Yaii Wild Swan Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Central Valley, Chile (£7.50, The Co-op stores)
Exploring Chile’s Sauvignon Blanc has never been so exciting – and this isn’t your standard example, with its up-front passion fruit and floral-musky aromas, leading to more exotic tropical fruits with a plush yet vibrant palate with lovely citrusy, limey notes giving the wine real lift on the finish. The winemaker invites us to ‘share in nature’s simple pleasures’ – one to enjoy on a sunny terrace.
Tesco Finest Alsace Gewurztraminer 2017, France
(£9, Tesco)
With soaring aromas of lychee, roses and violets, this Gewurtz (meaning spice) displays all the sweet, floral aromatics and ginger spice the grape is famous for. Off dry with a gentle touch of sweetness, it’s reasonably weighty with a silky, satiny texture. And with lychee and passion fruit opening up on the palate, you could say it’s a wine in full bloom. A great introduction to the grape...
WINE OF THE WEEK
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Marlborough, New Zealand (£23, Sainsbury’s)
Testament to its success and popularity, Cloudy Bay is one of New Zealand’s most famous exports. This 2017 really reaches out, with beams of lemon and lime on the nose, layers of intense juicy stone fruits that leap from the glass and fraternise with aromatic herbs, while passion fruit flavours unfold with a delightful, crisp finish. Expensive – but good!
