£12, Tesco
Having seen sunshine for the first time in what seems ages, I've pulled this white wine forward and pushed back the red I'd planned for another week. It's a Sauvignon Blanc with a real spring in its step from Chile's coastal Leyda region and from a vineyard that, just 4km from the Pacific Ocean, almost has its toes (or roots) in the cooling waters.
The aromas come in a mouthwatering burst of fresh pea pod, salt-crusted peaches, lime zest and flint. The palate follows on bone-dry, cool, vibrant, vivid and mineral – and satisfyingly textural, thanks to maturation on lees and to 10% of the wine being fermented in barrel (the rest was in stainless steel).
It would perk anyone up at the end of a long day or go down equally well served with seafood (especially crustaceans), ceviche, salads (winter or summer ones), roast peppers, tomatoes (raw or cooked), green asparagus in a few months' time, or, if you go easy on the chilli, Thai food. It's perfect now but has the intensity of flavour and freshness to keep at least another two years. 13%
Viña Leyda Single Vineyard Garuma Sauvignon Blanc, Valle de Leyda, Chile
£12, Tesco
Comments