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Three White Wines for an Indian Summer:
Amazingly, we seem to be having something of an Indian Summer. If you are looking for a light refreshing wine then one of these, from Villa Maria, New Zealand, is sure to hit the spot. Known best for their Sauvignon Blanc wines, New Zealand produces a whole range of great wines from other varieties
Villa Maria Private Bin, Riesling 2015
Bad experiences of cheap German Riesling during student years have ensured I’ve avoided the grape as an adult; but being a big fan of the Villa Maria winery I was curious to try this Dry Riesling (Private Bin, Marlborough 2015) and trusted that I was in good hands with the iconic New Zealand producers. My faith was well place – the wine is delicious. Dry, fresh with a sharp fruity taste – think zesty and zingy rather than sweet or flowery. It’s perfect as an aperitif or to accompany a light meal, fish or salad. I’ve yet to try it as an accompaniment to something spicy, but with its underlying hint of lime I believe it will hold its own. I certainly won’t be ignoring the Riesling on the wine list in future and I can particularly recommend this wine with a plate of antipasti on a warm summer night.
RRP: £10.55
Stockists: Waitrose, Majestic, Wine Rack, Booths, Ellies Cellar, The New Zealand House of Wine, Fountainhall Wines, The Strand Wine Company, Bin 21 Limited, The Devine Wine Company (Kent) Ltd, Hailsham Cellars, The Seriously Good Wine Com
Villa Maria Sauvignon Gris – Cellar Selection 2015
Villa Maria Sauvignon Gris has a pale, light colour typical of a young wine. The initial aromas are fruity – predominantly citrus with undertones of peach and kiwi. This is a very crisp, dry wine to drink, leaving a sharp citrus after taste which may not appeal to everyone. The wine would be good to drink on its own, as an aperitif, or would complement white fish, prawns or shellfish.
RRP: £14.95
Stockists: The Co-op, Vino Wines, Partridges of Sloane Street, The Shenfield Wine Company, Brooksby Wines, Famous Wines, The Whalley Wine Shop.
Or, if like me you are trying to drink a little less
Villa Maria Lighter Sauvignon Blanc – 2015
Another wine from Villa Maria with a big difference. This one is a lighter wine – 9.5% alcohol. I’ve tried low alcohol wines before and am often disappointed to find they taste a bit too much like fruit juice. But this one is subtle – the alcohol content isn’t so low that you lose any idea of wine. I really enjoyed it – it was floral and fragrant – elderflower, nettles, lime and melon. And I appreciated the fact that I could drink a large glass without feeling I’d over indulged. Delicious
RRP: £11.30
Stockists: Vino Wines, Islington Wine, The Seriously Good Wine Company, Ellie’s Cellar, Famous Wines
Disclosure: I was sent samples of these wines to review. All comments are editorially given.
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