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A MEDIUM-BODIED RIOJA FOR BINGE-WATCHING A TV SHOW AND A FRUITY CHENIN BLANC AFTER A BREAKUP – BUT FORGET CHAMPAGNE AT A WEDDING AS BRITS PREFER ENGLISH SPARKLING 

Researchers from Aldi have taken a deep dive into the wines that perfectly pair with life – with Pinot Grigio the perfect way to relax after a long day at work (30 percent), a medium-bodied Rioja the ideal accompaniment for binge-watching a TV show (21 percent) and a gently spiced Merlot the best for enjoying in the bath (15 percent).  

The survey of 2,000 wine lovers also found that reading a good book pairs perfectly with a rich wine with no hard edges such as a Viognier (10 percent), while a lightly oaked Chardonnay marries seamlessly with a romantic film (16 percent).  

According to the findings, 78 percent of the nation say they have certain wines that they drink on certain occasions, with nothing beating a crisp and acidic Sauvignon Blanc when cooking a meal (27 percent), a complex Cabernet Franc for a romantic date at home (15 percent) and a fresh, linear English Rosé to cheer on and watch Team GB in the Olympics (13 percent).  

But if you’re looking for the perfect partner for comforting a friend after a breakup, a full-bodied, fruity Chenin Blanc seems to be the best choice (14 percent). 

And you can forget Champagne for a cork-popping wedding celebration, Brits much prefer sparkling English wine (30 percent), while Prosecco is the top choice for bottomless brunch (33 percent), a baby shower (23 percent) and Prosecco Rosé for a bank holiday (24 percent).  

In fact, Champagne is the go-to for wetting the baby’s head (21 percent) and a divorce party (15 percent), while Cava is the perfect drink to toast moving house (15 percent).  

Wine expert, Sam Caporn – The Mistress of Wine – who was involved in the study commented: “The survey has revealed a number of wines that pair well with specific life situations. This is because all grape varieties have different structure and flavour characteristics that work better with certain moods. 

I’m not surprised that a more complex wine, such as one made from Cabernet Franc, is great for a romantic date; it’s a wine you’re more likely to be savouring and works as a fun conversation starter with your partner too!  

Whereas a lightly oaked chardonnay would be a top choice to savour in the bath because its medium-bodied structure and sprinkle of spice evokes a sense of cosiness and comfort. 

“And when it comes to celebrating, there is nothing like a glass of fizz! Did you know that the bubbles in sparkling wine mean that the alcohol gets into your bloodstream faster, providing a ‘fizzy lift’, alongside the wonderful sounds of a cork popping and glasses clinking!” 

As a nation, Brits drink wine 11 times a month, spending a monthly average of £85 on our favourite tipples. 

Londoners not only drink the most (14 times a month), but they also spend the most on wine (£143 a month), compared to those in Oxford who drink it nine times a month and residents of Edinburgh who spend just £52 a month. 

The survey also found that just 47 percent consider themselves to be knowledgeable about wine, with 79 percent admitting that they love impressing their friends and family with their facts.  

It’s perhaps no surprise that Londoners are the most clued-up about wine with three-quarters (75 percent) claiming they have a good understanding of the different styles, regions, and grape types, while wine drinkers in Leicester (30 percent) are the least knowledgeable. 

In contrast, 89 percent wish they knew more about wine with four in ten (40 percent) admitting they have even spent more money on a bottle that they are taking to a friend’s house to impress them.  

A fifth (19 percent) have gone a step further and researched the wine they’re serving to showcase their knowledge, while 17 percent admit looking up wine terms to use in front of people. 

18 percent say they have drunk a wine that they don’t like just to appear more sophisticated.  

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK commented: “We know some shoppers can find selecting a wine daunting – and they don’t always want to choose based on the food they’re planning to eat.  

By highlighting some alternative ‘occasion pairings’, we hope that shoppers will approach our wine aisle with an open-mind and feel less pinned down by age-old stigmas around wine pairing.” 

When it comes to what attracts Brits to certain bottles of wine, price is the biggest factor (73 percent), followed by flavour profile (64 percent) and country of origin (46 percent).  

One in three (32 percent) choose a tipple based on the occasion, while 31 percent simply look at the label.  

94 percent agree that Brits have become more adventurous with their wine choices over the last few years, with a quarter (22 percent) admitting that they buy a new variety every time they drink it.  

60 percent like trying new wines but they admit they tend to default to their favourites.  

France (20 percent), Italy (17 percent), the UK (15 percent), Australia (nine percent) and New Zealand (eight percent) are considered the countries that produce the best wine. 

TOP EVERYDAY WINE PAIRINGS, ACCORDING TO BRITS:  

• Prosecco for bottomless brunch – 33% 
• Pinot Grigio after a long day at work – 30% 
• English Sparkling at a wedding – 30% 
• Pale pink Rosé at a summer garden party – 30% 
• A crisp and acidic Sauvignon Blanc while cooking a meal – 27% 
• Prosecco Rosé on a bank holiday – 24% 
• Prosecco at a baby shower – 23% 
• Champagne for wetting the baby’s head – 21% 

• A medium-bodied Rioja for binge-watching a TV show – 21% 
• Lightly oaked Chardonnay with a romantic film – 16% 
• A gently spiced Merlot in the bath – 15% 
• Cava to celebrate moving house – 15% 
• A complex Cabernet Franc for a romantic date at home – 15% 
• Champagne at a divorce party – 15% 
• A full-bodied, fruity Chenin Blanc to comfort a friend after a breakup – 14% 
• A fresh and linear English Rosé to watch Team GB in the Olympics – 13% 
• A rich Viognier with a good book – 10% 

Inspired by these pairings? Here are a selection of Aldi’s latest Spring Summer tipples available in stores now:  

Aldi’s full range of award-winning wines is available in stores and via Click & Collect now. 

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