The following selections have earned accolades from the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI), which makes a science out of taste-testing and ranking wines: BTI uses tasting panels of up to five wine experts who are trained extensively to conduct American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)-compliant blind tasting. Considering they sample as many as 6,000 wines a year, according to BTI executive director Jerald O’Kennard, it’s safe to say they know their stuff. The bottles listed below have all earned gold (90 to 95-point) or silver (85 to 89-point) ratings, meaning you really can’t go wrong with any (or all!) of them.
Best Red Wines at ALDI
Peaks & Tides Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, $12.99
BTI Score: 92 Point Gold RatingWith notes of strawberries, raspberries, and allspice, this Sonoma, California wine pairs well with truffle risotto, beef tenderloin with mushrooms, or thyme and goat cheese potatoes.
Scarlet Path Lodi Zinfandel, $7.99
BTI Score: 90 Point Gold Rating Jam, blueberry, black pepper, cherry, plum and licorice can all be picked up by discerning palettes in this California zinfandel, which carries candied fruitiness with a spice and smoky finish. Open it at your next barbecue: It goes great with grilled meats and hard cheeses.
Evanta Malbec, $5.99
BTI Score: 90 Point Gold RatingMade in: Argentina (Mendoza)This medium-bodied, Argentinian malbec is a smooth wine with notes of dark fruit, plum, ripe strawberries, and a subtle spiciness. Break it out alongside skirt steak—particularly with chimichurri sauce—grilled red meat, chorizo, bratwurst, hamburgers, and empanadas.
Best White Wines At ALDI
30 Miles Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $14.99
BTI Score: 90 Point Gold RatingThis full-bodied, velvety Napa Valley cab calls to mind dark berries and cocoa, but it’s the ripe blackberry, cassis and vanilla that will keep you sipping. Drink it with red meats, duck and red sauces.
Best White Wines at Aldi
Elementalist Pinot Grigio, $7.99
BTI Score: 90 Point Gold RatingExpect notes of white peach, key lime and orange blossom in this California pinot grigio. It’s crisp acidity is balanced by notes of pear and melon, best sipped with a light appetizer or crisp salad
Villanella Pinot Grigio, $9.99
BTI SCORE: 88 Point Silver RatingThis Italian pinot grigio has a floral scent and flavor marked by pear and golden delicious apples. You’ll enjoy it most with fish, chicken, pork, or creamy pasta as well as mild cheese.
The Best Sparkling Wines at ALDI
Vve Monsigny NV Brut, Champagne, $19.99
BTI SCORE: 93 Point Gold RatingHitting ALDI shelves this winter, this dry, medium-to-full body French champagne smells of toasted brioche, ripe apricot and lemon curd as well as marzipan and hints of roasted fruit and oak. Pop a bottle alongside oven-fried chicken, chicken kabobs or cobb salad.
Giambellino Peach Bellini, $5.99
BTI SCORE: 92 Point Gold RatingThis German cocktail pairs perfectly with brunch thanks to its sun-ripened peach flavor.
Belletti Prosecco, $8.99
BTI SCORE: 90 Point Gold RatingPeach, pear, apple peel and lemon zest all come through in this Italian Prosecco, which pairs well with seafood, chicken, creamy pasta, spicy Asian food or mild cheeses. But we’re not here to judge if you drink it on its own or as an aperitif.
The Best Rosé Wines at ALDI
Exquisite Collection Côtes de Provence Rosé, $9.99
BTI SCORE: 88 Point Silver RatingMade in: France (Côtes de Provence)Strawberry join other red fruit notes in this dry, full-bodied French rosé, which pairs well with fish, seafood and salad. Next up: What Is Natural Wine?
