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I taste tested Aldi's award-winning wines with mixed reviews

I taste tested Aldi's award-winning wines with mixed reviews

Whether it's a nice Shiraz with a steak dinner, a sparkling Rosé in a beer garden on a warm summer's day, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, there is something to suit everyone's taste buds.
But with so many fantastic options to choose from, it can be hard to find the perfect bottle that is just right for you.
If you are looking for a great value wine, as well as something that tastes fantastic, I find the best place to start (as with most things) is Aldi.
To help convince you further about Aldi's selection, 46 of their wines have recently been awarded medals at the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2025.
From those award-winning tipples, social media wine expert and IWSC judge Andy Pincott, aka the Affordable Wine Hunter, picked the six best that you can buy for under £10.
So, I took his advice and popped down to my local Aldi to grab a bottle of each.
My wife and I, who have very different palates when it comes to wine, then spent an afternoon relaxing at home with a charcuterie board and these six wines, testing to see whether they lived up to the high praise.
The experts described Aldi's Sous Les Mers as "an easy-drinking French white that offers freshness and balance", and I agree. (Image: Patrick Glover) Andy described the Sous Les Mers as an "easy-drinking French white that offers freshness and balance".
My wife and I couldn't have agreed more, both taken back by the softness of the flavour, and how "drinkable" it was.
This was my wife's favourite of the six wines.
No matter where you are drinking this wine, you can just imagine yourself sitting in a beer garden somewhere in the summer sun.
On top of all that, it is "amazing value" at £6.99.
The Costières de Nimes Blanc is your traditional, dry white wine. (Image: Patrick Glover) This southern French white wine was extremely flavourful.
Think your traditional, dry white wine with citrus flavours (although I swear I could taste apple).
Ideal if you are looking for a wine to have with an evening meal.
Both my wife and I agreed that the Costières de Nîmes Blanc was about middle of the range in comparison to the five others.
Aldi's Rosorange is one wine to avoid. (Image: Patrick Glover) Next, we ventured on to Aldi's Rosorange, which has proven itself as somewhat of a viral trend in recent years.
Both my wife and I honestly didn't see the appeal. It ranked an extremely distant last when compared to Aldi's other award-winning wines.
It was tangy, you couldn't really taste the orange, and it left a weird, overpowering aftertaste in your mouth.
I'm sorry to say, as I hate wasting even a single drop of alcohol, the Rosé went straight down the sink after we'd finished the taste test.
While the taste is bad enough, the Rosorange Rosé was the most expensive of the six wines as well at £9.99.
Definitely one to steer clear of.
The Austrian Zweigelt was my favourite wine of the six we tried. (Image: Patrick Glover) With the white wines out of the way, we cleansed our palates with some water and more cheese and made our way onto the red wines - my favourite.
Having spent the first 26 years of my life in Australia, living off delicious reds from the likes of Penfolds, Yalumba and d'Arenberg, I am very much a full-bodied red wine drinker.
So I was surprised when I discovered the medium-bodied Austrian Zweigelt to be my favourite Aldi wine.
Giving off aromas of berries and forest fruits, it has a wonderful spicy taste accompanied by a smooth finish.
While my wife didn't like it as much, I thought it was a fantastic wine and is definitely worth adding to your shopping list next time you visit Aldi.
This red wine is a mixture of Malbec and Grenache. (Image: Patrick Glover) The Specially Selected Caladoc Rouge received mixed reviews from my wife and I.
It was one of my least favourite of the Aldi wines, while it was my wife's favourite out of the reds.
This red is a mixture of Malbec and Grenache and, for me, was just a bit of flavour overload. There was just too much going on.
It gave off a fruity aroma, said to be of "stewed plums and brambles", while the taste is described on the bottle as a combination of "earth, pepper and blackcurrants".
Aldi's Cabernet Franc is a classic full-bodied red wine with smoky/peppery flavours. (Image: Patrick Glover) The final wine on our tasting journey was the Argentinian Cabernet Franc.
This is a classic full-bodied red with a smoky, peppery kind of taste, not too dissimilar to that of a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon.
An ideal pairing for a dinner-time meal like beef stew.
Worth a try for those traditional red wine drinkers out there, although is one of the more pricer options on the list at £8.99.
RECOMMENDED READING:
I tested Aldi's new 'wine of the summer' and almost lost all my street cred
The own-brand supermarket wines that beat bottles costing hundreds
Is wine good for you and what are the healthiest options - dietician has their say
After a few hours of wine tasting, my wife and I concluded that despite both having our favourites, which were both extremely different, it doesn't matter what we think.
Everyone has their own tastes. So what I like will be different from what my wife likes, which will be different again from what you, the reader, likes.
So, take in our little taste testing notes, hopefully they are a helpful guide, but go out and buy the wine that you like.
It might be from Aldi, it could be from M&S, or Asda. But wherever it's from, just follow your taste buds.
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Aldi's £10 bedroom essential keeps you cool during hot summer nights so you'll sleep soundly & it costs nothing to run
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Aldi's £10 bedroom essential keeps you cool during hot summer nights so you'll sleep soundly & it costs nothing to run

Read on for more ways to get through summer Dream Deal Aldi's £10 bedroom essential keeps you cool during hot summer nights so you'll sleep soundly & it costs nothing to run ALDI shoppers are raving over a £10 bedroom essential that's perfect for hot summer nights. The clever essential doesn't cost a penny to run and is sure to be flying off shelves as temperatures rise across the UK. 2 Aldi has launched a cooling pillow and duvet set perfect for sweaty summer nights - all without sending your energy bill soaring Credit: Aldi Aldi's Specialbuys range has done it again - serving up cooling comforts for a bargain price, just in time for the summer heatwave. The Slumberdown Stay Cool Pillow Pair, priced at just £9.99, are a must-have for anyone who struggles to sleep in the heat. They're designed with clever Hydrocool moisture management technology, which absorbs moisture from body heat to keep your sleep space cool, dry and comfortable all night long. With medium support, they're ideal for back sleepers, and the best part? They're machine washable and tumble dryer friendly - making summer snoozing effortless. It is a game-changer for stuffy nights, and at just a tenner for two, it's a total no-brainer. Other products And it's not just pillows getting the cooling treatment - Aldi is also selling a Slumberdown Always Cool Double Duvet for just £14.99. Made with the same Hydrocool tech, it helps regulate your body temperature by drawing away moisture, so you can stay fresh and sweat-free even on the muggiest nights. The lightweight design makes it perfect for summer, and like the pillows, it's machine washable - so you can stay cool and clean with zero fuss. Together, the set offers a budget-friendly way to transform your bed into a chilled-out sleep haven without touching the thermostat. I beat the heat with free 'ice trick' that works with any home fan There's also the Slumberdown Always Cool Hydrocool King Duvet, priced at just £16.99. It uses the same Hydrocool tech to wick away moisture and keep you feeling fresh through the night - even when the heat is relentless. Perfect for hot sleepers or stuffy bedrooms, it's a summer bedding essential that won't break the bank. The collection is available to buy in Aldi stores from Thursday 10th July. Other cooling hacks It might sound wild, but hanging your washing outside your windows could be the genius summer hack you never knew you needed. If you're bunging towels or bedsheets in the wash today, try pegging them over your windows - not only will they dry quicker in the scorching heat, but they'll also help block out the blazing sun and keep your home cooler. That's right - dry your laundry and beat the heat in one go. Another hack that people are sharing on Mumsnet is to use a hot water bottle, yes, even in the summer. You simply fill the water bottle with a small amount of cold water and stick it in the freezer until frozen. Then you want to place it at the bottom of your bed to keep you cool all night long. However, you shouldn't use the same hot water bottle for hot water in winter and freezing in summer, as it can weaken the rubber. If you can, buy two hot water bottles and change them for each task. Many agreed that the hack was vital to staying cool in the summer. One wrote: "In praise of the cold water bottle. "It's just a hot water bottle filled with cold water, but it's so helpful when it's really hot." 2 A hot water bottle isn't just for the colder months Credit: Alamy How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'

Aldi's £10 bedroom essential keeps you cool during hot summer nights so you'll sleep soundly & it costs nothing to run
Aldi's £10 bedroom essential keeps you cool during hot summer nights so you'll sleep soundly & it costs nothing to run

The Sun

time18 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Aldi's £10 bedroom essential keeps you cool during hot summer nights so you'll sleep soundly & it costs nothing to run

ALDI shoppers are raving over a £10 bedroom essential that's perfect for hot summer nights. The clever essential doesn't cost a penny to run and is sure to be flying off shelves as temperatures rise across the UK. Aldi's Specialbuys range has done it again - serving up cooling comforts for a bargain price, just in time for the summer heatwave. The Slumberdown Stay Cool Pillow Pair, priced at just £9.99, are a must-have for anyone who struggles to sleep in the heat. They're designed with clever Hydrocool moisture management technology, which absorbs moisture from body heat to keep your sleep space cool, dry and comfortable all night long. With medium support, they're ideal for back sleepers, and the best part? They're machine washable and tumble dryer friendly - making summer snoozing effortless. It is a game-changer for stuffy nights, and at just a tenner for two, it's a total no-brainer. Other products And it's not just pillows getting the cooling treatment - Aldi is also selling a Slumberdown Always Cool Double Duvet for just £14.99. Made with the same Hydrocool tech, it helps regulate your body temperature by drawing away moisture, so you can stay fresh and sweat-free even on the muggiest nights. The lightweight design makes it perfect for summer, and like the pillows, it's machine washable - so you can stay cool and clean with zero fuss. Together, the set offers a budget -friendly way to transform your bed into a chilled-out sleep haven without touching the thermostat. I beat the heat with free 'ice trick' that works with any home fan There's also the Slumberdown Always Cool Hydrocool King Duvet, priced at just £16.99. It uses the same Hydrocool tech to wick away moisture and keep you feeling fresh through the night - even when the heat is relentless. Perfect for hot sleepers or stuffy bedrooms, it's a summer bedding essential that won't break the bank. The collection is available to buy in Aldi stores from Thursday 10th July. Other cooling hacks It might sound wild, but hanging your washing outside your windows could be the genius summer hack you never knew you needed. If you're bunging towels or bedsheets in the wash today, try pegging them over your windows - not only will they dry quicker in the scorching heat, but they'll also help block out the blazing sun and keep your home cooler. That's right - dry your laundry and beat the heat in one go. Another hack that people are sharing on Mumsnet is to use a hot water bottle, yes, even in the summer. You simply fill the water bottle with a small amount of cold water and stick it in the freezer until frozen. Then you want to place it at the bottom of your bed to keep you cool all night long. However, you shouldn't use the same hot water bottle for hot water in winter and freezing in summer, as it can weaken the rubber. If you can, buy two hot water bottles and change them for each task. Many agreed that the hack was vital to staying cool in the summer. One wrote: "In praise of the cold water bottle. "It's just a hot water bottle filled with cold water, but it's so helpful when it's really hot." 2 How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'

Forget about Prosecco — drink this £6.97 sparkling wine instead
Forget about Prosecco — drink this £6.97 sparkling wine instead

Metro

time2 hours ago

  • Metro

Forget about Prosecco — drink this £6.97 sparkling wine instead

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