While the summer temperatures are starting to dip, the bank holiday still calls for a crisp, pale pink bottle of the best rosé wine to enjoy in the (hopefully) sunshine. While many enthusiasts assume top-tier Mediterranean blushes require a trip to a boutique merchant, the wine industry’s worst-kept secret is that some of the most refreshing, elegant expressions hail directly from the budget aisles of Aldi.
One of its most popular bottles is the viral Le Petit Poulet, a rival to La Vieille Ferme rosé (aka chicken wine) and now the supermarket has launched a magnum size version of the wine.
Right now, the ginormous 150cl bottle, aptly named the Le Grand Poulet, has been reduced to just £9.99, down from (the still very enticing) £11.99 – perfect if you’re hosting a big summer get-together this long weekend.
While the price is all but too alluring, the wine still needs to taste good. But have no doubts as Lucy Hitchcock, the wine enthusiast behind @Partnerinwineuk said she was “very presently surprised” with the Provence rosé from Aldi, noting that it’s very drinkable and boasts “fresh, smooth, notes of strawberry and raspberry, and white peach with zesty acidity”. Lucy explains that it's softer and not as dry than the La Vieille Ferme rosé and would pair well with a summer salad.
We also gave it a try where I noted its strawberry notes, while social media executive Hollie Brown, said it’s the perfect picnic drink.
Read more: Best supermarket rosé, chosen by wine experts
How much is Aldi’s Le Grand Poulet?
The supersized version of Aldi’s rosé now costs £9.99, down from £11.99 for a 1.5l bottle. The original price makes it £5.51 cheaper than the cult-favourite La Vieille Ferme rosé magnum, which retails at £17.50 (Sainsburys.co.uk). The supermarket says to expect a delicate coloured crisp rosé, with refreshing aromas of citrus fruits and red berries.
When can you buy Aldi’s Le Grand Poulet?
Le Grand Poulet is only available in Aldi stores and will be there until 2 September. Although this isn’t part of Aldi’s limited-stock Specialbuys, it’s no doubt going to be a popular given its excellent value for money. Shoppers should note they are limited to three bottles per customer.
Best rosé wine
If you can’t make it to an Aldi store, here are some more of the best rosé wines, recommended by wine expert John Clarke.
G de Galoupet Côtes de Provence rosé
This G de Galoupet organic rosé “is the best rosé wine I’ve tried,” says wine expert John Clarke in his review of the best rosé
“A blend of five grape varieties goes into this wine – grenache, cinsault, rolle, syrah and tibouren – resulting in a fruit-forward taste with notes of berries and tropical soft fruits, plus hints of citrus and honey,” he explains. “It’s a taste of summer that you can enjoy all year round as an aperitif or an accompaniment to a light lunch.”
Buy now £23, Laithwaites.com
Musar Jeune rosé
This rose hails from one of the world’s most famous and respected wineries in Lebanon, Chateau Musar, which makes rosé of the highest quality.
“A blend of young cinsault grapes with a dash of mourvèdre, it’s salmon pink in colour and revels in its youthful citrus flavours allied to hints of peaches and cream,” noted wine expert John Clarke. “A crisp and welcome acidity rounds things off nicely.”
Buy now £18.95, Fortnumandmason.com
Read more: Best wine at Sainsbury’s, chosen by experts