Recommend an Italian Red (no blockbusters)

odyssey06

Looking for a nice Italian Red, in the 5-15 euro bracket.

Usually with reds, I usually prefer light-to-medium body, not too heavy... under 14% alcohol.
I would steer towards Bordeaux wines with a healthy Merlot content, Pinot Noir\Burgdundies, Cotes du Rhones, Riojas, Australian Cabernet-Shiraz blends.

Not a big fan of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon varietals, Châteauneuf-du-Pape type reds, or 15% 'blockbusters'.

I've tried some of the starter Italian reds in LIDL and ALDI and looking to see what else is out there, but Italian wines labels seem to be trying to win the 'most complex' award as far as I can tell.

More for drinking with food (lamb or lasagne perhaps), than on its own.

If you're recommending a wine, brand name and stockist and rough price would be helpful... Thanks in advance.

Brian?

Got a few bottles of this in Lidl last year:

http://winicjatywa.pl/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Lidl-Barolo-2008.jpg

Fantastic.

Diarmuid

Barolo is a great wine but it's not a light one. Look for a Barbera or even lighter, a Dolcetto.

robnet77

you can get some deals at local Spar sometimes, like half price... I recently bought a "Passori" for 9.99 which was incredible, normally I prefer Spanish wines for their value, but this one was excellent and sensibly priced.

I don't like the cheap Italian wines in Lidl, I would stay clear of them...

"Valpolicella Superiore" would be another good choice, many brands out there but I cannot recommend a particular one at the moment.

robnet77

you can get some deals at local Spar sometimes, like half price... I recently bought a "Passori" for 9.99 which was incredible, normally I prefer Spanish wines for their value, but this one was excellent and sensibly priced.

I don't like the cheap Italian wines in Lidl, I would stay clear of them...

"Valpolicella Superiore" would be another good choice, many brands out there but I cannot recommend a particular one at the moment.

anewme

robnet77 wrote: »

"Valpolicella Superiore" would be another good choice, many brands out there but I cannot recommend a particular one at the moment.

The Aldi exquisite collection Valpolicella is excellent. Its about 9.99 and can be quite hard to get as it is often sold out. Would recommend.

Agree re Barolo is very heavy.

If you like light reds, also try a Fleurie (French)

https://www.aldi.ie/en/product-range/drinks/wine-cellar/the-exquisite-collection/the-exquisite-collection-products-detail-page/ps/p/valpolicella-ripasso/

slowharry

I've enjoyed any Nero d'avola that I have drank