The Aldi’s Peaks & Tides Sonoma Brut is a Sparkling wine sold at Aldi stores for $13.99. This Bubbly was produced by Rack and Riddle.
The Story
Rack and Riddle (these are terms used in making Bubbly) is a custom Sparkling wine producer located in several locations in Sonoma and Lodi. If you have tasted a California value-priced (and higher) Sparkling wine in the last 10 years, it is a good chance Rack and Riddle was involved.
Aldi provides little information on Aldi’s Peaks & Tides Sonoma Brut. California, unlike Champagne, France, has no rules and regulations concerning Sparkling wine production.
Typically, a Brut California Bubbly is mainly Chardonnay with an addition of some Pinot Noir. Blanc de Blanc indicates that only White grapes are used. Blanc de Noir is made from red grapes, and a Rosé is mostly Pinot Noir with some skin-contact juice.
In Champagne, the second fermentation (where the bubbles are formed) must last a minimum of 18 months; in California, again, there are no rules, so 2nd fermentation is the winemaker’s call.
Peaks & Tides is a core Aldi brand, and its still wines, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are produced by a Monterey winery. Here, the Bubbly is made by a Bubbly socialist.
The alcohol content is 12.5%.
The Aldi’s Peaks & Tides Sonoma Brut Tasting Notes
The color is a pale gold with a hint of amber. The nose is lemon, apple, Anjou pear, crusty bread, dried pineapple pieces, a soft spice, and a floral edge. The Aldi’s Peaks & Tides Sonoma Brut is a crisp, tasty Bubbly.
This Sparkling wine tastes like lemon/lime, a slap of spice, a mix of peach, pear, and melon. Then a little brioche, and light tropical fruit. All the flavors are balanced, and the acidity calls you to take another sip.
The Summary
- The Aldi’s Peaks & Tides Sonoma Brut is a solid and tasty bottle of Bubbles.
- Rack and Riddle has the quality value Sparkling wine thing down.
- They might not exactly be there yet, but it’s getting closer to the point of asking yourself, Why pay more?
