Don’t Blanc out other options...

THE mission to win the hearts and minds battle when it comes to steering people away from NZ Sauv Blanc continues.

Not that I’ve anything against New Zealand’s most famous export, it’s just that I think it’s a bit of a waste of time to find something you like so much it’s all you ever drink. A bottle of The Jumper is my go-to when I’m in a rush and fancy (or herself fancies) a bottle of NZ Sauv Blanc. If I’m flush, Greywacke is the gear.

But I do like to nudge and cajole people towards something a little different when I can and am especially pleased when they actually like it so much they buy it again.

I have to say that Picpoul de Pinet has become a firm favourite in our house, with me actually getting requests for “that pickie pool one” when I head out to the offie.

But of course, one can stick with the same grape and discover a whole other layer of joy out there. You’ll know I like Bordeaux Sauv Blanc, especially when there’s a dollop of Semillon adding that waxy, slightly honeyed roundness. But this ubiquitous grape is grown elsewhere in France.

The Loire Valley is well known for it, with the eastern AOC of Pouilly Fume producing the once rather fashionable mineral, edgy wine that is a far cry from NZ Sauv Blanc. Also in

Loire, there’s Touraine – well known for its red Chinon and Chenin Blanc based Vouvray – which would generally be cheaper.

In Languedoc too, and I love this region’s ever expanding repertoire, there’s top class Pays D’OC Sauv Blanc.

The thing about Sauvignon Blanc is it’s rather good at reflecting the region it’s grown in – hence the chalky minerality of eastern Loire tastes so different from the vivacious kiwi fruit of New Zealand. It’s all there to tempt one away from the full-on gooseberry and nettle flavours of your NZ Sauv Blanc.

I only broach this subject as I enjoyed a nice Loire Sauv Blanc the other day which was what the experts would call “restrained” compared to your NZ. There are flowers and minerality, I find, in wines like this but of course the citrus too – albeit more, well, restrained.

It’s the sort of wine that makes you daydream of sitting outdoors with a nice goats’ cheese salad or maybe some shellfish.

Oh, to dream of such warmth.