DORIS Day has been and gone (without too much of a fuss over in York it has to be said) so, with those 24 hours of stormy weather over with, perhaps we can get back to looking forward to spring again.

Longer days, warmer air, daffodils sprouting around the city walls. And now a new promotion of quality and quirky budget wines to try.

Aldi, you see, has launched a Spring Wine Festival of 12 tipples all priced under £8, starting at the magical £5 mark.

To add some extra interest, each of the affordable dozen has its own story to tell, too.

The £4.99 Little Princess white wine, for example, is based on the legend of a young Hungarian royal who had a glass of an ancient wine and never aged. If only.

Then there's Big Bill (£5.99), named after William Millar, a South African boxing champion, war hero and Springbok rugby union captain, and the first general manager of one of South Africa's most renowned wine co-operatives, KWV.

Also called Big Bill is the giant French oak vat which, holding a whopping 21,867 litres, dominates the cellars of this Western Cape winery.

Described, like the man himself, as a drink that is larger than life, it comprises Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot and Shiraz grapes and encompasses fruit-driven flavours of strawberry, cherry and mulberry, together with peppery spice and dark chocolate notes.

We tried this one and it is indeed appropriately bold with plenty of girth and size, and a fair old punch.

We also had a try of the Mo Sisters Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (£6.99), named in honour of the three daughters of experienced winemaker Bill Moularadellis, who, eager to contribute to the family's winery, clubbed together their savings to invest in a boutique vineyard.

This wine is said to reflect their class and sophistication.

There are rich blackcurrant flavours alongside a lovely hint of mint, all wrapped up in subtle vanilla oak. Another bargain.

The last of those we tried was the Bonfleur Languedoc Reserve (£6.99), another strong red and one which has wild herb notes and supple texture making it perfect for pasta or beef dishes. It'd suit poultry too.

The story of this? It was unexpectedly discovered in the cellars of a chateau, a forgotten wine, languishing out of sight and out of mind having been left to age.

An unforgivable faux pas perhaps, but the happy ending is that it evolved into a unique wine that is dark and intense in colour with beautiful black berries and spice aromas.

Spring forth indeed.