On the grapevine
RAISES A GLASS TO SPRINGTIME WHITES
IT’S easy to get stuck in a wine rut – and quite frankly, after such a crazy year, it’s hardly surprising some of us have blindly lifted the same old bottle from the shelf, time and time again.
A shift in the seasons might be just what we need to shake things up a bit. So we’ve rounded up some new releases and top drops you may not have tasted before...
The Hidden Sea Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Limestone Coast, South Australia, currently £7 (was £9), Sainsbury’s
A snappy sauvignon blanc that’s vivacious rather than herbaceous. Think ripe, sun-kissed tropical fruit with a good balance of passion fruit, pineapple and lots of tangy green flavours overlaid with grassy notes, juicy lime and a zesty, citrusy finish. An eco-friendly, good-time wine that also does good, Hidden Sea have partnered with ReSea Project, with the goal of removing plastic from the world’s oceans.
Les Jamelles Viognier 2019, Pays d’Oc, France, £7.35, Co-op stores
A silky, sensuous viognier that feels luxurious and a joy to drink. The most soughtafter white grape from the Northern Rhone, viognier thrives in the south of France, and this one delivers ample peaches and apricot fruit with a honeyed edge, honeysuckle and lovely lavender character on the nose, good density and harmonious, moreish finish.
Specially Selected Freeman’s Bay New Zealand Riesling 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand, £7.99, Aldi
An impressive new release and favourite match with spicy food, this dry riesling illustrates how a little bit of ageing brings nuances of petrol (much nicer than it sounds!) to an aromatic nose of citrusy, blossomy fruit. With lovely concentration of white fruits laced with orange blossom and honey, a soft, fresh palate and balanced acidity on the lively finish, it’s bang on.
M&S Classics No 30 Gruner Veltliner 2019, Austria, £8.50, Marks & Spencer
An ace example of Austria’s signature white wine grape, gruner veltliner doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but with top drops like this, it doesn’t take much convincing. Opening with enticing notes of apple, pear and elderflower, it’s a vibrant and energetic style, with flavours of green apple and elderflower enlivened by subtle hints of ginger and pepper, with a crisp, fruity finish that keeps you coming back for more. A lovely surprise.