ALDI wine expert and buying director Jason Bowyer has compiled his winter wine recommendations with their ideal cheese pairings, launching ALDI’s new seasonal range of winter reds, all for under $15.
“Winter is the season that Aussies are more likely to reach for a glass of red wine than a Rosé. Red wines for winter are often associated with dark, overpowering flavours with bold palates, however the trend in red wines is moving towards lighter, smoothers finishes that give you a warming feeling of winter without being overpowering. Our new limited edition winter range are wonderful value, and we are confident that our customers will be blown away by their quality. They certainly punch above their weight,” Bowyer said.
“We’ve worked closely with some amazing Australian wine makers to create exclusive drops for our winter range. Collaborating with Australian producers is a central part of what makes our offering so special,” Bowyer continued.
Tips for pairings? Wine expert Jason has customers covered there too, with each wine paired with the perfect cheese:
“Wine and cheese is a tale as old as time. Our curated cheese range is the perfect addition to opening a bottle of winter red. The pairings we have curated will allow customers to enjoy the full potential of both wine and cheese,” Bowyer concluded.
Vinatero Old Vine Grenache 2020 $10.99
Jason says: “This is a small batch wine made from a Grenache block sourced from vines planted in 1947. This vegan-friendly wine is a pure expression of Grenache, with pinot noir-like subtlety. It has baked cherry and raspberry aromas, and a light earthy complexity. This fruit-forward wine is layered with mulberry and cranberry, leaving a textured palette with generous fruit flavours.”
Cheese match: Germain Le Pico Cheese $5.99
Germain Le Pico is a traditional goat’s milk soft cheese made in Perigord, France. It has a mild, authentic flavour which evolves with maturing.
Eastern Laneway Vintners Grampians Shiraz 2020 $11.99
Jason says: “This is a small batch wine produced from an organically farmed single vineyard in Grampians, western Victoria. It is a vegan-friendly shiraz bursting with vibrant aromatics of cranberry, raspberry and cherry.”
Cheese match: Emporium Selection Dutch Gouda Cheese $3.99
Imported from the Netherlands, it is a mild and creamy cheese, supporting the starring Shiraz.
Seppelt Hundredweight Hill Shiraz 2019 $12.99
Jason says: “Exclusive to ALDI, this shiraz is made by Australian wine maker Adam Carnaby from Seppelt. It has dark berry fruits and a fine savory texture unique to Heathcote. It has great length and tannins that will help it to drink well for up to five years.”
Cheese match: Emporium Selection Double Cream Camembert $4.49
Handcrafted in Gippsland, Victoria this French style cheese has a smooth and velvety texture and a distinctive fruity and nutty flavour.
Wolf Blass Exclusive Release Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 $14.99
Jason says: “This ALDI exclusive release has a fresh, youthful taste lifted from dark fruit aroma. It is layered with black fruits and cool white pepper aroma to deliver a balanced richness and femininity. Expect an appealing, concentrated texture.”
Cheese match: Emporium Selection Original Club Cheddar $4.29
Original crumbly, sharp, cheddar with an excellent taste profile. Both bold flavours, this beautifully handcrafted Cheddar pairs perfectly with the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Humo Blanco Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 $11.99
Jason says: “A delicious organic Chilean wine offering unrivalled value for under $12. Made by the famous Francois Lurton Group, it shows off an array of sweet dark fruits plus an edge of dried and leafy herbs. It has a powerful flavour with ripe blackberry notes matched with spicy oak. A true combination of bright acidity and chalky tannins.”
Cheese match: Emporium Selection Triple Cream Brie $4.49
To offset the strong flavours of the Cabernet Sauvignon, this brie has a velvety, smooth texture. Handcrafted in Gippsland, Victoria it is an extra-creamy, full-flavoured French-style cheese.
Taylors Estate Special Release Clare Valley Shiraz 2019 $14.99
Jason says: “Made by one of Australia’s most awarded winemakers Adam Eggins, this Clare Valley Shiraz is known for its concentrated blackcurrant and berry flavours, mixed with a cool mint edge. It has a full body richness, integrated with oak. It has great length and can be enjoyed for over 10 years.”
Cheese match: Vernieres Roquefort Cheese Wedge $4.99
A sheep’s milk cheese from Southern France, this international wedge is one of the world’s best known, and most loved blue cheeses. The Roquefort is produced using traditional methods and is ripened in the natural cave of Combalou. Matured for a minimum of 3 months, this is a unique cheese with a soft spreadable texture and delicately sharp taste.
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