RAISE A GLASS

We’re swiftly moving into warmer days. What a lovely feeling!

One of my favourite white grape varieties is riesling. Its flavours can range from green fruits right through to tropical notes depending where the grapes grow, how they grow, and winemaking decisions.

Aldi has a Canadian one in its spring summer range.

The Falls Canadian Riesling (£9.99, online only) has some residual sugar and a low-ish alcohol at 10.5% abv. I sipped it during my guest spot at my sister’s online wine club. The fact it was from Canada raised an eyebrow or two, but actually Canada is home to delicious rieslings.

This one had delicate fruits of apple and lemon, a gentle hint of blossom and just a nudge towards white peach. These two rieslings from New Zealand were also conversation starters. They’re both from Marlborough which is normally associated with sauvignon blanc but the climate is perfect for riesling too.

Left, Esk Valley Riesling 2019 (£12.99, or £10.99 in a buy six price online at NZ House of Wine) is crafted from grapes which grow in the Wairau Valley. Its aromas are everything I love in a riesling. There’s hints of honey and a zip of citrus fruit with a lovely layer of peach. To taste, the citrus and the acidity are wonderfully mouthwatering. Right, the ever-reliable NZ wine brand which is Villa Maria, has this one at Waitrose: Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling 2020 (£10.99). The wine has a perfumed nose, like a garden just coming into spring bloom. Citrus playfully dances in and around, saying its name is lime, with lemon holding back, quieter, in the background. It brings happy zesty wine joy into your life.

A pink. And lo! I started writing this as the sun streamed through my window but now a bitterly cold dash of rain is falling. I’ll carry on undeterred with this new rosé which has appeared in the Co-op this month. Left, Laurent Miquel Classic Rosé 2020 (£7.50) is created from a blend of grapes grown in Languedoc, France. The grapes – grenache, cinsault and syrah – are from vineyards high up on hillsides which helps to preserve acidity and aromas. The wine is pretty with red fruit, including strawberry, cherry and raspberry. Stone fruits also grace us with their presence, especially on the peachy palate.

■ Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.