Winemaker’s Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018, New Zealand (£6.99, Lidl)
This wine is from the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, which is renowned as one of the best places in New Zealand to grow Sauvignon. With grassy aromas, nettles and herbs leading to passion fruit, and lemony-lime flavours that feel tangy rather than prickly, there’s sufficient intensity and citrusy acidity to pair with oysters, garlicky shellfish and smoked mackerel pate.
M&S Pecorino 2018, Terre Di Chieti, Italy (£8, M&S)
From the Abruzzo region, on the Adriatic coastline, the Pecorino varietal produces dry, minerally wines and this one’s particularly aromatic with jasmine on the nose. And if you have a penchant for Pecorino cheese (its namesake), this textured white, with its blossom, citrus and white peach notes, is the perfect match with goat’s cheese, fresh seafood, creamy chicken and pork.
WINE OF THE WEEK
McGuigan Bin 9000 Semillon (£12, on offer until October 10)
Renowned as one of the world’s finest wine regions, the Hunter Valley’s supreme quality can all be discovered in this Semillon. This wine is fresh, with citrus and apple notes, but it also delivers some honey and toastiness which adds interest and complexity. Pure, clean and elegant when young, this Bin 9000 ages gracefully to become rich and succulent, the honey and toast is delifhtful on the palate.
