The distinctive bottles cost less than £8 each, but they’re still sure to impress your guests (Image: Nicola Roy)
The festive season is in full swing, and whether you’re planning on hosting a party or attending one, a delicious wine can make all the difference.
Supermarket shelves are always piled high with different kinds of wine at this time of year, so if you’re looking for the ideal bottle to gift someone or take home, it can be hard to know what to go for.
Thankfully, bargain retailer Lidl has introduced a ‘first of its kind’ wine that’s perfect for enjoying on those cosy winter nights in, or giving as a present, as there’s something very unique about it that’s sure to impress.
What makes these wines so special is that they are the first ones from Ukraine to hit the shelves of a major UK supermarket.
This lesser-known wine region produces some pretty impressive bottles, and now for the first time, UK customers will get the chance to sample them.
READ MORE 103-year-old reveals surprising secret to long and healthy life
There are two bottles to try – the Bolgrad Duo which is a dry white wine, and the Bolgrad Saperavi which is the red variety. Priced at just £7.99 each, they hail from the Odesa region – an area known for its unique terroir which mixes two opposing air masses from the Black Sea and the Yalpug, the Mirror reports.
This makes these wines truly unique. But the question is – how do they taste, and are they good value for money?
So this week, after I’d put my Christmas decorations up, I decided to treat myself to a little tasting session.
The white wine is a blend of Chardonnay and native Ukrainian Sukholimansky grapes (Image: Nicola Roy)
First impressions are important, and for me, this starts by looking at the bottle. I was immediately impressed, as each bottle features a subtle nod to the Ukrainian flag thanks to the blue and yellow leaves that adorn the branches of a tree.
This will no doubt make it stand out on the supermarket shelves if you’re looking for it.
Then it was time to pop the cork and pour myself a glass. And yes, these do have a cork opening, so make sure you have the appropriate tools to hand.
Starting with the Bolgrad Select Duo White, which is a delicious 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 really bracing myself for a sour taste. However, I was actually pleasantly surprised, as it was very light, dry and easy to drink.
I got hints of citrus due to the Chardonnay, and the Ukrainian grapes add a touch of aromatic apricot which was so different to any other wine I’d tried.
I can just imagine sipping an elegant glass of this at a Christmas Eve party – so it’s worth picking this up if you’re heading out to a friend or family gathering for the festivities.
The Saperavi was fruity with a slight spice, without being too heavy (Image: Nicola Roy)
I tend to prefer red wines, so I saved this one for last. The Bolgrad Select Saperavi definitely didn’t disappoint – and if you’re a fan of a Malbec then you’re going to absolutely love this.
Reds can have the tendency to be too rich or heavy, but this one was slightly lighter than I was expecting. Nevertheless, the fruity and deep flavours were delicious, and it even boasts a hint of spice that’s perfect for the festive season.
The experts recommend pairing this wine with “red meats or rich sauces,” but this would be just as satisfying chilling on the couch with some crisps during that period between Christmas and New Year when nobody knows what day it is.
These wines are only available for a limited time, so be quick and head to your nearest Lidl if you want to snap up a bottle or two.
They would make a great gift for any wine fan, and priced at £7.99 each, you really can’t go wrong.
