Tasting Notes

Aldi Specially Selected French Roussanne Wine

The Vigneview Verdict

Oops…Aldi’s done it again! This Aldi Specially Selected French Roussanne wine is such a great expression of this aromatic grape variety. At only £6.99 a bottle, you really can’t pass this one up considering that some Roussanne wines are priced over the £100 mark!! You many not be familiar with the Roussanne grape. Hailing from the Northern Rhône, Roussanne is often blended with Marsanne. Some of the most revered areas for these blends can be found in Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint Joseph. Considered to be the more elegant grape within these blends, single varietal Roussanne wines are often very expensive because it is not an easy grape to grow.

Aldi Specially Selected Roussanne Bottle

This Aldi Specially Selected French Roussanne wine is made for them by the winemaker Jean-Claude Mas, from the Paul Mas Family Estate in the Pays d’Oc, Languedoc-Roussillon region. Not necessarily the home of Roussanne, but this area is producing excellent examples of this grape as a both a single varietal wine and in blends. Roussanne does well in a warmer climate where there is less disease pressure from fugal infections such as botrytis and powdery mildew; however, it can suffer if growing conditions become too dry.

This wine exudes beautiful floral aromas of fresh camomile blossoms as well as herbal tea-like notes and freshly chopped almonds. Once tasted, you’re immediately drawn in by the beautiful array of fresh fruit flavours such as juicy apricot, luscious pineapple and zesty lemon on a lingering, mouth watering finish. Additionally, my palate detected a bit of residual sugar which not only added a bit of sweetness to the mix but it also created a creamy, more rounded mouthfeel.

This wine offers great complexities without the expensive price tag to match. It’s often beneficial to look to the less traditional growing regions if you are after a variety that can be a bit pricier. Hidden bottled treasures can often be found in unexpected terroir!

Food Pairing

This Aldi Specially Selected French Roussanne wine pairs beautifully with my Sherry Marinated Pork Loin recipe or chicken and veal dishes that are smothered in a cream sauce. Additionally, a variety of cheeses work well too such as Gruyere, Comté or a creamy goat’s cheese.

Cheers! x


Producer: Aldi (Paul Mas Family Estate)

Country: France

Region: Pays d’Oc

Vintage: 2020

Grapes: Roussanne

Closure: Cork

Style: Still

Colour: Medium Lemon

Sweetness: Off-dry

Acidity: Medium

Alcohol: 13%

Body: Medium

Aromas/Flavours:

Floral: Camomile blossoms

Fruit: Apricot, pineapple, ripe pears, melon and zesty lemon

Herbal: Herbaceous tea-like notes

Other: subtle almond essence and creaminess

Drinking Window: Drink now or keep for another 5-6 years

Price: £6.99 (Aldi)