As Christmas rapidly approaches, the weeks leading up to the big day are always filled with festive preparations. You’ve likely found yourself in a supermarket during the evening, perusing the wine section for a delightful bottle to bring along.
Whether you’re playing host at home or attending another gathering elsewhere, a cosy night is always enhanced by a good wine. After sampling a ‘first of its kind’ variety from Lidl’s modest shelves, I can confidently say that it should be on everyone’s Christmas list this year.
What sets these wines apart is that they are the first Ukrainian wines to grace the shelves of a major UK supermarket. This lesser-known wine region produces some rather impressive bottles, and now, for the first time, UK customers will have the opportunity to try them.
There are two bottles to sample – the Bolgrad Duo, a dry white wine, and the Bolgrad Saperavi, the red variant. Retailing at just £7.99 each, they originate from the Odesa region – an area renowned for its unique terroir which blends two contrasting air masses from the Black Sea and the Yalpug.
This makes these wines truly distinctive. But the question remains – how do they taste, and are they worth the money?, reports the Mirror.
So this week, after setting up my Christmas decorations, I decided to indulge in a little tasting session.
First impressions are crucial, and for me, this begins with the bottle. I was instantly taken aback as each bottle features a subtle tribute to the Ukrainian flag, courtesy of the blue and yellow leaves that decorate the branches of a tree.
This will undoubtedly make it stand out on supermarket shelves if you’re on the hunt for it. Then came the moment to uncork and pour myself a glass.
And yes, these do come with a cork opening, so ensure you have the necessary tools at your disposal. I started with the Bolgrad Select Duo White, a delightful blend of Chardonnay and native Ukrainian Sukholimansky grapes, hence the name.
Before the first sip, I thought it smelled very sharp and bitter, and was truly preparing myself for a sour taste. However, I was actually pleasantly surprised, as it was very light, dry and easy to drink.
I detected hints of citrus due to the Chardonnay, and the Ukrainian grapes add a touch of aromatic apricot which was unlike any other wine I’d sampled. I can just envision sipping an elegant glass of this at a Christmas Eve party – so it’s worth grabbing this if you’re heading out to a friend or family gathering for the festivities.
I tend to favour red wines, so I saved this one for last. The Bolgrad Select Saperavi certainly didn’t disappoint – and if you’re a fan of a Malbec then you’re going to absolutely adore this.
This red wine defies expectations by being relatively light, which is a welcome change from the richness often associated with reds. Its deep, fruity flavours are undeniably delicious, and it has a hint of spice, making it well-suited for the festive season.
The recommended pairing is with “red meats or rich sauces,” but it’s also perfect for enjoying with crisps during that relaxed period between Christmas and New Year.
These wines have limited availability, so you’ll want to visit your nearest Lidl soon to get a bottle or two. At £7.99 each, they’re excellent gifts for any wine enthusiast and offer incredible value.