ALDI’s Summer Wine Cheat Sheet
Words: Maggie Fagan
Hero Image: Jeann Frederico
This sun won’t quit, so if you’re spending each work day dreaming crisp and extremely chilled glasses of rosé, you are not alone. In a recent pop-up event with ALDI, we had the pleasure of sampling their summer range, with wine expert Tom Doorley, and we have some thoughts.
Now folks, if there’s one thing we love, it’s discovering a decent wine that doesn’t have us scrounging around the bottom of our bank accounts. Here’s what we tasted on the night, and have created this little cheat sheet for the next time you’re dreaming about that post work glass.
Pierre Jaurant Le Petit Poulet Rosé 2025 – €8.99
Grape: Grenache Noir, Merlot, Cinsault, Syrah, Caladoc
Region: Mediterranean coast
Country: France
Tasting Notes: Sour raspberries, and prickly pear.
Tom Doorley: “A terrific price for a bone-dry French rosé very much in the Provençale style. It’s a blend of lots of grapes but the result is clearly focussed and crisp. Bargain pink.”
What to pair it with: A girl dinner of St. Tola Goat cheese, Meanies, and a prawn cocktail.
Jolie by Juliette Coteaux De Beziers Rosé 2025 – €8.99
Grape: Grenache, Cinsault
Region: Mediterranean coast
Country: France
Tasting Notes: Petit Filous Apricot on the nose, summer fruits on the palate.
Tom Doorley’s Notes: A rosé wine that’s as pretty and attractive as its distinctive bottle and label, and a reminder that pink wines from the South of France can offer great value for money provided they are not “made” by celebrities or producers who want to build fashionable brands. This fresh, dry rosé is the equal, at least, of wines that will cost you €20 to €30!
What to pair it with: Cashel blue cheese, dark chocolate, or herby salads. If you’re feeling really summery, add a few thinly sliced (non pickled) jalapeños to your glass. You can thank us later.
Chassaux Sainte Victoire Rosé Cotes De Provence 2024 – €11.99
Grape: Blend
Region: Mediterranean coast
Country: France
Tasting Notes: Underripe strawberries, and a hint of green apple
Tom Doorley: “The very essence of Provence down to the touch of orange zest on the nose, classic, restrained, dry and balanced. Astonishing value for money from a region where prices can reach dizzy heights.”
What to pair it with: A fish finger sambo with a banging tartare sauce
Pierre Jaurant Le Petit Poulet 2025 – €8.99
Grape: 47% Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino and Clairette
Region: Mediterranean coast
Country: France
Tasting Notes: Apricot skin and green apple
Tom Doorley: “A wine that shows, once and for all, that an inexpensive white does not have to taste cheap. Lots of grapes in the blend but Colombard and Vermentino deliver a certain zesty freshness. Dry and versatile.”
What to pair it with: Chicken goujons, or a 3 in 1.
Costellore Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2025 – €9.99
Grape: Pinot Grigio
Region: Delle Venezie
Country: Italy
Tasting Notes: Grapefruit zest, ripe pears
Tom Doorley: “Affordable Pinot Grigio is almost always made in a way that makes it neutral with no real varietal character. Meet the exception! This example from North-East Italy is proper Pinot Grigio. Light, elegant and very dry.”
What to pair it with: The perfect aperitif so a delectable crisp. Think Torres Black Truffle, or if you’re feeling really fancy – Thai Sweet Chili Sensations
Athlon Assyrtiko 2025 – €9.99
Grape: 90% Assyrtiko, 10% Chardonnay
Region: Macedonia
Country: Greece
Tasting Notes: Stone Fruits, green apple.
Tom Doorley: “A new vintage of an old favourite. It showcases one of Greece’s key white wine grapes that can reach phenomenal levels of ripeness without losing its fresh, zingy acidity. Here it’s joined by just a touch of Chardonnay to create a golden, vibrant, ripe but crisp white wine.
What to pair it with: Mammy salads, buttery roast chicken, or sushi.
