MARCH 2013 - BARGAIN WHITES

MARCH 2013 - BARGAIN WHITES

If you are looking for a bargain white wine from the supermarket in the next week then look no further than Morrisons, Asda or the Co-op. All of the wines recommended are in the price range £4.49 to £7.48 and are on offer for the next week at least. Most  of the wines are available at other outlets at similar or higher prices.
I have included wines from Australia, New Zealand, Chile and South Africa made from 5 different grape varieties. Some of the wines are fab and others are of lesser quality, but still readily drinkable for the price. Go for a bit of a contrast by trying the Zilzie Viognier at £5.48 or the Hardy’s Nottage Hill at £5.49 both excellent but quite different styles.

If you are interested in any of these bargain whites then don’t delay.

ASDA

£5.00 - Nobilo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012 - Usually £8.99
Recommended by me on numerous occasions Nobilo is an excellent example of New Zealand sauvignon blanc at a brilliant price. It is crisp and zesty with a refreshing finish and a distinctive bouquet of tropical and citrus fruit, gooseberry and passion fruit. The wine is well balanced between fruit and acidity and has a distinctive grapefruit flavour. It is good on its own but goes perfectly with fish, prawns and smoked salmon. Even at full price Nobilo is still great value.

£5.48 - Zilzie Viognier 2012 Usually £6.99

This is an excellent Viognier from Australia, which is best drunk young. It has a typical floral nose  and is jam-packed with apricot and lime marmalade, ginger spice and luscious golden fruits. Originally coming from the Rhone valley in France the Viognier grape is definitely different from chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and insipid Pinot Grigio. Viognier can be drunk on its own or with fish or white meats and is beautiful when sipped well chilled on a summer’s evening.

£7.48 - Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2011 -  Usually £9.99

Koonunga Hill Chardonnay is a beautiful big round tropical flavoured wine from Australia. Penfolds is one of the top Ozzie winemakers and the quality shows in this wine. It has flavours of honeydew melon, white peach and lemon/lime citrus aromas. The influence of oak provides an added dimension of complexity to this impressive, balanced wine. Penfolds were established in 1844 and by applying a long held philosophy of blending select parcels of grapes from South Australia's wine regions, Penfolds winemakers are able to craft wines of distinction without ever compromising on quality.  Drink now or keep for a couple of years.

CO-OP

£4.99 - Lindeman’s Winemakers Release Chardonnay 2012 - Usually £7.49 to £11.99
This is a typical Australian chardonnay from a major producer at a rock bottom price in. It is soft and easy drinking and packed with vibrant white peach and pear aromas and flavours, with a lovely citrusy edge. A great party wine, with a wide appeal especially when well chilled. Delicious on its own or pair with fish pie, chicken in a creamy sauce and pork steaks.

£5.48 - Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2012 - Usually £7.49 to £9.99

From Australia this Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and fresh with classic gooseberry and grass aromas. Plenty of zingy, citrus acidity on the palate. Excellent as an apéritif, or as a complement to flaky white fish dishes. This Sauvignon Blanc is cool fermented in stainless steel to preserve the crisp, fresh fruit of this variety.

MORRISONS

Viña Maipo Reserva Especial Sauvignon Blanc 2012
£4.99 Usually 9.99
This is a Chilean wine that is often on special. It is dry, fruity and light with a touch of acidity. From the Maipo Valley it has light peach and grapefruit flavours and a flowery scent. Vina maipo is much fruitier than its New Zealand cousins which offer a much drier style. Very easy to drink on its own and goes well with prawns , langoustines and most white meats.

£5.49 - Hardy’s Nottage Hill Chardonnay  2012 - Usually £8.29 to £9.99

I love this award winning medium dry Australian chardonnay with it’s full flavoured tropical and melon fruits and a lovely touch of acidity plus a little bit of oaky complexity on the finish. It is well rounded with an elegant finish and a quality appeal that will age for a couple of years. I am drinking the 2010 just now and its excellent. Commended by both Decanter Magazine and the International Wine & Spirit Awards in 2012 it is highly recommended for price and for keeping.

£4.49 - Kumala Winemakers Release Chenin Colombard 2012

Usually £9.99
This is the cheapest recommendation for early March. Excellent value for money and you certainly get what you pay for at £4.49. Kumala Winemakers Release Chenin Colombard is a blend of chenin blanc and colombard grapes. Coming from South Africa where some of the best chenin blanc wines are made this is a simple, slightly acid, fruity white wine and is a popular choice at basement prices. Light and crisp with a citrusy edge this best drunk with food and is a no-brainer for chicken and fish dishes.