Tesco is now the biggest wine retailer in the UK so its tastings are always interesting. Like most supermarket ranges it has some pretty run-of-the-mill wines but the arrival of Dan Jago a couple of years ago has upped the quality overall I would say. Here, in no particular order, are the 10 whites I found most appealing at their recent tastng with suggested food matches. Tomorrow my top reds and rosés
Tesco Finest Denman Vineyard Reserve Semillon £6.99
Although this is a Hunter Valley Semillon and only 10.5% ABV it tastes more like a South Australian one - full of rich pineapple fruit. There’s a lovely crisp acidity that would make it a good wine with food. Cold roast chicken, pork or ham or south-east Asian style chicken salads would be great.
Laurenz und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner 2007 £6.99
Austrian Gruner Veltliner has been a must-have on restaurant wine lists for the past year or so. Here’s a fun bottle to serve at home. It’s neutral, green peppery flavour makes it a natural with seafood especially dim sum and Vietnamese spring rolls. You could also serve it with noodles. Hugely versatile.
Tesco Finest Block 3 Pinot Grigio 2007 £5.99
If you think Pinot Grigio is bland, think again. The Aussies were bound to give it a makeover. Complex and richly textured, it would be great with all kinds of seafood-based pasta and rice dishes or just with a simple piece of grilled fish. Good sipping on its own too.
The Reach Sauvignon Blanc 2007 £7.99
I must confess I find that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can pall but every so often you come across a really good one that reminds you how very appealing it can be. Although this is technically from Marlborough this comes from the Wairau and Awatere valleys which adds a passionfruit richness to the gooseberry fruit. Great with spring vegetable-based dishes such as asparagus risotto or pasta primavera, with grilled salmon or chicken and with goats cheese in almost any shape or form.
Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2007 £9.99
This is a brand that’s been going for a good few years now but is still impressively consistent - worth every penny of a tenner. The name ‘Wild Ferment’ refers to the fact that it’s made with natural yeasts. It’s also aged (for 10 months) in predominantly old French oak which makes the oak character quite subtle. An ideal wine for classic chardonnay matches such as creamy or buttery sauces and with seared scallops.
Condrieu Les Vins de Vienne 2006 £19.99
A lot of money to spend on a supermarket wine but well worth it if you like Viognier but have never tasted what is widely regarded as the ultimate expression of it. Wonderfully lush, rich apricot fruit. I’d want to drink it with something quite simple like chicken or guineafowl in a creamy sauce.
Tesco Finest Block 7a Viognier 2007 £6.99
And if you can’t afford the Condrieu here’s a reasonable substitute. Not in the same class, obviously but very good for the price. It’s made in south-east Australia by Donna Stephens who also makes the Pinot Grigio I picked out above. Good for mild curries like a korma or with a coronation chicken salad.
Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina 2007 £9.99
One of those gorgeous sexy new Italian whites that makes a perfect aperitif. It comes from Campania in the south of Italy and is made from the indigenous Falanghina grape variety. I’d also drink it with good quality seafood - fresh crab or scallops or sea bass and fine olive oil.
De Bortoli All Rounder Semillon 2002 £6.99
This is quite unique - and for me, the most intriguing wine of the tasting - a dry botrytis semillon from the Riverlands of New South Wales. It tastes, quite deliciously, of grilled pineapple. The tasting notes suggest it will go with Thai food. I can’t wait to try.
Tesco Finest Tingleup Great Southern Riesling 2007 £5.99
Another success from the Finest range. South Australia is generally held to produce the best riesling Down Under but this is an excellent bottle at a very fair price from Western Australia. It doesn’t have the zesty streak of lime you associate with Aussie riesling but is crisp, well balanced and refreshing. Great for summer drinking: try it with lightly smoked salmon, prawns or crab.
