This is a classic Bordeaux white wine, its a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Sémillon and 15% Muscadelle. Dry, crisp, with ripe pineapple, citrus and very fruity it needs a second glass to get that refreshing hit which others have commented on. At £12 a bottle it’s not amazing value or gold medal winning but it’s worth trying. Think based spec Ford Focus.
Patient Cottat
Pouilly-Fumé Anciennes Vignes
Pouilly Fume is quite wonderful when made right, by that I mean there’s complexity, subtlety and elegance which this one from Patient Cottat gives a good stab at. It’s not outstanding, it’s dry and light with plenty of flavours of citrus, honey and notes of stone fruits with a splash of smokiness. It does lack subtlety and it’s not got that french elegance but it’s only £16, which for Pouilly Fume is reasonable. Summer BBQ’s and sipping in the sun are recommended to go with this wine.
Kostantino Winery, Selections, Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Greece
You can get some excellent greek wine, unfortunately this is not world class. There are a number issues with this wine. It has a slight aroma of nail vanish which is off putting. Its to acidic and to non descript. there is very little taste and no characteristics of the grape. At Eur17 a bottle its a no on all fronts from me.
Averys, Fine White Burgundy, 2019, France
Averys is a well known and respected wine supplier and I was so looking forward to their own label Fine White Burgundy. The smell was wonderful, creamy lees with citrus hits the nose. The wine is dry, soft and unfortunately lacking is any real taste. It just tastes flat and pretty non descript. This is a wine you expect at £4 not at over £20.
Aldi, Specially Selected, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Aldi have done it again with a cheap, £4 a bottle white wine that is perfect for just drinking. It’s dry, fresh with light flavours of citrus. A relatively simple wine, it’s no Gold medal winner but its perfect for parties and summer evenings sitting in the garden. Worth a case in anyone’s cupboard or under the stairs.
Chateau de la Greffiere, Chardonnay, 2022, Macon la Roche, France
The french generally produce great Chardonnay and this is a perfect example. Its dry, clean, fresh with subtle flavours of citrus and peach with a creamy undernote which makes it a delight to drink. At £16 a bottle it’s decent value too.
Domaine Les Ondines, Vacqueyras, Passion Blanc, 2020, Rhone, France
This Rhone white wine from Domaine Les Ondines is rather good. With medium body and long length you taste the components that the 4 grape varieties add – Grenache blanc at 35%, Clairette at 35%, Roussanne at 20% and Bourboulenc at 10%. Theres citrus and melon with a hint of eucalyptus. It’s a grown up wine to be tasted rather than guzzled.
At £15 a bootle it’s pretty decent value too. Pair with a fish dish or roast chicken.
Greenhough, Road Block, Chardonnay, 2019, New Zealand
We use to drink a lot of the Greenhough Sauvignon Blanc at one stage, so I was eager to try the Road Block, Chardonnay. Unfortunately it’d not as good. This Chardonnay dry but is very green and acidic, lots of green apple, grass notes but the acidity is too much unless you have food. A tried it with a ripe brie cheese and it took the edge off quite well. At under £10 it’s just a no, on all levels from me
Bürgerspital, Würzburger, Silvaner, Kabinett 2008, Germany
Wow, after 15 years this German white wine from Burgerspital still tastes pretty good, excellent in fact. Dry with decent acidity. It’s still quite light though but the wine has matured and that’s reflected in the flavours. Ripe citrus and lemon with hints of grapefruit that cling to the mouth with great length.
This is a great wine to drink in front of the fire and just enjoy. For the record I have no idea where we got it from nor the price.
Domaine du Bicheron, Mâcon-Péronne, 2020, Burgundy, France
If you don’t like Chardonnay then try a good white Burgundy because you can see the grape at its best and this one from Domaine du Bicheron is pretty good, not amazing but at £16 a bottle it’s a good starting place. Dry, light with high acidity and has citrus flavours and a little apple poking through. There’s a minerality, cleaness and freshness with good length. Great with fish or a zesty salad.