Drink

Five Lidl wines to try for the weekend from Portugal, Spain and Hungary

John Wilson: Three Portuguese wines, a white Rioja, plus a medium-sweet Tokaji

The latest arrivals from Lidl have a distinctly cosmopolitan feel, with wines from Hungary, Portugal, Spain and France. File photograph: iStock

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John Wilson
Fri Jul 16 2021 - 11:00

The latest arrivals from Lidl have a distinctly cosmopolitan feel, with wines from Hungary, the USA, Portugal, South Africa, and Argentina as well as Spain and France. Most are priced a little higher than the standard Lidl wines, between €10 and €12, and those extra few euros are certainly worth it. As usual, these will be available for a limited period.

Encostas de Caíz Avesso 2019 Vinho Verde, Portugal

Encostas de Caíz Avesso 2019 Vinho Verde, Portugal €12.99
Vinho Verde, in the far north of Portugal, is just over the border from Rías Baixas, home to one of our favourite Spanish white wines. The wines are a little lighter but share the same lovely refreshing acidity. The Encostas de Caíz is a mouth-watering, crisp white with light white peach and green apple fruits, finishing dry. Drink it solo or with clams and mussels.

Nivei Rioja Branco 2018, Spain

Nivei Rioja Branco 2018, Spain €8.99
For many years inexpensive white Rioja was not very exciting, but recently things have changed for the better. The Nivei has some real character and offers great value for money. Made from a blend of no less than six different grape varieties, it is a very tasty refreshing wine with lemon zest, light nectarine fruits, and a dry finish. Try it with grilled plaice or mussels.

Cardal Tejo 2019 VR Tejo, Portugal

Cardal Tejo 2019 VR Tejo, Portugal €7.99
From a smooth medium-bodied red with ripe, red cherry fruits and a rounded finish. A great all-purpose wine to serve with most red and white meats, as well as richer pasta dishes.

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Pinha Ribeiro Santo Dão 2019, Portugal

Pinha Ribeiro Santo Dão 2019, Portugal €9.99

The Dão region produces some of Portugal’s best red and white wines. This wine, made by one of the leading producers, is great value. Soft and fragrant with pleasant spicy plummy dark fruits. A grilled pork chop or baked stuffed mushrooms.

Tokaji Szamorodni Edes 2017, Hungary

Tokaji Szamorodni Edes 2017, Hungary €9.99 for half litre
It says sweet on the label, but the acidity makes it seem medium-sweet. Attractive medium-bodied wine with clean white peach fruits, very good acidity, and a medium-dry finish. Try it well-chilled with a summery fruit salad.