When it comes to wine, I must confess that my palate isn’t the most refined. While I occasionally indulge in a glass of refreshing white wine, it’s rosé that truly captures my affection.
Over time, I’ve sampled countless bottles, from the most affordable option at the local off-licence to more extravagant choices at upscale restaurants. However, the one I consistently return to is Whispering Angel, a delightful rosé from the acclaimed Château d’Esclans. It embodies everything you’d want in a summer beverage, boasting an appealing bottle design and subtle notes of summer fruits. It even counts Adele among its fans!
The only drawback is the cost; Whispering Angel tends to be pricier than other comparable wines, with a bottle retailing for £22 at Tesco or £19.50 at Waitrose.
Aldi’s Chassaux et Fils Saint Victoire Provence rosé has been compared to Whispering Angel, with many claiming they couldn’t discern a difference when it hit the shelves last year, reports the Liverpool Echo.
So, when presented with the opportunity to sample four of Aldi’s rosé wines from their spring/summer collection, I was hopeful about discovering a new favourite.
I tasted Jolie by Juliette, White Island Spanish Rosé, Specially Selected Rosorange and Specially Selected Austrian Zweigelt Rosé, all handpicked in partnership with wine expert Sam Caporn, also known as the Mistress of Wine.
My first taste was of the Zwigelt Rosé, a light and floral rosé made from Austria’s signature black grape. This certainly set the bar high, with its delightful pink hue offering a subtle berry flavour and a crisp finish.
This is an ideal summer tipple, but I wouldn’t hesitate to enjoy this with a friend any time of the year.
Next on the list was the White Island. Noticeably paler, this one boasted a more potent aroma and a bolder taste, in my view.
Promising ‘wild strawberry aromas’ coupled with ‘pink peppercorn spice and a silky-smooth finish of candied raspberries,’ this should have been right up my street, but I found myself adding ice and lemonade to suit my palate.
Having seen Jolie by Juliette endorsed by numerous Instagram influencers, my expectations were high for this one. Thankfully, it didn’t disappoint.
It was lively and sharp, making it a perfect accompaniment to a barbecue.
However, the real standout for me was the Rosorange. While not typically a bottle I’d gravitate towards based on appearance, I was pleasantly taken aback.
The fusion of orange wine and rosé really hit the spot; it was dry yet packed with flavour, boasting a lovely tangerine scent and a pleasing aftertaste.
And considering a bottle of Specially Selected Rosorange is priced at just £9.99, it seems like a no-brainer to switch and save a tenner, or, more likely, double up on the rosé for the same price!
You can browse the Aldi website, or pop into your nearest store, to explore all available wines.