While the end of daylight savings means the warm weather is leaving us, it also means Wine O’Clock begins one hour earlier than usual (woohoo!).
ALDI wine expert and buying director Jason Bowyer watches trends closely and is thrilled to give a sneak peek into what wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs will be pouring (and raising a toast to) this winter.
“Aussies will be spoilt for choice this season, with something for every palate, occasion, and price point! Wine, like food, is seasonal, and as shorter days and chillier weather approach, we start to crave soups over salads and warmer, full-bodied reds over crisp whites.
This winter, the trend of bold, fruity reds is back, with Pinot Noirs, Gamays and modern Rioja Reservas providing the perfect drop to warm up. We’re also excited to highlight top picks from Australian vineyards and an increase in popularity for sustainably sourced organic and vegan wines. Our winter ranges offer incredible innovation, flavour, and value, and we are confident that our customers will be blown away by their quality,” Bowyer continued.
ALDI’s top picks for the season:
Lighter, Fresher Fruit Driven Reds
L’Expression Gamay – $8.99
Jason says: “Gamay, is a lighter bodied red and similar to Pinot Noir! From the south of France and capturing all the qualities of a delicious Gamay, this wine is jam packed with juicy cherry and wild raspberry fruits. Perfect with charcuterie or a delicious cheese platter.”
Region: France
Small Talk Pinot Noir – $8.99
Jason says: “Extreme 1 litre Pinot Noir value! A soft and sumptuous red wine with redcurrants, dark cherry flavours and a hint of light chocolate. Light to medium bodied and simply delicious.”
Region: South Eastern Australia
NEW to ALDI – Aussie red wine
Eastern Laneway Vintners Nero D’Avola – $11.99
Jason says: “100% handmade and fermented in small batches, this juicy Nero D’Avola is fresh and vibrant with an abundance of wild cherry and wild forest red fruits. A bright and delicious wine to savour with friends. Vegan friendly, a simply delicious wine, tailormade to drink more than just one glass!”
Region: Euston, Murray Darling
Unspoken Red – $12.99
Jason says: “A sumptuous and velvety smooth wine, it has deep crimson hues and decadent jammy notes deliver a full-bodied red wine. A Barossa Shiraz & Merlot blend designed for winter nights!”
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Organic Shiraz or Gracefully Aged Spanish Rioja
Marques Del Atrio Rioja Reserva 2016 – $11.99
Jason says: “Awarded 91 points by James Suckling, this top-quality modern Rioja Reserva from Spain’s north is seriously good value. Nicely balanced with beautiful plum and blackberry fruits, it is a delicious addition to our seasonal range.”
Region: DOCa Rioja, Spain
Birds and The Bees Organic Shiraz 2021 – $11.99
Jason says: “Let’s talk about The Birds and The Bees. This organic Shiraz features red-berried fruit, plums and sweet spice. Born from sustainable and vegan friendly practices, just like nature intended.”
Region: South Australia, Australia.