Sauvignon blanc

Now that’s what I call a specialised event, but it does go to show how important the grape is to the wine industry.

In my attempt to describe the aromatic character of sauvignon blanc to a friend, I used the word (not that it is a word) “herbidacious”. The adjective I had meant to use was herbaceous, but I had slipped back to my childhood and the children’s TV programme The Herbs, where the saying “herbidacious”, would unlock the door to a walled garden.

Perhaps sauvignon blanc is so popular because its aromatic, “herbidacious” character makes it so readily identifiable. Gooseberry, green pepper, tomato leaf, lime and even tomcat spray are used in an attempt to describe the aromas and flavours of wines made from the grape.

I didn’t make it to the Congress last year, but I have tasted quite a lot of sauvignon recently, and the following trio tickled my taste buds. Sauvignon blanc is generally best drunk while it is still young and fresh, so choose the latest vintage if there is a choice. You will find some New World producers already have the 2008 vintage on the shelves.

There is a bargain to be had at Majestic, in the form of Southbank Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008. This grassy, tangy wine is full of zest and is as fresh as they come, with kiwi, gooseberry and pineapple flavours. If you take up Majestic’s buy two save 20 per cent offer on New Zealand wines, it will cost less than a fiver. You get a lot of flavour for your money.

Flavour can’t be said to be lacking in Jackson Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007 either, which is very widely available. It is suitably crisp with elderflower aromas and flavours of asparagus, grapefruit, lime and pineapple. It provides all you would expect from Marlborough sauvignon at the price.

If Kiwi sauvignon is too aggressive for your palate – I have to admit I find it often is for mine – then try Errazuriz Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007 from the Pacific ocean breeze-cooled Casablanca Valley in Chile. This is a more subtle expression of the grape and is closer in style to French sauvignon than Kiwi. It’s fresh and minerally, with a creamy mouth feel, green pepper notes, citrus and tropical fruit flavours.

•Southbank Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008, £6.24 or £4.99 when you buy two at Majestic 18/20.

•Jackson Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007, widely available for £9.99 17/20.

•Errazuriz Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007, £9.99 or £7.99 when you buy two at Majestic 18/20.