Aldi, Specially Selected Valpolicalla Ripasso Superiore, Veneto, Italy 2019

Aldi have done a great job here bringing maximum presence for a great price. Boosted in structure from the Ripasso technique, this is a wine with plenty of spicy intensity – think cloves and plenty of sweet cherry with almond-like flourish. There’s a bit of scent here too, just a hint of rose in bloom and it’s great value for a red with welly without being over the top on the booze. If it’s informal burgers (gorgonzola topping for me), or better yet a cheeseboard this is the bargain bottle for the job. Blended from 75% Corvina 20% Corvinone and 5% Rondinella, keep this congenially priced classic on standby to deploy with the next frosty blast.