Discerning drinker

As spring creeps up on lighten up with sauvignon blancs and lighter reds
Andrew Neather15 March 2012

Next Tuesday marks the official start of spring but it feels like it’s already here — while the sun is shining, at least. For wine drinkers this time of year presents potential dilemmas, similar to the wearing of shorts: enjoy spring’s arrival to the full or risk feeling chilly? In a spirit of optimism, here are some sauvignon blancs and lighter reds to toast the season.

Domaine Jacky Marteau Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Touraine (M&S, £7.99)

Classic Loire sauvignon at a fair price: crisp, clean, juicy citrus fruit — and with more zip to it than many Kiwi sauvignons.

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough (Majestic, £19.99 or £15.99 when you buy two. Mail order from thewinesociety.com, nzhouseofwine.co.uk, swig.co.uk: from £14.95)

Former Cloudy Bay winemaker Kevin Judd’s sauvignon has been justly praised since its launch in 2009. Very ripe and juicy yet crisp and well balanced — a style somewhere between Sancerre and what you might expect from Kiwi sauvignon blanc.

The Crater Rim Pinot Noir 2010, Canterbury (Lea & Sandeman, £12.95 or £11.75 as part of a mixed case of 12)

From grapes grown on Waipara’s volcanic soils, as the name suggests, this is a very decent pinot from a cool part of New Zealand’s South Island. Pure, ripe red berry fruit, good acidity and supple tannins: better than just about any red Burgundy at this price.

Les Nivières 2010, Saumur (Waitrose, £7.99)

The Loire Valley’s reds — most, like this one, 100 per cent cabernet franc — can make a fine, fresh choice for spring, though for me they really need food. This is good value, from the reliable Saumur co-op at St Cyr: fresh, crunchy red fruit and chewy tannins.

@hernehillandy

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