Aldi Wine Club: Week 3

Recently I was presented with the opportunity to take part in Aldi's Wine Club; an online panel composed of enthusiastic wine lovers who would get the opportunity to taste and enjoy six of the supermarket's current range of wines in exchange for reviews. I was delighted to accept the invitation, and below you'll find the last of my three instalments of the Aldi Wine Club reviews. Thanks to Aldi for providing me with the opportunity. Enjoy!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exquisite Collection Muscadet, 2015, Loire Valley

"Loire Valley Loveliness" 

Another brilliant string to add to Aldi's 'Exquisite Collection' bow. For lovers of Sauvignon Blanc who are looking for something different, this zingy, lemon-fresh white from France's northern Atlantic coastline promises to be an ideal choice. Pale lemony-green in the glass with just the slightest tiny bubbles gently gripping the rim, the nose is instantly recognisable as Muscadet: fresh and crisp, with citrus and green apple dominating. These flavours carry through onto the palate, along with a touch of melon. There's also a distinctive minty impression, which enlivens the wine and provides a clean, mouth-watering finish. Fuller bodied and more intensely flavoured than some Muscadet, this is a great example of the style from a very good vintage in the Loire Valley. The classic pairing would be delicate shellfish, but I'd plump for a slightly more meaty white fish, as the wine would have no trouble in pairing up.

Crémant du Jura Chardonnay, 2013, France

 
"Sophisticated Fizz" 

Having never sampled sparkling wine from France's Jura region (although I am a huge proponent of the country's other Crémants), I was excited and intrigued to try Aldi's example. Suffice to say I didn't come away disappointed! The wine is a delicate lemon colour in glass, with a persistent stream of bubbles evident. On the nose, the wine is quite dainty: gentle suggestions of citrus, fresh apple and florality become present with patience. On the palate, the Crémant shows good complexity: initially overtly citrussy and highly effervescent, it then mellows into a creamier, more rounded mouthfeel with notes of dessert apples and butter. Mouth-filling, multi-layered and mesmerisingly good value, this has definitely converted me into a Jura lover!

Aldi Wine Club: Week 2

Recently I was presented with the opportunity to take part in Aldi's Wine Club; an online panel composed of enthusiastic wine lovers who would get the opportunity to taste and enjoy six of the supermarket's current range of wines in exchange for reviews. I was delighted to accept the invitation, and below you'll find the second of my three instalments of the Aldi Wine Club reviews. Thanks to Aldi for providing me with the opportunity. Enjoy!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Toro Loco Superior, 2014, Spain

"Easy-going and food-friendly Iberian red" 

A great example of what Spain's lesser known regions can deliver, this blend of Tempranillo and Bobal from Valencia is fruit-filled and excellent value for money. A pale-medium ruby red in the glass, the nose is not overtly aromatic, but delivers notes of red cherry, strawberry and bramble with persistence. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied with a detectable tannic grip. The wine is awash with strawberries, cassis and summer fruits, with a refreshing, linear finish. Overall, the Toro Loco is a fun, summery red which would be a great match to grilled herby sausages. Nothing crazy about the price either!

Exquisite Collection Chardonnay, 2014, Limestone Coast, Australia

 

 

Stupendously Good Wine! 

 

A truly excellent wine from Australia's premium Limestone Coast growing region, which is fully deserving of its 'exquisite' moniker. A clear, lemony-gold coloured wine, the nose is complex and expressive, with clean, pure fruits of nectarine, peach, lime and tangerine backed up with undertones of honeysuckle, slate and white flowers. The mouthfeel is weighty (as all good Chardonnay should be) without being flabby; the gentle acidity keeps everything fresh. Notes of lime zest, nectarine and peach are underpinned by that lovely minerality, which lingers for a good half minute on the finish. A stupendously good example of unoaked New World Chardonnay, which is balanced, elegant and defined. Exquisite!