ALDI went undercover at Sydney’s prestigious Polo in the City event last weekend, posing as fine wine merchant ‘Fin D’Itinaldi’ – secretly putting its affordable drops to the ultimate test among a crowd of wine afficionados, capturing their live reactions.
A milestone event in Australia’s national polo series, Sydney’s Polo in the City is a highlight of the spring socialite scene. It also happens to be an exclusive hotspot for many self-proclaimed wine buffs. Unsuspecting Polo-goers thought they were sipping on exclusive vintages from the non-existent Bargain Valley which they guessed were worth up to $100 a bottle, they were in fact enjoying a Riesling costing just $9.99 and they could ‘FinD’-it-in-ALDI!
Attendees praised the taste of ALDI’s wine describing it as “Effervescent”, “Beautiful” and “Lovely on the palate”. What they didn’t realise was that under cover fine wine expert Fin D’Itinaldi was offering them a Good Different introduction to the ALDI wine range—one that redefined what they could expect from an affordable bottle. The big reveal sparked priceless reactions including “Are you serious? Amazing!” “I’m actually very surprised,” and “I don’t believe it!” with many proclaiming ALDI has gained a new customer.
Spilling the tea vino on Australia’s wine knowledge
Fin D’Itinaldi’s appearance at the polo comes as new research commissioned by ALDI Australia reveals more than half of Aussies (52%)* believe they can tell the difference between a $10 and $60 bottle of wine, with men (58%) feeling more confident than women (47%) that they can spot a low- and high-priced drop. After a day out at the polo asking punters what they’d pay for these drops, however, ALDI says differently!
While one in five (20%) would happily shell out over $50 on an award-winning wine, ALDI’s multi-award-winning Freya and Jules Watervale Riesling 2024 proves top-notch quality can be enjoyed for a fifth, or even a tenth of that price, with punters at the polo willing to pay up to 10 times more after tasting the $9.99 wine from ALDI.
It’s not just the quality of tipples on offer at ALDI that wine enthusiasts can discover. Australians have a few other things to learn when it comes to wine, such as how rosé is made, with almost half (49%) of Australians* mistakenly thinking simply mixing red and white wine does the trick! Half of Aussies* also believe white wine can only be made using white grapes (50%), and 44 per cent incorrectly stating Australia produces Champagne. Who shared these along the grapevine?!
When it comes to picking a bottle of wine, origin matters to Australians* with 50% stating the region its product influences their wine choice, proving provenance packs a punch. Although, polo punters were lead to believe that Bargain Valley was a real wine region, rather than just what shoppers call the ALDI wine section.
But for younger palates, a snazzy design is the real showstopper, with a quarter (24%) of wine buyers saying a pretty label influences their bottle of choice. With the holidays just around the corner, ALDI’s seasonal collection – produced in some of Australia’s most renowned wine regions and neatly wrapped with an eye catching label – is perfectly timed to impress guests of all ages.
ALDI Wine Expert and Buying Director, Jason Bowyer, says: “We’re so proud of our wines. We know that it stands up to the most discerning of palates and Fin D’Itinaldi’s stint at the polo proves it. We surprised serious vino lovers with a selection of our award-winning ALDI bottles, and the reactions have been phenomenal, proving that an excellent drop can come at exceptional value – and you can ‘find it in ALDI’.
“Our seasonal collection has just hit shelves and is packed full of tasty tipples at affordable prices, so you can shop with confidence knowing you’re getting a premium pour at an ALDI price. There is also lots of new products in the range this year including the Collezione Oro Asolo Prosecco DOCG, which is a fresh, white pear prosecco priced at just $14.99.
“Our multi-award winning, fresh, and zesty Freya and Jules Watervale Riesling is a true crowd-pleaser and an absolute cracker of a bottle for under $10. From elegant sparkling wines to delightful rosés, we have you covered. So, if you’re planning a festive feast or a casual get-together that won’t dent your wallet, come check out our range.”
For those who missed Fin D’Itinaldi’s fine wine tasting experience, the six featured bottles are available now in participating stores and range from just $9.99 to $19.99. ALDI shoppers can create a truly special spread while keeping more in their pockets for stocking stuffers. Affordably priced and perfect for sharing, the range will add a touch of sparkle to holiday gatherings and leave shoppers with a little extra jingle in their pockets. Now that’s worth raising a glass to!
Check out the list below:
White
Freya & Jules Watervale Riesling 2024 750ml $9.99 (Core range)
A light and refreshing wine with a bright, zesty aroma of lime and a hint of citrusy spice. It’s the perfect match for oysters or seafood, and it finishes clean and crisp, lingering on the taste buds.
Recent awards:
• 2024 – 91/100 Silver award, Top Value – The Real Review – Stuart Knox 2023 Vintage
• Silver medal – Cairns Show Wine Awards 2023 Vintage
• 93 Points Ray Jordan Winepilot 2023 Vintage
• 2023 Clare Valley Wine Show – Silver Medal – 2023 Vintage
• Canberra International Riesling challenge 92 points – 2023 Vintage
Blackstone Paddock Limited Release Margaret River Chardonnay 2023 750ml $19.99 (Seasonal range)
Elegant and full of character this wine offers classic flavours of white peach, lemon, and lime, with a hint of creamy oak and a touch of flinty smoke.
Recent Awards:
• 2023 Royal Melbourne Awards – Bronze – 2021 Vintage
• 2023 Langton’s Margaret River Wine Show – Silver – 2021 Vintage
• 2023 Portavin Wine Show of WA – Bronze – 2021 Vintage
Sparkling
Corte Carista Prosecco Rose DOC NV 750ml $11.99 (Core range)
A delicious pale pink rose of light apricot tones with lifted wild strawberry and lightly savoury aromatics.
Recent awards:
• 2023 MIWC – Prosecco Rose of the Year – NV
• 2023 MIWC – Gold Medal
• 2022 Berliner Wein Trophy – Gold Medal
NEW! Collezione Oro Asolo Prosecco DOCG 750ml $14.99 (Christmas seasonal)
This wine has a bright silver-gold colour and fresh aromas of lime, lemon, and white pear. It has a smooth, balanced sparkle and refreshing pear flavours, finishing with a crisp, citrusy lime note that highlights the quality of the Asolo fruit.
Rose
La Mule Coteaux Varois en Provence Rosé 2023 750ml $12.99 (Core range)
This pale pink wine offers fresh aromas of strawberry and crisp white fruits with a clean, fresh, and vibrant finish.
Recent Awards:
• 2022 MIWC – Silver Medal – 2020 Vintage
• 2021 Melbourne International Wine Competition – Silver Medal
• 2019 Australia International Wine Challenge – Silver Medal – 2018 Vintage
Red
Truly Wildly Heathcote Shiraz 2022 750ml $13.99 (Core range)
This wine has a vibrant purple-red colour and a fragrant mix of red berries and blueberries with a hint of spice. It’s packed with wild fruit flavours like blueberries and plums, complemented by a touch of cool-climate spice and oak adding depth and structure.
Recent awards:
• 2024 Ray Jordan – Winepilot 92 points – 2022 Vintage
• 2024 Huon Hooke – The Real Review – Silver award, Top Value – 2022 Vintage
Introducing ALDI’s new summer wine range
The taste test and research come as ALDI releases a new range of seasonal summer wines, all under $20 and just in time for Christmas. The award-winning wine selection includes a dazzling array of drops to suit every taste bud and party. From crisp, refreshing whites – think Pinot Gris perfect for seafood and a vibrant Riesling that sings with summer salads – to elegant Chardonnay pops that elevate any roast, and of course, everyone’s favourite pink drink – Rosé. ALDI has the pairings covered.
Find out more about ALDI’s seasonal wine range here.
*Research conducted by Pure Profile on behalf of ALDI Australia in November 2024. The sample comprised of a nationally representative sample of 1,002 Australians aged 18+ who drink wine
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