Learning about and discovering new wines
PepperBox Chardonnay 2022 (South Eastern Australia)
Though an oaked Chardonnay may not be to everyone’s taste, this PepperBox Chardonnay from the Casella winery in New South Wales, is a very good wine.
With pineapple, mango and vanilla aromas on the nose, and tropical fruits on the palate, this is a wine with plenty of character, a creamy mouthfeel, and a smooth buttery finish.
It can be enjoyed by itself, or with a seafood or poultry dish.
Available from Sainsbury’s (£9)
Little Cricket Grüner Veltliner 2021 (Hungary)
Though Grüner Veltliner is perhaps best known as Austria’s signature grape, this very good wine from neighbouring Hungary is a fine example of this grape variety.
This is a refreshing, crisp wine with aromas of green apple and pear on the nose, and flavours of apple, melon, citrus fruits and a hint of pepper on the palate. A dry wine with a lengthy finish, this is a very agreeable wine to drink by itself, or as an ideal match for a salad or seafood dish. It will also go well with a slightly spicy Asian dish.
Available from Cambridge Wine Merchants (£8.99)
Chapel Down Bacchus 2022 (Kent)
First established as a vineyard in 1977, Chapel Down in Kent has since undergone a number of iterations to become one of England’s leading wine producers.
An aromatic wine with notes of melon and citrus on the nose, and flavours of apple, melon and grapefruit on the palate, this is a crisp, refreshing and well-balanced wine with a long finish.
Enjoy by itself or with seafood, salad or Thai food. It also pairs well with Wensleydale cheese. If you like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, why not give Bacchus a try!
Available from Grape Britannia (£16.99)