£8.99, Aldi
The Lot Series wines are smaller parcels of more expensive bottles – more expensive by Aldi's standards, but not by Central Otago or Pinot Noir standards. Cheap or not, it's smooth, light-bodied and lively and brimming with fragrant, cherry and plum fruit, sappy orange-peel freshness and a dash of spicy oak. You can drink it without food, but it goes with fish such as salmon or red mullet, simply roast quail or chicken, charcuterie, savoury tarts or other light meat dishes (but not heavyweight casseroles or roasts). Serve it cool, but not chilled, to keep its clean lines. Look out for my round-up of other Aldi wines being posted here in the next few days.
Lot Series Te Haupapa Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017, Central Otago, New Zealand
£8.99, Aldi