wine Tour range used to offer better value for money than its basic range, which is in stock all the time, but that's not always the case anymore. In fact, the latest selection, made up largely of New World wines, is a bit more expensive. And I also think the basic range has improved. I was particularly struck by the 2019 13% Chianti DOCG Riserva, which at £5.99 is great value and perfect for a Friday night pizza. (Check the vintage on the shelf, as it still looks like 2015s.)
The highlight of the latest selection, in my opinion, is the Outlook range Bay of New Zealand. The two pinots are particularly good. I've opted for the Otago in today's pick, but if you prefer a slightly lighter, more Burgundian style, the 2020 Outlook Bay Reserve Pinot Noir (£9.99, 13%), from Marlborough , might be a better bet.
There are also some good South African options: two very well-labeled and surprisingly good value Vis a Vis blends, for example, and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc (£7.99, 13%) from Stellenbosch – not a region you normally look for Sauvignon, and more like a white Bordeaux than that typical gooseberry, citrus and fruit character of the passion that you find in New Zealand. It's really impressive, especially for £7.99, and the bottle looks too.
One final caveat: I've been told that all these wines are available at all locations, but they tend to sell out quickly, so I'll stock up while (and if) you can.
Buying your wine from Aldi and Lidl is a bit of a badge of honor these days - an indication that you're confident enough to recognize good value for money and not worry that the people don't judge you. Of the two, I find Lidl more interesting for its fortnightly "Wine Tour", a range of WIGIG wines (when it's gone, it's gone) which can be purchased for a specific period.
The attraction, of course, is the great pricing, made possible by a huge Germany-based buying operation that serves 30 countries across Europe and beyond. The way it works in the UK is that the selection is vetted by a panel of Masters of Wine - namely, Ed Adams, Richard Bampfield and Caroline Gilby, although it is Bampfield's name that appears on the resulting scores. Frankly, however, I would take these with a pinch of salt, as like most international wine competitions they occupy a narrow range of around 82-92 and are awarded without reference to the price of the wine. You might be happier, for example, with an 84 point wine at £5.49 than an 88 point wine at £13.99.
Previously the Lidl's Wine Tour range used to offer better value for money than its basic range, which is in stock all the time, but that's not always the case anymore. In fact, the latest selection, made up largely of New World wines, is a bit more expensive. And I also think the basic range has improved. I was particularly struck by the 2019 13% Chianti DOCG Riserva, which at £5.99 is great value and perfect for a Friday night pizza. (Check the vintage on the shelf, as it still looks like 2015s.)
The highlight of the latest selection, in my opinion, is the Outlook range Bay of New Zealand. The two pinots are particularly good. I've opted for the Otago in today's pick, but if you prefer a slightly lighter, more Burgundian style, the 2020 Outlook Bay Reserve Pinot Noir (£9.99, 13%), from Marlborough , might be a better bet.
There are also some good South African options: two very well-labeled and surprisingly good value Vis a Vis blends, for example, and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc (£7.99, 13%) from Stellenbosch – not a region you normally look for Sauvignon, and more like a white Bordeaux than that typical gooseberry, citrus and fruit character of the passion that you find in New Zealand. It's really impressive, especially for £7.99, and the bottle looks too.
One final caveat: I've been told that all these wines are available at all locations, but they tend to sell out quickly, so I'll stock up while (and if) you can.
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