Sauvignon sceptic? Five wines to fall in love with

What do you think of Sauvignon Blanc in the present? Like the way you were? Are you stuffed to the back teeth? Does it depend on the type of sauvignon you choose?

If you’re part of the earlier group, you’re now the majority. Sauvignon is the white wine that we drink the most of and with a significant amount: we spend two times more on it than it does on Chardonnay, in accordance with the Wine and Spirit Trade Association’s market report. It’s not difficult to figure out why this is the case. It’s inexpensive, or at the very least, the majority of it is. It’s not overly sharp or acidic. It’s also wonderfully fruity. So what’s not to love?

I know, as someone who’s been between and in admiration for the genre throughout many years, it’s often just too much, especially the more intense instances that come from New Zealand and Chile. A strong character can become monotonous, and it’s not the best choice for every occasion. Consider what passion and gooseberry fruit pair with. This is not Italian food in general as well as Middle Eastern. Mexican and Thai, however, in contrast, are fantastic, and Sauvignon enjoys chili, lime, and coriander. Also, you don’t need to pair it with any other drink. Instead, it could be a part of your wine-drinking selection.

Suppose you’re a staunch anti-sauvignon fan but don’t completely drop it, however, especially during the glorious summer months. Choose more refined versions from the Loire, such as. Spend a little more money on it, and you’ll benefit from greater elegance and subtlety. I was initially uneasy about the cost that comes with Avery’s Fine Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (PS14.99 and PS12.99 when you mix 12 and 12 percent). It’s higher than most Touraine sauvignons. However, it’s actually more (and more affordable) than most Sancerres.

Sauvignon-based wines that are part of a blend or with oak streaks can also be more round and more supple than pure sauvignon by itself. The white Bordeaux wine, which typically contains Semillon, is the most well-known wine. Still, other excellent wines come from Western Australia, as you’ll find in the incredibly priced Tesco own-label featured in this week’s selection. Sauvignon made from indigenous yeasts can also be more complex in its flavor. Graywacke’s Wild Sauvignon Blanc, for instance, is available for around PS25 in a variety of indies as well as in the Wine Society (13.5%). It’s an ideal place to begin. (It’s also older than the majority of sauvignons available, as it’s mostly from the 2021 and 2020 vintages.)

Then, sauvignon is vulnerable to variations in vintage. A cooler season can bring out the green notes you’ll see in pea pods, asparagus, and green beans. On the other hand, warmer vintages will have more of the passionfruit flavor.

Five wines for sauvignon lovers

Aldi Specially Selected Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2021 PS7.49, 12%. With notes of gooseberry citrus and green apple, This is an iconic Loire sauvignon blanc at an affordable price.

M&S Ya’Po Sauvignon Blanc 2021/22 PS6.50, 12.5%. Marks & Sparks might not be the first store you’d go to find a bargain. However, this vibrant, citrusy, and awe-inspiring Chilean sauvignon could be a good choice for wedding or party drinking.

Tesco Finest Western Australian Sauvignon Semillon 2022 PS8, 12.5%. White, elegant, smooth Bordeaux-style wine made by the top Howard Park Wines. It’s a steal, too.

Pouilly Fume Genetin Domaine Tildelet-Blondelet 2021 PS24.50 (or PS21.95 by the bottle) Lea & Sandeman, 12.5 percent. The Pukka pouilly scent recalls the wonderful elegantness of this wine at its best. It is stunning with a crab tart.

Tapi Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 PS17.99 (or PS12.99 to ‘Angels’) Naked Wines, 12.5%. It’s awe-inspiringly rich and full of exotic fruit flavors. No one does this as well as the Kiwis. However, it’s costly if not a Naked Wines ‘Angel’ (subscriber).