logo
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.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Aldi Baby Event is back in July with savings of up to £50
Aldi Baby Event is back in July with savings of up to £50

South Wales Guardian

time2 hours ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Aldi Baby Event is back in July with savings of up to £50

Parents can stock up on everything from soft play kits to travel essentials, without breaking the bank. Whether shopping for a newborn or a growing toddler, the range includes a wide selection of must-haves fit for both young families and seasoned parents alike. The supermarket is offering savings of up to £50 compared to leading retailers, including unbeatable prices on top brands Nuby and Graco. These baby gamechangers are set to fly off shelves – but shoppers are being warned to be quick, as with all Specialbuys, once they're gone, they're gone. (Image: Aldi)For parents and tots on the go, the 360 Graco Car Seat (£99.99) is suitable for children aged from 0 to 4 years. It features hassle-free installation and a 360-degree seat rotation, making getting in and out of the car quick and convenient. Shoppers can save £50 compared to leading retailer Halfords. Bring Soft Play home with the Aldi Ball Pit (£39.99) for hours of endless fun for kids aged 10 months and above. The ball pit includes 200 plastic balls and a machine-washable cover for easy clean-up. Bath times just got more fun with Aldi's Silicone Bath Toys (£7.99). Available in playful teatime shapes or as a creative cooking essentials set, tots and parents alike are sure to enjoy bath time even more. ​The Graco Myavo Stroller (£99.99) has four-wheel suspension for any terrain, and cosy reclining options for smooth sailings, plus a built-in sunshade, rain cover, removable bumper bar and adjustable calf support. It covers all bases for ages 0 to 4 years old, all for a saving of over 20% compared to Halfords. (Image: Aldi) The Baby Safety Gate (£14.99) boasts triple-step safety technology to outsmart even the craftiest toddlers. The handy 180-degree two-way open feature is a must-have for hassle-free access. New to the middle aisle this year is the Nuby My Real Urinal (£14.99), priced at half the cost compared to leading retailer Argos. The clever kit lands in stores alongside the returning My Real Potty (£14.99), which offers savvy shoppers opting for Aldi over Argos savings of more than half price. Recommended reading: Designed to help make the leap from potty to toilet a breeze, these toddler-friendly training tools bring big-kid confidence to little learners. With real flushing sounds and handy wipe storage, the My Real Urinal helps little boys get familiar with the real thing. Aldi's Baby and Toddler Event returns to stores from July 17, while stocks last.

Aldi Baby Event is back in July with savings of up to £50
Aldi Baby Event is back in July with savings of up to £50

South Wales Argus

time14 hours ago

  • South Wales Argus

Aldi Baby Event is back in July with savings of up to £50

Parents can stock up on everything from soft play kits to travel essentials, without breaking the bank. Whether shopping for a newborn or a growing toddler, the range includes a wide selection of must-haves fit for both young families and seasoned parents alike. The supermarket is offering savings of up to £50 compared to leading retailers, including unbeatable prices on top brands Nuby and Graco. These baby gamechangers are set to fly off shelves – but shoppers are being warned to be quick, as with all Specialbuys, once they're gone, they're gone. (Image: Aldi)For parents and tots on the go, the 360 Graco Car Seat (£99.99) is suitable for children aged from 0 to 4 years. It features hassle-free installation and a 360-degree seat rotation, making getting in and out of the car quick and convenient. Shoppers can save £50 compared to leading retailer Halfords. Bring Soft Play home with the Aldi Ball Pit (£39.99) for hours of endless fun for kids aged 10 months and above. The ball pit includes 200 plastic balls and a machine-washable cover for easy clean-up. Bath times just got more fun with Aldi's Silicone Bath Toys (£7.99). Available in playful teatime shapes or as a creative cooking essentials set, tots and parents alike are sure to enjoy bath time even more. ​The Graco Myavo Stroller (£99.99) has four-wheel suspension for any terrain, and cosy reclining options for smooth sailings, plus a built-in sunshade, rain cover, removable bumper bar and adjustable calf support. It covers all bases for ages 0 to 4 years old, all for a saving of over 20% compared to Halfords. (Image: Aldi) The Baby Safety Gate (£14.99) boasts triple-step safety technology to outsmart even the craftiest toddlers. The handy 180-degree two-way open feature is a must-have for hassle-free access. New to the middle aisle this year is the Nuby My Real Urinal (£14.99), priced at half the cost compared to leading retailer Argos. The clever kit lands in stores alongside the returning My Real Potty (£14.99), which offers savvy shoppers opting for Aldi over Argos savings of more than half price. Recommended reading: Designed to help make the leap from potty to toilet a breeze, these toddler-friendly training tools bring big-kid confidence to little learners. With real flushing sounds and handy wipe storage, the My Real Urinal helps little boys get familiar with the real thing. Aldi's Baby and Toddler Event returns to stores from July 17, while stocks last.

'Amazon's Prime Day deal on this iconic hair oil makes me want to buy a bottle'
'Amazon's Prime Day deal on this iconic hair oil makes me want to buy a bottle'

Daily Record

time15 hours ago

  • Daily Record

'Amazon's Prime Day deal on this iconic hair oil makes me want to buy a bottle'

Hair oils have become an essential in any daily routine. While there are many to choose from, one I have had my eye on for a while is the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil. There are many reasons why it's always been on my 'to buy' list. Not only has it been the inspiration for many 'dupes', but it constantly tops beauty editors' lists and has been hailed in reviews as "the absolute 100 per cent best." With its highly coveted reputation, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was enjoying a rare discount on the second day of Amazon's Prime Day sale, with a 75ml bottle now 36 per cent less. Now just £37.16 after being reduced from £58, Amazon's deal marks the cheapest it can currently be bought for, with it stocked on Lookfantastic for £51.14 and full-price at Boots, meaning I am seriously tempted to buy a bottle before the discount vanishes. Why exactly is the Kérastase hair oil an icon? Well, when it first debuted back in 2010 it became the first one on the market to combine five precious oils to leave hair with a "radiant shine" and "lasting nourishment." Using a combination of wild camellia, French camellia, marula and argan oils, it boasts a "lightweight, non greasy" formula that provides multiple benefits for dry, damaged hair, leaving it strengthened, moisturised and less frizzy. It's also a bit of a multi-tasker, as beauty buffs can use it as a pre-cleanse before shampooing, a pre-blow dry treatment for heat protectant, a finisher for taming frizzy ends and as a touch-up during the day for some extra shine. Aside from its ability to completely transform lacklustre hair, the oil has also become loved for its "luxuriously beautiful" scent that was created by a French perfumer, creating a pyramid of freesia, sandalwood and heliotrope as its main notes. Now, while I am tempted to take advantage of the Amazon deal, it's understandable why some beauty fans might still consider a more affordable alternative. One that is said to be a 'dupe' for the brand is the L'Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil (100ml), currently just £6.99 at Boots. Another brand I have personally liked is the OUAI Hair Oil, £26 for 45ml on Lookfantastic, as it is also a versatile treatment that can be used on the ends or left on as a hydrating mask overnight. That being said, it is worth noting that I am not the only beauty fan who is keen on the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil, as it averages an impressive 4.6 rating on Amazon from other shoppers who say it leaves their hair "in the best condition ever." Beauty deal of the week Looking to upgrade your straighteners, then look no further than this Amazon deal we have spotted. The Remington Advanced Coconut Therapy Hair Straightener, which has been hailed as "better than ghd", is now on offer for a staggering 75 percent less, as it is has been dropped from £139.99 to just £34.90. To help keep hair soft and shiny with each use, the floating ceramic plates feature micro-conditioners that have been infused with coconut oil and UV filters, keeping tresses protected from any frizz caused by too much heat. Its salon-style design means it comes complete with an ultra-fast 15-second heat up time and five digital temperature controls up to 230C, while the rounded barrel design with a swivel cord makes it easy to create either a sleek straight or bouncy curls look. There's also an integrated sensor that kicks in when the plates come into contact with the hair, ensuring they never overheat, while plate lock and auto-shut off function offers peace of mind and safety. Considering Remington's status for hair tools, it's no surprise to hear that this coconut-infused straightener has been singled out as an 'Amazon Choice' product, with a glowing 4.4 rating based on over 1,000 reviews from happy purchasers. One beauty fan praised: "Better than ghds. What can I say I have used GHDs for the last 20 years? My last pair broke yesterday so after some research I thought I would try these Remington's. "I can't believe how straight my hair is gone, not even my GHD's got it this straight. Amazing straighteners on would recommend to anybody, I have thick course hair and look how smooth it looks." One delighted customer wrote: "I don't leave reviews generally but this hair oil is so much better than all the others I've tried. I have bleach highlights and my hair is broken half way down from too much bleach and straightening. "I use 2 pumps of oil before blow-drying and 1 pump all over before straightening. It is so nourishing and hides my broken hairs. It feels so soft, well worth the money." "I have waist length, highly bleached blonde hair and after 6 months of regular use of this wonderful product, my hair is in the best condition ever, thick, glossy and healthy! Love it love it love it!" However, someone who listed its pros and cons wrote: "The scent is really strong. I could smell a cross between parma violets and cheap perfume. Would have been better without a scent. Not so sure I'd buy it again despite its performance. I could only recommend this to someone with absolutely no sense of smell! yuk!" Someone more complimentary about the scent said in a five-star review: "Lasts ages as two pumps is sufficient for even very long hair. Makes hair feel silky, and tangle free." If, like me, you don't want to miss the 34 per cent discount, then the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil (75ml) is now available in the Amazon Prime Day sale.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store