WINE buffs at a showjumping event were tricked into drinking gourmet wine – that actually came from Aldi.
The hilarious video shows a flamboyant master of wine – known as Justin Youraldi – pouring out measures of red, white, and rosé to the upper echelons of society.
While they thought they were sipping on exotic grapes from the world’s most exclusive vineyards, typically costing nearly 10 times the price, they were in fact enjoying more modestly priced wines at under a fiver.
Some were even coaxed into putting their ears to glasses of bubbly to see if they could identify the more expensive sounding fizz.
The spectators spoke eloquently about the aromas, balance, acidity, and earthiness of the vino, with some even boasting about their extensive wine knowledge – before the big reveal.
One surprised wine taster said: “I can’t believe that. I’m staggered. I’m off to Aldi, you’ve won a customer.”
Another priced a £7.99 bottle at £30 to £40 and was shocked to hear they’d been tricked by the supermarket’s wine.
Aldi’s mistress of wine, Sam Caporn, said: “The specially selected Toscana Rosso which we see sampled in the undercover clip has a nice youthful colour with notes of red cherries, herbs and blueberries with fine, but evident tannins on the finish.”
The wine, according to influencer TheWineWally, is reminiscent in flavour to Tiganello, known for being a favourite of Meghan Markle, retailing for around £150.
The main difference is the price point, with Toscana Rosso retailing at just £7.99.
Sam Caporn added: “My top pick of the wines that fooled Justin Youraldi’s customers is the Pierre Jaurant Cotes de Gascogne – pale and fresh with delicate green aromas of herbs, grass, elderflower and citrus.”
It follows data from the supermarket that its sales wines soared by 23 per cent compared to last summer.
And its research of 2,000 wine drinkers found 43 per cent serve a low-cost wine and received compliments.
While 38 per cent believe many more expensive options are overrated.
A quarter (24 per cent) admit they wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a £5 and £50 wine and 40 per cent agree that wine rules are snobbish.
Over half (55 per cent) of these fill a glass to the brim rather than measuring it out, and 38 per cent drink rosé all year round.
With 49 per cent serving red directly from the bottle ignoring advice to let it ‘breathe’ first.
In fact, over a quarter (27 per cent) of drinkers mix lemonade and wine, and 12 per cent have even added a cube of ice to a glass of red.
Whereas 17 per cent believe that rose is made by mixing red and white wine.
When shopping for wine, 29 per cent simply opt for the bottle that is cheapest.
Alcohol can be pricey if you’re planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs.
It’s always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price.
Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz.
The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter.
If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers.
Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as pricerunner.com or trolley.co.uk.
Don’t forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too.
If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You’ll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.
And just 14 per cent are influenced by the advice of wine experts compared to 42 per cent are swayed by a special offer.
On average, drinkers will pay £9.24 for a bottle – but will fork out up to £16 for good quality bottle.
A spokesperson from Aldi added: “It’s clear from our research that customers are focused on great value and quality wine.
“We’ve seen a 23 per cent increase in sales of our wines this summer as shoppers explore our expertly curated wines.”
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