White Wine

I must admit that I am a huge fan of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It's something to do with the mountainous climate and the dry soil in those NZ vallies, but I am a real sucker for those sharp, zingy lemony, gooseberry flavours that go so well with chicken, cheddar and fish. But that's not the only grape variety I like...

Take Gervertztraminer. This fascinating white wine used to frighten me with it's creamy spiciness and odd-shaped bottle, but I've grown to admire it as my palate has developed. I think part of my prejudice came from the fact that I thought it looked German, which is not surprising as the best of this variety comes from Alsace - that part of France that has swapped ownership between Germany and France like a yo-yo over the centuries. Not that I have anything against Germany - icewein has recently entered my vocabulary which is a wonderful style of wine made from grapes that have been taken to the edge of ripeness and have been allowed to have the frost nibble them before picking. Delicious!

Then there's Viognier - another wine that worried me until I got accustomed to it. It's a meaty white that I have to be in the mood for, but when I am - mmmmm! I need to learn more about this one - most of my memories (from those labels one does remember) are that the best examples of this I've had are from France.

Not forgetting the much maligned Chardonnay. This got too popular for it's own good in the UK following the Aussie invasion. As with all popular things, it is now looked down upon. Unjustifiably in my opinion. But, when not too oaky, this is a magnificent grape.