Your Wine Your Way, Jane & Ted’s Take on What’s in Your Glass
Chardonnay! A grape as versatile as it is beloved, bringing a world of flavor nuances with every bottle. From buttery richness to crisp minerality, Chardonnay has something for everyone.
Today, we’re sharing our fun discovery of the Peaks & Tides 2022 Chardonnay, a bottle that had us saying, “Wow, this is from Aldi?!” more times than we’d like to admit!
Here’s everything you need to know about this approachable (and affordable) treasure.
Snapshot Summary
- Wine: Peaks & Tides 2022 Chardonnay
- Price: $8.99 at Aldi (yes, you read that right)
- Style: Balanced and modern Chardonnay with just a kiss of oak
- Tasting Notes: Bright citrus, baked apple, vanilla, and a touch of cream
- Best For: Cozy dinners, front porch chats, or an “oops, we opened this too early” kitchen dance break
- Pairs With: Buttery seafood, roasted chicken, or even tossed salads with citrusy dressings
Ted’s Distracted Discovery at Aldi
Out of all the places we’ve explored for unique wines (shoutout to that suspicious Parisian corner shop where Ted grabbed a €4 bottle), Aldi consistently surprises us. Jane had a specific Chardonnay craving because, as she claims, “It was a chicken francese night, so it had to be Chardonnay.” Ted landed at Aldi purely on a milk-and-eggs errand (classic Ted). Of course, he couldn’t miss the wine aisle because, well…priorities. Then he spotted Peaks & Tides. A sleek label, irresistible price, and bam—we were putting it to the test that evening. Spoiler alert? It did not disappoint.
Over dinner, with spaghetti noodles tangling and the wine glasses generously refilled, we found ourselves looking at the bottle like it had delivered a personal love note. It was creamy but not heavy, zesty yet layered. And suddenly, Peaks & Tides became the star of the show.
Flavor Profile
Peaks & Tides 2022 Chardonnay is wonderfully balanced. It feels as though someone took the best Chardonnay qualities we all look for and combined them flawlessly. Close your eyes and imagine this:
- First Sip: Bright lemon zest mingling with a burst of green apple. Refreshing and clean!
- Mid-Palate: Subtle creamy waves of pear, a little baked apple, and whispers of vanilla.
- Finish: A light touch of oak keeps things grounded, but it’s modern and well-proportioned—not your aunt’s overly buttered Chardonnay from 2005.
What we loved most is that it’s not trying too hard. It’s approachable, versatile, and smooth, with just enough character to keep it interesting. If Chardonnay has a “throw-on-your-favorite-sweater” vibe, this wine is nailing it.
Quick Reference Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | California, USA |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Varietal | 100% Chardonnay |
| Alcohol | 13.5% |
| Price | $8.99 (at Aldi) |
| Best Served At | 45–50°F (moderately chilled) |
Food Pairing Suggestions
This Chardonnay is flexible enough for plenty of meal pairings. Here are our top picks to make the most of its vibrant character:
- Seafood Lovers:
- Grilled salmon with a drizzle of lemon-butter sauce
- Seared scallops with a garlic-herb cream
- Shrimp tacos with a zesty lime crema
- Classic Comfort Foods:
- Roasted chicken with rosemary and thyme
- Creamy pasta like fettuccine Alfredo
- Buttery mashed potatoes with pan-seared cod
- Vegetarian Options:
- A bright citrus and avocado salad
- Roasted cauliflower with Parmesan crust
- Mushroom risotto (trust us, the wine adds magic here)
Looking for easy bites? Cheese boards with Brie, goat cheese, or a creamy Havarti will make for instant happiness.
Tasting Tips
To ensure you get the best experience with Peaks & Tides, try giving it a little special treatment.
- Serve at the Right Temperature: This wine shines brightest moderately chilled (think 45–50°F). Too cold, and you miss the creamy charm. Too warm, and…well, don’t go there.
- Give It Air Time: If you can, pour a glass and wait a couple of minutes before taking a sip. There’s a quiet evolution in the flavor as it warms slightly and oxygen works its magic.
- Try It With & Without Food: Without food, it’s smooth and easy as a sunset. With food, expect those bright fruit and oak touches to shine even brighter.
Jane’s Verdict
With a modest price tag of $8.99, Peaks & Tides 2022 Chardonnay delivers an experience you’d expect from something three times the cost. We love how it strikes a balance between lively citrus and soft creaminess. It shuns any overwhelming oakiness while letting just enough of it show to keep things interesting.
Would this wine replace that $50 bottle of Old-World Chardonnay on your birthday? Probably not. But for a midweek meal, date night on a budget, or an “I deserve wine because it’s Tuesday” treat? Absolutely.
Here’s the thing about discovering hidden gems like this at Aldi (or anywhere, really): they remind us that great wine doesn’t have to mean a drained wallet. Peaks & Tides feels like that friend who’s always up for a good time, no matter the occasion. And for that, we’ll gladly keep a few bottles stocked.
If you’re a Chardonnay fan, this one’s a must-try. We’re already planning to serve this at our next casual BBQ—because if wine this good costs under $10, there’s no excuse not to share it.
Cheers to more delicious discoveries and joyful evenings,
Jane & Ted
