Lidl began its French wine sale yesterday. The 16-strong line-up includes a clutch of red Bordeaux, all of which are good value for money. Here are my favourites from the 16.
Le Rocher de Saint Victor 2019, Picpoul de Pinet, €8.99
An attractive, light, refreshing dry white with cleansing pear fruits. Drink it on its own, or with mussels or oysters.
Jean Cornelius Pinot Blanc 2019 Alsace, €9.99
This is my star white from the sale, a lovely wine with plump green-apple fruits and lemon zest. (The Cornelius Riesling is worth buying too.) A great aperitif, or to drink with Thai chicken or prawn green curry, or with scallops.
Bourgogne Chardonnay 2018, €9.99
Medium-bodied with maturing textured orchard fruits. Try it with roast chicken or stuffed pork steak.
Domaine Coudougno 2019, Faugères, €8.99
From Languedoc, this is an enjoyable, well-priced, rounded red with light, juicy, ripe red-cherry fruits. One to enjoy with white meats – chicken with mushrooms or a pure pork sausage with lentils.
Château La Croix du Grand Jard 2018, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, €8.99
An elegant, nicely balanced Bordeaux with restrained plum fruits and light tannins on the finish. A roast of lamb would go nicely with this.
Château St Pierre 2019, Lussac-St Emilion, €10.99
Warming and rounded, with broad dark fruits tinged with spice. Try it with fillet steak or roast mushrooms.
Haut de Saint Laurent 2019, Haut-Médoc, €11.99
Subtle blackcurrant and blackberry fruits with plenty of spice and a firm, dry finish. This calls for roast beef, or a striploin steak.
St Emilion La Roche d'Argent 2018, €12.99
Medium- to full-bodied, with concentrated dark fruits and good grip on the finish. Drink this with a rib-eye steak, a warming beef casserole, or dishes featuring roast peppers.
