ON THE GRAPEVINE
When it comes to engaging the senses, the first swirl is vital to the pleasure a wine brings. So whether you get fresh green shoots, a bold display of cassis or hint of honeysuckle, these harmonious bouquets deliver what they promise...
Pierre Jaurant French Chardonnay 2020, IGP Pays d’Oc, France (£6.29, Aldi) Quintessential cheerful chardonnay with good intensity, there’s an exotic tropical top note here with uplifting pineapple, melon and lemon curd nuances, supported by floral aromas and hint of vanilla. Juicy apple and pear flavours are backed by fresh acidity, with toasty accents and a lingering fruity finish. Bruce Jack Sauvignon Blanc 2021, WO Bredekloof, South Africa (£7, Co-op stores) Fresh as a daisy, there’s definitely greenness to this gem, with freshly-cut grass, green apples, nettles and a hint of fig inviting interest. Fresh, tangy and herbaceous with touches of aromatic nectarine, the nose is mouthwatering before you’ve swallowed the wine.
Terre di Faiano Primitivo Organic Wine 2020, Puglia, Italy (£7.99, Waitrose) A fruit bomb, with cherry and blackberry layered with vanilla and chocolate, while whiffs of sweet spice provide the base note and underscore the rich, dark fruits. Silky smooth, it unfolds effortlessly onto the palate, with flashes of berries and spicy fruit carrying the finish.
Yalumba Organic Viognier 2021, South Australia (£9.99, Waitrose) This fullbodied white offers a persistent mix of orange blossom and honeysuckle, with apricot notes leading the way. Succulent and silky, with layers of fragrant fruit and a creamy note, there’s the perfect balance of concentration and fresh acidity. A real peach you’ll never tire of.
Billy Bosch Paarl Pinotage 2021 (£9.99, Virgin Wines) Solidly built with a swathe of black, plummy fruits, brambles and boysenberry against soft raspberry fruits, it’s dense, offering a selection of mixed aromas. The brambly feel continues with earthy notes and a touch of liquorice on the persistent, spice laced finish. An easy-going, friendly yet flavourful wine.