WE are now officially in spring but only if you subscribe to the meteorological definition, otherwise you will have to wait until March 20 this year. Nonetheless, I thought it was about time to recommend a few good white wines instead of those big reds that have featured here recently.
Make the most of The Co-operative’s current offer on a tasty unoaked white blend from South Africa. Curator’s Choice 2014 is made with chenin blanc, chardonnay and semillon, and is very good drinking at the price. If you are wondering who the curator is, it is renowned Swartland winemaker Adi Badenhorst.
Crisp, fresh and dry with plenty of up-front peachy flavours, citrus and a bit of Granny Smith apple bite, this wine would work as a refreshing aperitif or with most fish dishes. However, please note it is not available in all Co-operative stores.
The Kiwis have good conditions for growing grüner veltliner, Austria’s signature white grape, but I tasted one example a few years ago and was disappointed. Everything had been turned up to 11, like a lot of Kiwi sauvignon blanc, and the subtlety was totally lost. It was as if someone had painted go-fast stripes on a Rolls Royce.
However, new to Majestic Wine is Waimea Estate Grüner Veltliner 2014, from New Zealand’s Nelson region, which is restrained without being shy. Savoury and mineral, it is nicely fresh with flavours of citrus, green pea and white pepper. Perfect with fish, it will also go beautifully with the new season’s asparagus when it arrives.
Or splash out on La Crema Chardonnay 2012 from the Sonoma Coast region of California. It is judiciously oaked with a creamy mouthfeel and layers of satsuma, peach, vanilla and toffee, held in check by a balanced acidity. It would make the perfect partner for turkey if that’s on the menu for Easter Sunday.
Curator’s Choice 2014, Swartland, £6.99 until March 17 at The Co-operative 17/20
Waimea Estate Grüner Veltliner 2014, Nelson, £9.99 when you buy 2 at Majestic Wine 18/20
La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2012, £19.14 from yorkshirevintners.co.uk 17/20
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