John Wilson: Two great-value wines from Aldi, one Portuguese, one Italian

This week, two wines from Aldi that offer great value for money. If you are planning a large dinner party, these would be good options for something fishy followed by red meat. Vegetarians could start with a tomato salad, then follow it with a cheesy bake of some sort. The Ripasso would also go nicely with pizza, whether vegan, vegetarian or meaty.

Mimo Moutinho Loureiro 2020, Vinho Verde, Portugal, €8.49
Loureiro is a grape variety found almost exclusively in the north of Portugal. It usually forms part of a blend that goes into vinho verde, but sometimes, as with this wine, it is the sole performer. Nicely floral, with tangy citrus, light green apples and crisp acidity, this is a perfect wine to drink alongside all sorts of seafood. Clams with pasta, or mussels with garlic and parsley, sound good.

Specially Selected Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2019, Italy, €9.99
Ripasso producers add dried grapes to their Valpolicella to give the wine a bit of extra power and richness. We love it in Ireland. The Aldi version is good and very keenly priced. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied, with hints of spice that marry nicely with the ripe dark-cherry fruits, this would pair well with meaty pasta dishes, such as lasagne or meatballs in tomato sauce.