One of the many fabulous reasons to welcome the spring and early summer is that it gives us the excuse to chill a decent Sauvignon blanc down to the same temperature as a penguin butt and rediscover the meaning of refreshing.
Sauvignon blanc is the great white grape of the Loire Valley in France, but in recent decades it’s made fantastic wines all over the world, starting with New Zealand and more recently South America. Essentially it’s a crisp, dry white with high levels of acidity and if the winemaker gets it right, equally decent levels of ripe tropical fruits and the combination on a hot day can be scintillating.
Expect a fruit bowl on the nose and lashings of crisp, dry acidity on the palate and while this wine makes a fabulous mouthwatering aperitif, it’s also a cracking partner to many fish dishes, especially shellfish and, as I’ve discovered more recently, pasta.
House of Morande Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, Chile
Slightly different and you know me, I love different. Hints of orange blossom on the nose with a rich palate of grapefruit, soft peaches and an ever so inviting hint of herbs. Match with seafood or hard cheese. Definitely one to watch.
strictlywine.co.uk £13.49
Tendem Sauvignon Blanc, France
It’s been a long time since I tasted a French Sauvignon as lovely as this for anywhere near this price. Gooseberries and citrus fruits just about sums this cracker up. Great value.
De Burgh Wines £7.99
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