ON THE GRAPEVINE

BY SAM WYLIE HARRIS

It’s a sensational time to be drinking sauvignon blanc. These crisp aromatic wines pair beautifully with seasonal shellfish (they’re a natural with oysters) and seafood, sweet and spicy Asian cuisine, not to mention herby salads, vegetable dishes and goat’s cheese.

Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2020, South Australia, £6, Sainsbury’s

Lively and juicy, this little gem is Australian through and through. With beams of passion fruit, lemon-lime, tropical and peach flavours, a satisfying herbal note and zesty, refreshing finish, it’s instantly uplifting and great with Thai crab salad.

Tesco Finest South African Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Stellenbosch, South

Africa, £7.50, Tesco

Intense and zesty with lots of grapefruit, gooseberry, cut-grass and nettles infused with lime and quince, this is a racy sauvignon with a crisp, refreshing acidity. Uplifting and lots of fun, it pairs with anything from spicy crab cakes to chicken pasta.

M&S Classics Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Casablanca Valley, Chile, £8, Marks & Spencer stores

Appealing aromatics of lime and passionfruit lead to more delightful passionfruit, melon and nectarine flavours, with a tangy, fresh finish, elegant structure and long finish. Think classic ceviche... delicious.

Abbesse Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Vin de France, France, £10.49, Laithwaite’s

Sauvignon blanc devotees will relish the lemony freshness here aligned with a ripe mix of gooseberry, melon, passion fruit, herbaceous notes and touch of lime zest on the finish. Fragrant and refreshing, try it with a warm goat’s cheese salad.

Pyramid Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2019, North Canterbury, New Zealand, £18.99, Waitrose

This vibrant white from the South Island is worth seeking out. A fabulously fragrant affair with bright, tropical fruits, think ripe melon and passion fruit with subtle herbal touches, balanced acidity, grassy highlights and a rounded finish. Exceptionally good.