With the UK currently experiencing scorching weather, many Brits are firing up the BBQ and enjoying a nice glass of wine in the evenings to make the most of the sun. If that sounds like you, then you may want to listen up, as one supermarket has released a white wine that has been dubbed the 'sip of the summer'.
A Surprising Summer Sip
Aldi has launched a £5.99 White Shiraz that turns one of the UK’s best-known red grapes into an unexpected summer white. Wine experts are calling it a “genuinely rare and exciting find”. Made from black Shiraz grapes but vinified as a white wine, this new bottle is being tipped as the surprising sip of the summer and a must-try for Pinot Grigio fans, making it one of the most unexpected supermarket wine launches of the season.
My Verdict
Being a Pinot Grigio lover myself, I decided to put the wine to the test, and I have to say it lives up to the hype. The wine is crisp, fresh, light-bodied, and perfect for those hot summer nights. It has a tangy crispness, but is balanced perfectly with some softer, sweeter notes. The price also makes it great for anyone on a budget who doesn't want to spend too much on their wine.
Expert Praise
You don't just need to take my word for it either. Globally recognised 'Master of Wine' Sam Caporn, one of only 422 worldwide, praised the tipple too. He said: "This White Shiraz is a genuinely rare and exciting find. It's crisp and fresh - completely unlike a traditional Shiraz; it’s perfect for Pinot Grigio lovers!" Sam added that shoppers can expect “notes of crunchy raspberry pip and pomegranate, with some softer honeysuckle hints, all balanced by a crisp, zesty acidity”.
Summer Wine Trends
The recommendation comes as white wine trends for summer 2026 all seem to focus on high acidity, refreshing mineral tones, and vibrant fruitiness to beat the heat. Wine critics and sommeliers are particularly championing climate-resilient grapes like Albariño, Assyrtiko, and crisp, mineral-forward expressions of Riesling and Chardonnay. These wines are prized for their zesty profiles, making them the ultimate choices for a scorching hot day or a beachside picnic.
Matua Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024 is hailed by WineDeals.com as a top choice for 2026, with the website saying this New Zealand classic 'captivates with vibrant citrus notes and sharp acidity'. The Asda Lugana 2024 has also been described as a brilliant budget-friendly find lauded by Club Oenologique. It describes this Italian Turbiana grape wine from Lake Garda as having a 'clean, pithy citrus nose and a beautifully rounded finish'.
Get Your Summer Wine Sorted
So what are you waiting for? Get your summer wine choices sorted now!
