For Recession-Proof Wines, Look to Aldi (Yes, Aldi)

Many drinkers have long held the opinion that a “good” bottle of wine must hail from a lauded region and come with a lofty price tag. 

But, over the past couple of decades, supermarkets and other big box retailers have been rewriting that script with affordable, well-scoring private label selections. 

Aldi, the German discount supermarket chain with a huge cult following, is a prime example. 

Its wines generally ring in between just $5 to $10 per bottle and routinely score a “very good” 86-plus points in Wine Enthusiast reviews. This indicates our reviewers consider them a well-recommended value. 

While we generally stick to endorsing what we consider to be “excellent” bottles—earning 90 points and above—we believe these budget-friendly bottles are worthy of examination. The company’s careful curation process makes well-made wine accessible to all.

“Our commitment is to consistently provide the highest-quality wines while offering great value, just like we do with every product in our stores,” says Arlin Zajmi, director of national buying for adult beverages at Aldi. “We work directly with top-tier producers, which enables us to in turn pass on savings to shoppers.”

Solid Tuesday Night Wines

By leveraging long-standing relationships with wineries across the globe, Aldi is able to maintain both quality and affordability in its portfolio—bringing solid Tuesday night wines to customers on a budget. 

These bottles often come from celebrated regions with established fanbases, like Bordeaux, Tuscany and Napa Valley. However, the brand also seeks to tap into lesser-known areas that offer exceptional value. According to Zajmi, “We always look for regions that can offer something special, whether it’s a rare varietal, distinctive terroir or a wine style that speaks to our customer base and their diverse palates.”

In this vein, Zajmi points out that Aldi’s Specially Selected Wine Collection, launched in September 2023, offers a higher level of quality with a just moderately higher price tag. For under $15 a bottle, consumers can score serious steals from acclaimed regions like Argentina’s Uco Valley and Marlborough in New Zealand.

Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large Tonya Pitts, who reviews wines from California and beyond, nods to Aldi’s “California Heritage” wines as a particular bright spot for the brand. 

“These wines were created with traditional California grape varietals in mind to be produced for everyday drinks around the table,” she explains. “The wonderful thing about this concept is that it speaks to many other wine drinkers—from the beginner to the astute wine drinker who collects a bit of wine.”

She also notes that the sparkling Colombard (also listed below) is “light and refreshing,” ideal for an Aperol spritz or a casual brunch. The Heritage 2022 Merlot, she adds, is a “quaffable red to complement a meal” without the heavy pyrazine or tomato leaf notes that can sometimes overshadow the varietal’s natural fruit and structure.

Recession-Proof Wines

The growing success of Aldi wines is emblematic of a larger shift in consumer expectations. Today’s wine drinkers are looking for well-made wines that fit into their daily lives without requiring a deep dive into their wallets—likely an increasing necessity with the threat of increased tariffs and a potential recession on the horizon. 

“The thought of ‘quality wine’ for drinking anytime at a fair price is at an all-time high,” Pitts says. “The offerings from large chain stores and clubs have changed for the better because of the market. That is the upside for those who wish to imbibe.”

As Pitts points out, Aldi isn’t alone in this trend. 

Costco has been having a moment with high-quality wines at competitive prices. From their acclaimed Kirkland Signature series to exclusive finds from top regions (including actual Champagne for $20 a bottle), the wholesale store has proven that value-driven wine programs can thrive in big-box retail environments, too.

As wine culture continues to evolve, Aldi’s ability to deliver enjoyable everyday wines underscores an important lesson: a satisfying bottle doesn’t have to break the bank. 

Whether it’s a “bright and crisp” Chardonnay with a “supple finish” or an affordable sparkler to liven up a brunch-time spritz, these bottles prove that there’s pleasure to be found on grocery store shelves—no splurge required.

ALDI 2022 Exquisite Collection Chardonnay (California)

This wine is bright and crisp, with aromas of white peach, apple, lemongrass and white flowers. Flavors include orange zest, grapefruit and spiced pear, interwoven with creamy vanilla, cinnamon spice and a dry, supple finish. Pair with summer salads or pasta with cream sauce. Best Buy. 92 Points — Tonya Pitts

ALDI 2022 California Heritage Pinot Noir (California)

This wine is fresh, zesty with aromas of plum, berries, and dried herbs on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Strawberry-rhubarb, orange peel, cardamom, interlaced with cherry, cream, mineral and a dry finish. Pair with Grilled Salmon Best Buy. 89 Points — T.P.

ALDI 2021 William Walker Winemaker’s Reserve Pinot Noir (Monterey County)

This isn’t the most exciting Pinot Noir, but it ticks a lot of boxes. Aromas of baked plum and woodspice lead from the nose into a palate of dried cherry and cinnamon dust. Best Buy. 88 Points— Matt Kettmann

ALDI 2022 William Walker Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay (Monterey County)

ALDI NV California Heritage Brut Sparkling Colombard (California)

This wine is fresh, lively with aromas of Yellow apple, Orange zest, lemongrass and white flowers on the nose. The mid palate is creamy, firm mousse with honey pear, walnut, candied lemon zest interlaced mineral, acid, and a dry finish. Great as a mixer for Aperol Spritz. Pair with Smoked Meats. Best Buy. 88 Points — T.P.

ALDI 2022 California Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

This wine is deep, garnet hued with aromas of black currant, violet, toasty oak, and dried chicory on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Boysenberry, dark plum, vanilla cream layered with orange peel, sarsaparilla, bittersweet chocolate, silky tannins and dry finish. Best Buy. 87 Points — T.P.

ALDI 2022 California Heritage Merlot (California)

This wine is deep, ruby hued with aromas of dark plum. Red currant, dried herbs, and dark chocolate on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Blackberry confiture, concord grape jam, orange zest, layered with dried eucalyptus, sweet tannins, and a dry finish. Best Buy. 87 Points — T.P.

ALDI NV California Heritage Sweet Red (California)

This wine is fresh, dark rose hued with aromas of cherry, strawberry, cotton candy, and orange peel on the nose. The flavors on the palate are baked candy apple, pomegranate, dried herbs, sliding into cinnamon, strawberry, grapefruit peel, and a dry finish. Best Buy. 87 Points — T.P.

ALDI NV California Heritage Pink Moscato (California)

This wine is lively, salmon hued with aromas of guava, watermelon, mango, and dried herbs on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Strawberry, Cranberry cocktail, cream soda, morphing into lime zest, orange peel, sweet berries with a dry finish. Best Buy. 87 Points — T.P.

ALDI NV California Heritage Extra Dry Sparkling Colombard (California)

This wine is bright, lively with aromas of prickly pear, Orange Marmalade, and honeysuckle on the nose. The mid palate is creamy, super firm mousse with lime sherbet, candied Pink grapefruit zest, laced with spiced almond, mineral, white blossoms, and a dry finish. Pair with Fruit Salad. Best Buy. 87 Points — T.P.

More Affordable Wine Coverage

• Wine Enthusiast’s Best Buys report: the top-rated wines under $20 for 2024.
• The origin of the year’s best affordable Sauv Blancs? California, usually.
• Crisp, refreshing, affordable: these 12 Pinot Grigios cost under $15.
• For a broader selection, consider these 10 outstanding American Wines for under $25.
• And if you’re considering starting a wine collection, snag these age-worthy bottles under $30.

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