A drinkable bottle of wine for less than €7? Here’s a reliable Spanish red

John Wilson’s wines for the weekend: Aldi’s Toro Loco, plus its zingy €8.99 Muscadet


Wine that costs less than €7 a bottle is rarely worth the money, as excise duty and VAT amount to at least €4. But every vintage of Toro Loco (or Mad Bull), a Spanish red from Aldi, has punched way above its weight. You won't mistake it for a fine Bordeaux, but it is very gluggable. The second recommendation this week is a little more expensive, at €8.99. But with brighter days ahead, and the possibility of eating more seafood and salad, this Muscadet is worth sticking in your shopping trolley.

Toro Loco Bobal Merlot 2017, Utiel-Requena, Spain
€6.99, from Aldi
Rounded sweet-and-sour dark fruits with mild tannins on the finish. Serve it with barbecued burgers, sausages and chicken drumsticks.

Exquisite Collection Muscadet Sèvre & Maine sur Lie
€8.99, from Aldi
Very attractive light, fresh, crisp dry white with zingy lemon acidity and mouth-watering green-apple fruits. Drink it by itself, with seafood (it is particularly good with mussels or oysters) or with summer salads.