Secret wine loves: the bottles Irish consumers like to regularly buy
Most
wine
lovers tend to prefer the esoteric, lesser-known (and usually more expensive) wines. But these are not always affordable or accessible to the average wine drinker. So what are the most popular wines with you the consumer? I asked three of the multiples and one independent wine shop to put forward their bestselling wines.
Aldi wine ambassador Tom Doorley says: 'Looking at the most popular wines in the spring/summer selection, I'm reminded that our customers are always willing to try something new. I think Irish consumers are keen to try offbeat wines and the initial feedback is positive. Current top sellers include a Lebanese red and a white Costières de Nîmes, so not exactly the usual suspects. Add to that an Argentinian Viognier and a Caladoc Rouge from Languedoc and you can see how Aldi are trying to offer wines from new regions as well as the well-established favourites.' Below I include a malbec that is part of the Aldi core range, available throughout the year.
In contrast, a Lidl spokesperson says: 'Irish drinkers tend to be conservative in their wine choices, often opting for well-known traditional varieties. However, we've observed an increase in sales of New World wines particularly Chilean and Argentinian wines. Price is a key factor for our customers, with our most popular wine prices ranging from €7.00 to €11.99. Rosé is experiencing a rise in popularity throughout the year. Our most popular wines currently include Prosecco Frizzante (€7.99), Cimarosa Chenin Blanc (€7.70), Pinot Grigio IGT Delle Venezie (€7.29), Chardonnay Pays d'OC (€7.99), and Hachón Ribera del Duero Reserva (€10.99)."
Lynne Coyle, wine director at O'Briens Wine says they sell Albariño and Primitivo in good quantities, but the Mâcon-Lugny Grande Réserve below and the Gran Reserva Monte Real Rioja are among their top-selling wines. 'Our Mâcon-Lugny Grande Réserve continues to grow, even though there can sometimes be a reluctance to buy chardonnay. Sustainably grown and from one of the top co-operatives in France, this fresh, fruity unoaked wine offers an affordable way to discover Burgundy. Both Reserva and Gran Reserva Rioja are popular; the wines are released after ageing at the winery with good fruit but also an evolved complexity, integrated oak and resolved tannins, so an interesting wine style, but approachable.'
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Séan Gargano opened the independent wine shop MacCurtain Wine Cellar in Cork three years ago. 'We still have the grapes that have become brands like sauvignon, malbec and Pinot Grigio, but we are a niche shop, and most of our clients come here because they don't want to buy what's in the multiples. We are family-owned and run, and stock a lot of small family-owned wineries, but I never want to be a snob to customers. We only do European wines for environmental reasons, so my job is to hit all those buttons, but closer to home and probably cheaper too. I just listen and offer something different. I never want to talk down to people. Instead of Marlborough sauvignon, we sell lots of Le Paysan Blanc (see below).'
Pinot Grigio 2023, Giulio Pasotti, IGT delle Venezie
12%, €7.28
Light refreshing easy pear and apple fruits with a rounded finish. A perfect summer sipper by itself or with light snacks and salads.
From Lidl
Specially Selected Buenas Vidas Malbec 2023, Argentina
13%, €7.99
Another Aldi favourite, this is a medium-bodied elegant style of malbec with fresh dark cherry, plum and blueberry fruits. Enjoy it with firm cheeses, red meats, pizza or pasta with tomato sauces.
From Aldi
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Riesling, muscadet, sherry: Time to give these unloved wines a second chance
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Mâcon-Lugny Grande Réserve 2023
13%, €20.96 / €16.95
Fresh lightly textured pear and apple fruits with a vibrant acidity and dry finish. Great value at €16.95. Drink alongside most fish or white meats.
From O'Briens
Le Bordeaux du Paysan Blanc 2023, Satellite Wines, Organic
12.5%, €21.50-23.50
Light, fresh and aromatic with very attractive lemon and apricot fruits, finishing dry. Before dinner or with most fish and white meats.
Stockists: MacCurtain, Cork; 64Wine, Glasthule; Nelly's, D9; Lennox Street Grocer, D8; Lilith, D7
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