I've been to Porto a couple of times and the red wines from that region were beautiful and very cheap.
Me n ar lasses song this, Red Red wine. Our first date we were int Paddy's/Industrial, things weren't going great so I said " I bet I can make you say red" "guw on then" shi said. I said "I love this song, Stay close to me" "no it's not it called red red wine" Almost 34yrs now I won't let her forget. Am i smooth talking chuffer.
Try Ribera del Duero if you can get it, my sister lives in Lanjaron and her partner Derek swears by it. I've tried it and I would certainly have it in preference to the more widely available Rioja. My favourite is Cotes du Rhone.
At the start of the lockdown, I ordered 12 bottles from Laithwaites. They come in at around £5.50 - £6in the introductory deal, if you go through a referral and wine advisor. I presume more expensive after that. One of the reds was the nicest red I've ever had. Belle Roche Cabernet Sauvignon. I was a bit worried about having to "sign up" for further purchases, but I haven't had to. The advisor says he'll ring you again in a couple of months (he obviously doesn't know how quickly we drink wine!). Definitely no pressure, and up to now quite a pleasant experience. Other than that, the only advice I've ever had re wine is the higher % , the less liekly it is to be cheap and nasty; and if in doubt go for a French "Appelation Controlle", as they have to pass certain standards. The rest is personal taste. Avoid Blossom Hill, etc - awful anti-wine! If you want a referral for Laithwaites, PM me and I'll refer you. Delivery is usually 2-3 days, although they have been slower due to current situation.
If you’re shopping in Aldi, try the Hardy’s Merlot and Shiraz. I don’t like the lighter reds, and Shiraz goes straight to acid reflux for me (as does most white wines). but the merlot is very drinkable - though my favourites are Cab Sauv, Malbec or Carmenere which are all prob a bit robust for your taste.
I'm also a white wine drinker, but I agree that Australian Shiraz is usually a solid bet, as is Argentinian Malbec. If you can find it, there's a sparkling Shiraz from Australia which is drunk chilled. Sounds weird, but it's absolutely blinding.
I'm a bit of a wine geek, started buying books on it years back and studying. I must have been trying to kick the porn habit or something... My favourite red wines are from the Rhone Valley, they're strong reds made mainly from the Syrah and Grenache grapes. A quick tip for this region is understanding the appellation, but that would bore you shitless so if you're off into Aldi pick.... Any Pinot Noir and have it in the fridge for half hour (yes, even for a red) its actually a myth that all reds are supposed to be served at room temperature. Also look for Argentinian Malbec, Cotes du Rhone Villages - if you get one with a named village on the label even better it's the next level up. Avoid Chateauneuf even for just special occasions its getting overpriced in this country and theres plenty of nearby villages that also have their own appellation Hermitage, Gigondas, Cairanne etc.. that are just as good. I'm off for a chat with George Spicer.
Yellow Tail Shiraz @ £7 bottle is very palatable failing that Hardys various reds (Shiraz/Merlot/Cabernet) are quaffable @£6 - never had a bad one
https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/Cabalié-2019/0022619 Can’t recommend this enough, cracking little red.
Surprised no-ones mentioned a Chilean wine. I’m no expert but had some really nice one’s, Merlot and Shiraz. Around £4, not bad
Lidl is brilliant for wine although I would say the Aldi Malbec is better. Think it’s about 6 quid/7 quid. I find that pretty much every bottle in Lidl price above 5.99 is really good quality. i drink more white than red but cant go wrong with a nice argentinian Mendoza Malbec for around a tenner or if you want to spend a few more quid For a treat, this is value for money https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui...sainsburys-amarone--taste-the-difference-75cl
There's a lot of pseuds and snobbery when it comes to wine and it's basically ********. I wouldn't pay less than a fiver or more than a tenner, but beyond that I just try wines until I find one I like.
