The Aldi California Heritage Brut Sparkling is a $4.85 non-vintage Bubbly. It is produced for Aldi by E & J Gallo, who have plenty of experience with bargain Bubble with the Andre, Balatore, and Barefoot.
The Story
This is a revisit. We reviewed this Sparkling wine in February 2024 and found it to be very drinkable, if not an exciting Bubbly.
There are no production notes available for the Aldi California Heritage Brut Sparkling, but we do know it was produced using the Charmat Method.
The Charmat Method is used to produce Prosecco; the technology was invented in the late 1800s.
The grapes are crushed and fermented for the first time, then the fermented juice is transferred to a huge pressurized vat.
A measured amount of sugar and yeast is added, and then the pressure is applied.
The process is quick compared to the Champagne or Traditional Method, where the 2nd fermentation (inside every bottle, not in a tank) can last 18 months and often more.
The Charmat Method takes from a few weeks to few months to incorporate the bubbles into the wine.
The cap is not a cork and cage but a resealable screw cap which does “pop”.
The alcohol content is 10.5%
The Aldi California Heritage Brut Sparkling Tasting Notes
The color is more silver than gold. The nose is pretty, subtle peach, candy spice, lemon, pear, and melon. The Aldi California Heritage Brut Sparkling reminds me of lemon drop candy, not sweet like candy, but pleasing.
The Bubbly tastes like lemon/lime, grapefruit, ripe peach, a hint of stone fruit, a little spice, and Green apple.
The acidity does its job well.
The Summary
- The Aldi California Heritage Brut Sparkling is actually a recommended Tuesday Night Bubbly.
- It is not a replacement for Champagne, and maybe it isn’t a replacement for Prosecco.
- It sips well, has no off flavors, and the acidity, which can be an issue in cheap Bubbles, is well-behaved.
