Again, at £7.99 (I paid £6.39 with the 20% discount offer), the Val de Salis Saint Chinian blend of Syrah, Carignan & Grenache was better on day 2, Mr PT advised.
He'd enjoyed the Primitivo a little too quickly and we had to open a second bottle - tipsy Tuesday indeed.
I tasted it only on the day after opening, so suggest decanting or perhaps using an aerator, if you have one. Less dark than the Primitivo but with a little more body, notes of the famous southern French garrigue and a round, taniin structure backed by plenty of vanilla. Considering it was following on from Gambas al Ajillo (served with a white) with epic amounts of garlic, it had enough flavour to cut through. Mr PT also enjoyed it with some vintage cheddar.
You will enjoy this if you like Cotes-du-Rhône wines, softer Shirazes and Merlot blends. But don't leave it too late - stocks are already low.
It appears we have struck gold with our random purchases. But then, our neighbour, Richard Bampfield, Master of Wine, had selected and rated both wines highly. Even we pros follow the advice of experts we trust.
I doubt they will have any of the white I bought by the time I drink it next week, but if you fancy taking a gamble on my luck so far, it was the £8.99 Roero Arneis.
I'd love to hear from you on our Facebook page or via the comments below if you try this or any other bargain recommended by me. Meanwhile, I think Mr PT will be visiting Lidl for the third time this week.
Cheers!