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“A SILVER SPOON DOESN’T KEEP FIZZ FRESH” ALDI WINE EXPERT DEBUNKS SEVEN COMMON WINE MYTHS  

25 February, 2026

• From ageing bottles to fizz tricks, Mistress of Wine Sam Caporn sets the record straight on all things wine

Wine can sometimes feel confusing, and there are plenty of misconceptions that can affect taste and enjoyment. Sam Caporn, Aldi’s wine expert and one of only 418 Masters of Wine worldwide, debunks seven wine myths she regularly hears, and shares practical advice to help shoppers get the most from their bottles.

Myth 1: All wine improves with age

While some premium reds and certain luxury Champagnes can benefit from years in the bottle, most wines available in supermarkets are made to be enjoyed within one to three years. Sam explains: “Most whites and rosés don’t improve with age. Red wines with high tannins or acidity, like Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Nebbiolo, can age well, but not all need to. Everyday bottles, like those from the supermarket, are meant to be enjoyed young, so there’s no need to wait for it to age.”

Myth 2: A silver spoon keeps fizz fresh

This common party trick doesn’t actually preserve bubbles. Sam explains: “The fizz in sparkling wine is maintained by the natural pressure in the bottle for a day or two – a silver spoon doesn’t add anything. If you want your bubbles to last longer, invest in a proper sparkling wine stopper, it’s far more effective.”

Myth 3: Screwcaps are only for cheap wine

High-quality wines often use screwcaps to prevent cork taint and preserve freshness. Sam says: “Some of the world’s finest wines now have a screwcap. It guarantees the wine arrives in perfect condition and keeps those fresh, fruit-driven flavours vibrant. It’s a practical choice, not a cheap one.”

Myth 4: Sparkling wine is only for aperitifs

Sparkling wine is often thought of as just a celebratory drink. Sam explains: “Fizz is incredibly versatile when paired with food. Brut Champagne works brilliantly with fried foods: think fish and chips! It also pairs beautifully with hard cheeses such as Cheddar and Comté. Rosé sparkling wine pairs nicely with seafood, sushi, charcuterie and even duck. Don’t feel you have to only enjoy sparkling wine as an aperitif!”

Myth 5: Expensive wine always tastes better

“Price does not always indicate quality” says Sam. “It’s all about what you enjoy drinking. Affordable wines can be just as delicious as premium bottles. Don’t let a price tag dictate your choice, trust your tastebuds. Aldi’s wines start from just £1.79, making it the perfect place to explore quality wines at an affordable price.”

Myth 6: Bits of cork floating in wine means the wine is faulty

There’s a common belief that finding bits of cork floating in your glass means the wine is corked or faulty.

Sam says: “Finding bits of cork in your wine usually just means the bottle wasn’t opened properly, it’s not a fault. Simply removing them solves the problem. Small fragments can break away if the cork is dry or the corkscrew isn’t inserted correctly, but this doesn’t indicate there’s anything wrong with the wine itself. If in doubt, the best way to assess a wine’s condition is always to smell and taste what’s in your glass.”

Myth 7: Wine ‘legs’ indicate quality

Sam says: “Many people think the ‘legs’ on the side of a glass indicate a wine’s quality, but they’re simply a sign of the alcohol and/or sugar content. They reveal nothing about taste or overall quality. A wine can have impressive ‘legs’ in the glass and still disappoint, while another may not have ‘legs’ but taste fantastic.”

Aldi’s award-winning wines give shoppers the chance to explore a wide variety of styles without overspending.

Sam’s top picks include:

• Specially Selected Rosorange Rosé (£9.99, 75cl) – “By blending two different styles – orange and rosé – you get the best of both worlds; the personality of the orange wine is made more inviting by the freshness and elegance of the rosé. Genius!”

• Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut (£15.99, 75cl) – “Named World’s Best Champagne at the World Champagne Awards 2025[1], this beautiful fizz has aromas of ripe apple, soft red fruit and brioche. It’s a testament to expert winemaking without the premium price tag.”

• Specially Selected Stellenbosch Chardonnay (£6.29, 75cl) – “From one of South Africa’s finest winemaking regions, this wine offers ripe, vibrant aromas and exceptional freshness.”

• Combe d’Argent Bordeaux (£7.99, 75cl) – “Crafted from a classic Merlot and Cabernet blend, the Combe d’Argent Bordeaux is a wonderfully well-rounded red, boasting a deep, intense crimson hue and offering aromas of fresh redcurrants and berries.”

Sam Caporn concludes: “I want shoppers to feel confident exploring different styles and pairings. Wine should be approachable, affordable and fun, so knowing which common beliefs are myths makes wine more enjoyable.”

Aldi’s wine range is available in stores nationwide now.

-ENDS-

[1] World Champagne Awards 2025