I tested Aldi's new 'wine of the summer' and so should you

South Wales Argus

17-05-2025

Yes, that's right, a prosecco with no fizz. Corrie's Tyrone without his noughties beloved.
Despite being lauded as a "refreshing twist on the nation's favourite fizz", I simply could not believe a flat Prosecco could deliver any signature fruity flavour. I've had my fair share of warm Lambrini over the years, thank you.
Since launching, it's taken to social media and has been catching wine critics and shoppers alike by storm.
I also loved this wine – how innovative!', and, 'this is a discovery!!!'. (Image: Newsquest) Some are tipping this as 'the wine of the summer', so, naturally, as a borderline alcoholic, I had to find this out for myself. And god, I wish I kept it to just myself.
Wine enthusiasts such as @tomtryonuk, who, although sceptical at first, have praised the crispness of the wine, layered apple notes and subtle sweetness, calling it 'hard not to like'.
His post quickly garnered enthusiastic responses such as, 'I also loved this wine – how innovative!', and, 'this is a discovery!!!'.
Mistress of Wine, Sam Caporn, shared similar praise: "This light, fresh, still Prosecco has much in common with its sparkling sibling, boasting notes of apricot, honeysuckle, ripe pear and melon with beautifully balancing lemon acidity. Delicious!"
So, good things, right? Well.
I've tested dozens of Aldi wines over the past couple of years and have had nothing but good things to say about any of them.
From memory, none of their whites, reds and rosés have ever missed the mark.
Whether it be food or drink, Aldi has always ticked every box for me as it does not skimp on quality in the sacrifice for price.
Here arrives the flat Prosecco, stumbling onto the scene like that drunk uncle at a funeral. Boozy, niche and above all else, brave.
I'm not a big fan of fizz. Whether it be Cava, Prosecco or even Champagne, the only time I can really stomach it is with a bit of orange juice on Christmas Day.
A lot of you may be thinking 'sacrilege', but this one man boozy band likes a Bucks Fizz, you gonna shoot me? I doubt it.
With that said, my opinion is all but null and void in regards to Aldi's flat fizz. So I had to bring in an expert. My girlfriend's mum.
Testing the Costellore Still Prosecco DOC (£5.99, 75cl)
We went round to visit one night for a takeaway with - because I have no conversation - the aforementioned bubbleless bottle, just myself, her, and her parents.
After tea, we poured four glasses and each took turns testing Aldi's latest sensation.
Looking back, promising 'the wine of the summer' may have been a mistake. Four cans of special brew could have just as easily replicated similar responses.
I can't repeat a lot of what was said before the watershed, but I can give you a visual depiction:
The 'wine of the summer' hasn't won over everyone just yet. (Image: Newsquest)
Recommended reading:
Testing Aldi's sensational spring and summer wine collection
Where sells the best wine? £5 supermarket white wine review
I tested Aldi's incredible autumn and winter wine selection
It hurts me to say, because I love Aldi, but this one didn't land for myself or any of the others. I have a long way to go now to recover any respect I once had.
That said, this wine is not without its fans.
If anything, I urge you to go and try it for yourself, it might not be the 'wine of the summer', but I can certainly confirm it's the most polarising.
For £5.99, it's surely worth a little taste test for yourself and the family, isn't it?