Food

John Wilson: Great value southern French wines from Aldi

Weekend wines: For well under a tenner, take a virtual trip to the Mediterranean

Picpoul de Pinet is fresh crisp apple fruits, lemon zest and a dry finish

John Wilson's face
John Wilson
Fri Apr 8 2022 - 14:55

This week we take a virtual trip to the warm sunny south of France courtesy of Aldi. The region offers some of the best value wines of all; the reds typically rich and rounded, while white wines made from indigenous varieties can offer real local flavour. Picpoul de Pinet is sometimes called the Muscadet of the south. It goes perfectly with the seafood served in countless restaurants in nearby Sète and many other towns along the Mediterranean coast. Corbières is a large, wild and rugged wine region running from Carcassonne down to the Mediterranean coast, best-known for its substantial red wines.

Specially Selected Picpoul de Pinet 2021

Fresh crisp apple fruits, lemon zest and a dry finish. Try it with mussels, oysters, or pasta with a herby fresh tomato sauce. €8.99 from Aldi.

Pierre Jaurant Corbières 2020

This is a big gutsy wine with powerful ripe fruit and plenty of supporting tannins. One to enjoy with cassoulet (a local speciality), rich bean dishes and barbecued red meat. €8.99 from Aldi.