White Wine between £8.00 and £12.00 per bottle
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 75c - £48.39
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.07 per bottle. Price on 22-Nov-08 from Tesco.
The wine is intense and ripe, herbaceous and tropical with abundant flavour and natural fruit.
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.07 per bottle. Price on 22-Nov-08 from Tesco.
The wine is intense and ripe, herbaceous and tropical with abundant flavour and natural fruit.
Lategan Barrel Chardonnay 2006 - £8.15
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Trophy-winning winemaker De Wet Lategan's estate in the Breede River valley is spectacular. With a beautiful mountain backdrop and flocks of white egrets make the vineyards picture-perfect. Here the vines enjoy a warmer, drier microclimate than much of the surrounding area, ensuring his grapes are always as ripe and rich as you could wish. ''Complex aromas and flavours of buttered toast, caramel and zesty citrus. A ripe, powerful wine - ideal with roast chicken or rich, creamy dishes''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Trophy-winning winemaker De Wet Lategan's estate in the Breede River valley is spectacular. With a beautiful mountain backdrop and flocks of white egrets make the vineyards picture-perfect. Here the vines enjoy a warmer, drier microclimate than much of the surrounding area, ensuring his grapes are always as ripe and rich as you could wish. ''Complex aromas and flavours of buttered toast, caramel and zesty citrus. A ripe, powerful wine - ideal with roast chicken or rich, creamy dishes''
Chateau Bourdillot - £8.15
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Over the last hundred years, the Haverlan family have crafted tiny quantities of hand-picked, old-vine whites at Chateau Bourdillot. Their wines are typified by intense notes of citrus and pineapple, thanks to the skills of winemaker Henri Ducourneau.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Over the last hundred years, the Haverlan family have crafted tiny quantities of hand-picked, old-vine whites at Chateau Bourdillot. Their wines are typified by intense notes of citrus and pineapple, thanks to the skills of winemaker Henri Ducourneau.
Seven Rivers Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
One sip of Seven Rivers Old Vine Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2007 and you'll see why New Zealand's winemakers are looking nervously at a stunning, cool climate region in Chile's deep south, Bio Bio. This is delicious stuff - astoundingly fresh, with abundant guava, gooseberry and cut grass flavours. Just what you'd expect of the #10-a-bottle, top-notch Sauvignons of Marlborough's boutique estates. Unlike the rest of Chile, Bio Bio (which means 'big big' in the lingo of the local Mapuche tribe) has a large river and waterfall system. Its cooler climate delivers a crisp, mineral freshness akin to France's Loire (home to those great Sauvignons of Sancerre) but also boasts that trademark fruit purity only Chile's endless sunshine makes possible. And old vines deliver an extra intensity thanks to their lower yields. Then there's the vintage. One of Chile's most acclaimed and medal-laden winemakers, Ignacio Recabarren, believes 2007 ''will accomplish the highest scores in the history of Chilean wine''. Certainly we think it's the best vintage of a generation ... and the Emiliana winery is one of Chile's most exciting (it's the leading organic producer in all South America). A genuine steal ... order now! ''Thrilling cut grass and gooseberry aromas, with mouthwatering guava and pure tropical fruit flavours so typical of Chile - plus a tongue-tingling minerality you'd normally associate with top-notch Loire whites. Perfect with seafood and goat's cheese ... and no excuse needed to enjoy a glass or two on its own!''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
One sip of Seven Rivers Old Vine Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2007 and you'll see why New Zealand's winemakers are looking nervously at a stunning, cool climate region in Chile's deep south, Bio Bio. This is delicious stuff - astoundingly fresh, with abundant guava, gooseberry and cut grass flavours. Just what you'd expect of the #10-a-bottle, top-notch Sauvignons of Marlborough's boutique estates. Unlike the rest of Chile, Bio Bio (which means 'big big' in the lingo of the local Mapuche tribe) has a large river and waterfall system. Its cooler climate delivers a crisp, mineral freshness akin to France's Loire (home to those great Sauvignons of Sancerre) but also boasts that trademark fruit purity only Chile's endless sunshine makes possible. And old vines deliver an extra intensity thanks to their lower yields. Then there's the vintage. One of Chile's most acclaimed and medal-laden winemakers, Ignacio Recabarren, believes 2007 ''will accomplish the highest scores in the history of Chilean wine''. Certainly we think it's the best vintage of a generation ... and the Emiliana winery is one of Chile's most exciting (it's the leading organic producer in all South America). A genuine steal ... order now! ''Thrilling cut grass and gooseberry aromas, with mouthwatering guava and pure tropical fruit flavours so typical of Chile - plus a tongue-tingling minerality you'd normally associate with top-notch Loire whites. Perfect with seafood and goat's cheese ... and no excuse needed to enjoy a glass or two on its own!''
Le Sommet Viognier 2004 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Viognier is rare outside its Rhone heartland where it's most famous in its Condrieu incarnation... at sky-high prices! One short hop across the mighty Rhone river and you'll find yourself in the Ardeche...home of Le Sommet...where gifted winemakers offer comparable first-class quality at a fraction of the price. Juicy and full of flavour with beguiling aromas of peach, honeysuckle and apricot. It'll drink best chilled alongside charcuterie - prosciutto, or delicate ripe cheeses.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Viognier is rare outside its Rhone heartland where it's most famous in its Condrieu incarnation... at sky-high prices! One short hop across the mighty Rhone river and you'll find yourself in the Ardeche...home of Le Sommet...where gifted winemakers offer comparable first-class quality at a fraction of the price. Juicy and full of flavour with beguiling aromas of peach, honeysuckle and apricot. It'll drink best chilled alongside charcuterie - prosciutto, or delicate ripe cheeses.
Selection Andre Roux 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
There's no winemaker alive with more experience than Andre Roux and today sees the launch of a big, yet uniquely refreshing white! Amazingly, this is Andre's 70th vintage ... he was coaxed out of retirement by the legions of customers who are devoted to his wines. Andre's special selection is a combination of rich, luxurious Viognier - the great grape of #20-a-bottle Condrieu - kept lively and refreshing by an equal portion of Grenache Blanc. And unlike many of its counterparts, it's unoaked to let the exotic fruit flavours shine through. Pure, fresh aromas of ripe peach and hints of apricot and white musk. Complex yet balanced, wiht great body and structure form the Grenache, plus all the golden exotic character of top Viognier. A delicious glass to enjoy on its own or as a fine dining accompaniment.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
There's no winemaker alive with more experience than Andre Roux and today sees the launch of a big, yet uniquely refreshing white! Amazingly, this is Andre's 70th vintage ... he was coaxed out of retirement by the legions of customers who are devoted to his wines. Andre's special selection is a combination of rich, luxurious Viognier - the great grape of #20-a-bottle Condrieu - kept lively and refreshing by an equal portion of Grenache Blanc. And unlike many of its counterparts, it's unoaked to let the exotic fruit flavours shine through. Pure, fresh aromas of ripe peach and hints of apricot and white musk. Complex yet balanced, wiht great body and structure form the Grenache, plus all the golden exotic character of top Viognier. A delicious glass to enjoy on its own or as a fine dining accompaniment.
Palacio de Menade Seleccionada 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A deliciously zippy, mouthwatering white wine, Palacio de Menade Seleccionada is a Spanish white to rival New Zealand Sauvignon or Loire Valley Sancerre. Made from some of the best parcels of grapes, from the terrific 2006 vintage, the fresh citrus and fine gooseberry aromas owe their presence to a splash of Sauvignon Blanc, while intensely refreshing local speciality Verdejo adds all-important weight and length. Just the thing to enjoy chilled with fresh seafood.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A deliciously zippy, mouthwatering white wine, Palacio de Menade Seleccionada is a Spanish white to rival New Zealand Sauvignon or Loire Valley Sancerre. Made from some of the best parcels of grapes, from the terrific 2006 vintage, the fresh citrus and fine gooseberry aromas owe their presence to a splash of Sauvignon Blanc, while intensely refreshing local speciality Verdejo adds all-important weight and length. Just the thing to enjoy chilled with fresh seafood.
Le Sommet Viognier 2005 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Spicy, full bodied French Viognier from the Ardeche region - an isolated area that is rarely visited outside the Summer months, when it becomes an adventure playground for tourists interested in water sports. Although little known, the Ardeche is home to some seriously good wines made using similar grape varieties as those found in the neighbouring Rhone Valley. Viognier is most famous in classic Rhone white Condrieu, which often sells for #15-#20 a bottle. Here, the Cave de Valvigneres - an award-winning cellar - have crafted a wine that mirrors the creamy, fresh apricot, honey and spice flavours of a top Condrieu ... yet for a much more appealing price! This is a rich, oak-aged white with a creamy texture, flavours of apricots, honey and hazelnuts, and notes of spicy vanilla. Enjoy with rich fish dishes, roast chicken or pheasant. 12.5% vol. Drink by the end of 2007.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Spicy, full bodied French Viognier from the Ardeche region - an isolated area that is rarely visited outside the Summer months, when it becomes an adventure playground for tourists interested in water sports. Although little known, the Ardeche is home to some seriously good wines made using similar grape varieties as those found in the neighbouring Rhone Valley. Viognier is most famous in classic Rhone white Condrieu, which often sells for #15-#20 a bottle. Here, the Cave de Valvigneres - an award-winning cellar - have crafted a wine that mirrors the creamy, fresh apricot, honey and spice flavours of a top Condrieu ... yet for a much more appealing price! This is a rich, oak-aged white with a creamy texture, flavours of apricots, honey and hazelnuts, and notes of spicy vanilla. Enjoy with rich fish dishes, roast chicken or pheasant. 12.5% vol. Drink by the end of 2007.
Sentiero Sauvignon Blanc 2004 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Named after the spiral footpath that snakes its way through the vineyards, visible from the main road that runs from Verona to Trento, and on to the Brenner Pass, Sentiero Sauvignon Blanc is made by the Concilio winery ... which has a history of winemaking in the Trentino Alto Adige region since 1860. Although proud of its heritage, the winery uses the modern stainless steel winemaking equipment to retain the maximum aroma and flavour in the wine. Fresh and nettle-scented, with a hint of blackcurrant leaf and fresh, lemony flavours. Delightfully crisp and refreshing, this is delicious drunk on its own or with grilled trout & toasted almonds, or taglietelle with fresh basil and plum tomatoes.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Named after the spiral footpath that snakes its way through the vineyards, visible from the main road that runs from Verona to Trento, and on to the Brenner Pass, Sentiero Sauvignon Blanc is made by the Concilio winery ... which has a history of winemaking in the Trentino Alto Adige region since 1860. Although proud of its heritage, the winery uses the modern stainless steel winemaking equipment to retain the maximum aroma and flavour in the wine. Fresh and nettle-scented, with a hint of blackcurrant leaf and fresh, lemony flavours. Delightfully crisp and refreshing, this is delicious drunk on its own or with grilled trout & toasted almonds, or taglietelle with fresh basil and plum tomatoes.
Sentiero Riesling 2005 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
If you like refreshing whites, you'll love this pristine, high-altitude Riesling from the Flessati family. Sentiero is named after the spiral footpath that snakes its way through the vineyard, visible from the road running from Verona to Trento. With warm days and cool nights, the vineyards are ideal for creating crisp, aromatic white wines. Invigorating mountain air helps give this dry Riesling a fresh mouthwatering appeal. Bright and appetising with crisp flavours of green apple, a touch of lime and tongue-tingling freshness. Like all great Riesling, classic petrol edges lie in wait to develop. Enjoy as an aperitif, or serve with streamed fresh asparagus or grilled fish with a light herb sauce.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
If you like refreshing whites, you'll love this pristine, high-altitude Riesling from the Flessati family. Sentiero is named after the spiral footpath that snakes its way through the vineyard, visible from the road running from Verona to Trento. With warm days and cool nights, the vineyards are ideal for creating crisp, aromatic white wines. Invigorating mountain air helps give this dry Riesling a fresh mouthwatering appeal. Bright and appetising with crisp flavours of green apple, a touch of lime and tongue-tingling freshness. Like all great Riesling, classic petrol edges lie in wait to develop. Enjoy as an aperitif, or serve with streamed fresh asparagus or grilled fish with a light herb sauce.
Pascal Bouchard Les Ouvrees 2005 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Recommended by France's wine-buying bible, Le Guide Hachette, this superb white Burgundy is very much in a Chablis mould. Pascal uses Chardonnay grapes sourced exclusively from his vineyards in Auxerre just west of Chablis. The town of Auxerre is steeped in history - there were vineyards running up to the wall of the town as long ago as AD680! Today the Cotes d'Auxerre has seen a revival, although its principle market remains Paris. Pale straw colour with generous aromas of peach, apple and a hint of hay. Minerally, citrus flavours balance broader peach and butter notes.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Recommended by France's wine-buying bible, Le Guide Hachette, this superb white Burgundy is very much in a Chablis mould. Pascal uses Chardonnay grapes sourced exclusively from his vineyards in Auxerre just west of Chablis. The town of Auxerre is steeped in history - there were vineyards running up to the wall of the town as long ago as AD680! Today the Cotes d'Auxerre has seen a revival, although its principle market remains Paris. Pale straw colour with generous aromas of peach, apple and a hint of hay. Minerally, citrus flavours balance broader peach and butter notes.
Forbes Estate Viognier 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Scottish pioneers, the Forbes family arrived in Australia's Riverland region in 1911. Creating a thriving farming estate, they spent 80 years supplying grapes to many of the big names. In 1999, they decided to 'go it alone' with medal-winning success. ''Classic apricot aromas and filled with gently spice, tropical fruit flavours. Serve chilled with salads, poultry and creamy pasta.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Scottish pioneers, the Forbes family arrived in Australia's Riverland region in 1911. Creating a thriving farming estate, they spent 80 years supplying grapes to many of the big names. In 1999, they decided to 'go it alone' with medal-winning success. ''Classic apricot aromas and filled with gently spice, tropical fruit flavours. Serve chilled with salads, poultry and creamy pasta.''
JMS Sauvignon 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Medal-bedecked Laithwaite Sauvignon is your favourite French white and the wine that first made Jean-Marc's reputation 10 years ago. Well, JMS recently visited the Loire winemaking genius Didier Dagueneau of Pouilly-Fume. Inspired, he has since been experimenting with tiny amounts of various barrel-fermented 'super Sauvignons' ... and this one is reserved for the Chai. Not so explosively aromatic and jazzy, it gives you deeper, longer Sauvignon flavours ... add that touch of barrel-fermentation and you'll find cream, vanilla, depth and length. Superb stuff - but only four barrels made!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Medal-bedecked Laithwaite Sauvignon is your favourite French white and the wine that first made Jean-Marc's reputation 10 years ago. Well, JMS recently visited the Loire winemaking genius Didier Dagueneau of Pouilly-Fume. Inspired, he has since been experimenting with tiny amounts of various barrel-fermented 'super Sauvignons' ... and this one is reserved for the Chai. Not so explosively aromatic and jazzy, it gives you deeper, longer Sauvignon flavours ... add that touch of barrel-fermentation and you'll find cream, vanilla, depth and length. Superb stuff - but only four barrels made!
Warburn Estate Oak Aged Chardonnay 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Winemaker Sam Trimboli has won more wine awards than any other Aussie producer - and judging by this awesome white - it's easy to see why! Meticulously handcrafted using parcels of premium fruit, this sumptuous Chardonnay could easily rival top-shelf Burgundy. 2007 was an exciting year for this region ... producing slowly ripened fruit - packed with a range of complex flavours. This delicious Chardonnay has bags of fresh-fruit appeal! Creamy tropical flavours are in perfect harmony with the wine's lemony freshness. Rich and decadent - it would suit a number of dishes, including oak-roasted Salmon, grilled chicken and vegetable pie.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Winemaker Sam Trimboli has won more wine awards than any other Aussie producer - and judging by this awesome white - it's easy to see why! Meticulously handcrafted using parcels of premium fruit, this sumptuous Chardonnay could easily rival top-shelf Burgundy. 2007 was an exciting year for this region ... producing slowly ripened fruit - packed with a range of complex flavours. This delicious Chardonnay has bags of fresh-fruit appeal! Creamy tropical flavours are in perfect harmony with the wine's lemony freshness. Rich and decadent - it would suit a number of dishes, including oak-roasted Salmon, grilled chicken and vegetable pie.
Gran Tarapaca Viognier 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Every time our Buyers return from a trip to Chile, they rave about Tarapaca! Situated in the Maipo Valley, just below the Andes, the historic estate (founded in 1874) is not only breathtakingly beautiful but is surrounded by vineyards which benefit from ideal grape-growing conditions. Cool breezes and abundant sunshine infuses the grapes with aromatic freshness and a full, ripe flavour. Vi?a Tarapaca uses state-of-the-art equipment, together with traditional, quality-driven techniques to keep all the pure flavours of their refreshing Viognier intact - from vine to glass! Elegant and vibrant - this delicious white is bursting with personality! Abundant peach, apricot and honey-blossom flavours are complimented by subtle marzipan notes. Fantastic on its own or with roast chicken or fish dishes.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Every time our Buyers return from a trip to Chile, they rave about Tarapaca! Situated in the Maipo Valley, just below the Andes, the historic estate (founded in 1874) is not only breathtakingly beautiful but is surrounded by vineyards which benefit from ideal grape-growing conditions. Cool breezes and abundant sunshine infuses the grapes with aromatic freshness and a full, ripe flavour. Vi?a Tarapaca uses state-of-the-art equipment, together with traditional, quality-driven techniques to keep all the pure flavours of their refreshing Viognier intact - from vine to glass! Elegant and vibrant - this delicious white is bursting with personality! Abundant peach, apricot and honey-blossom flavours are complimented by subtle marzipan notes. Fantastic on its own or with roast chicken or fish dishes.
Familia Martinez Bujanda Blanco 2005 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The Bujanda family of Rioja has a worldwide reputation for wines of extraordinary grace and purity. In fact you'd need to look to the finest chateaux of Bordeaux to see similar 'no expense spared' commitment to quality - in the vineyard, winery and barrel hall ... as The Independent says, the family has created ''a new benchmark of quality''. Thanks to a longstanding friendship with the family going back over 20 years, you get exclusive access to the Bujanda Rioja cellar ... and gems like their creamy white Rioja! Premium Viura grapes were rushed from the vineyard to the cool cellars to capture the precious aromas of white flowers, citrus and apricot blossom ... before luxurious oaking added a nutty, buttery richness. A delicious choice for fine dining.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The Bujanda family of Rioja has a worldwide reputation for wines of extraordinary grace and purity. In fact you'd need to look to the finest chateaux of Bordeaux to see similar 'no expense spared' commitment to quality - in the vineyard, winery and barrel hall ... as The Independent says, the family has created ''a new benchmark of quality''. Thanks to a longstanding friendship with the family going back over 20 years, you get exclusive access to the Bujanda Rioja cellar ... and gems like their creamy white Rioja! Premium Viura grapes were rushed from the vineyard to the cool cellars to capture the precious aromas of white flowers, citrus and apricot blossom ... before luxurious oaking added a nutty, buttery richness. A delicious choice for fine dining.
Laithwaite Viognier 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Deliciously rich and aromatic, this stunning Viognier was made by consultant Jean-Marc Sauboua, who carefully selected top quality fruit from the premium hillside vineyards of southern France where Viognier ripens to perfection. He then fermented the wine the very finest French barrels to add integrated layers of complex oak. In the Rhone where Viognier comes from, this kind of complexity would normally cost at least #20 a bottle! If you've yet to try Viognier, make this one your first! Big, rich and concentrated. Full of honey, ripe apricots and creamy oak, kept clean by crisp citrus notes. Bold enough to cope with a myriad of flavours.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Deliciously rich and aromatic, this stunning Viognier was made by consultant Jean-Marc Sauboua, who carefully selected top quality fruit from the premium hillside vineyards of southern France where Viognier ripens to perfection. He then fermented the wine the very finest French barrels to add integrated layers of complex oak. In the Rhone where Viognier comes from, this kind of complexity would normally cost at least #20 a bottle! If you've yet to try Viognier, make this one your first! Big, rich and concentrated. Full of honey, ripe apricots and creamy oak, kept clean by crisp citrus notes. Bold enough to cope with a myriad of flavours.
Les Parettes Jean et Frederic Touzot - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made from 100% old vine Chardonnay from the esteemed Touzot family estate located in the heart of the Macon region - this quintessential dinner-party white is extremely good value for money! The Times recently called Macon-Villages ''one of the claims to greatness of Burgundy 2005'' - so these wines won't be around for long! Luxuriously creamy with swathes of buttery richness - this glorious barrel-aged Chardonnay gives classic Meursault a run for its money! A delicious partner to roast chicken - stock up today!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made from 100% old vine Chardonnay from the esteemed Touzot family estate located in the heart of the Macon region - this quintessential dinner-party white is extremely good value for money! The Times recently called Macon-Villages ''one of the claims to greatness of Burgundy 2005'' - so these wines won't be around for long! Luxuriously creamy with swathes of buttery richness - this glorious barrel-aged Chardonnay gives classic Meursault a run for its money! A delicious partner to roast chicken - stock up today!
Calabria Estate Viognier 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bill Calabria's take on pure, hedonistic Viognier - the grape famous for the #20-a-bottle, finest whites of the Rhone. Bill's grapes come from a favoured slope, are night-harvested and ever-so-carefully handled to capture the full array of apricot and peach flavours, enhanced by gentle barrel-ageing. ''Dazzling with a fragrant aroma of apricot, orange blossom and musk. Rich, fruity sweet peach and spice flavours with a citrus twist. Delicious with Asian cuisine, tempura and chicken salad.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bill Calabria's take on pure, hedonistic Viognier - the grape famous for the #20-a-bottle, finest whites of the Rhone. Bill's grapes come from a favoured slope, are night-harvested and ever-so-carefully handled to capture the full array of apricot and peach flavours, enhanced by gentle barrel-ageing. ''Dazzling with a fragrant aroma of apricot, orange blossom and musk. Rich, fruity sweet peach and spice flavours with a citrus twist. Delicious with Asian cuisine, tempura and chicken salad.''
Gran Tarapaca Casablanca Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Casablanca has been hailed as a source of Chile's ''most exciting whites'' by Tim Atkin MW, so it's little wonder that Tarapaca are seriously proud of their dazzling Sauvignon from this exciting region. The secret to the success of white wines here are the cool breezes that drift in from the Pacific Ocean, helping to lengthen the ripening season and give wonderfully concentrated fruit flavours. Winemakers Ed Flaherty and Cristian Molina - who has several Parker-rated wines to his name - selected only the very best Sauvignon grapes (less than 0.6% of their total harvest!) to go into Gran Tarapaca, and treated a fraction of the wine to 4 months in French oak barrels to add a hint of vanilla richness. This attention to detail, combined with one of the best vintages Chile has ever seen, makes for a truly stunning wine! Intense aromas of kiwi and passion fruit merge seamlessly with savoury asparagus flavours and hints of minerality. An outstanding aperitif, it will also make a delicious partner to traditional Chilean ceviche (raw fish 'cooked' with lemon juice, onions and red peppers), sushi or a crisp green salad with grilled goat's cheese.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Casablanca has been hailed as a source of Chile's ''most exciting whites'' by Tim Atkin MW, so it's little wonder that Tarapaca are seriously proud of their dazzling Sauvignon from this exciting region. The secret to the success of white wines here are the cool breezes that drift in from the Pacific Ocean, helping to lengthen the ripening season and give wonderfully concentrated fruit flavours. Winemakers Ed Flaherty and Cristian Molina - who has several Parker-rated wines to his name - selected only the very best Sauvignon grapes (less than 0.6% of their total harvest!) to go into Gran Tarapaca, and treated a fraction of the wine to 4 months in French oak barrels to add a hint of vanilla richness. This attention to detail, combined with one of the best vintages Chile has ever seen, makes for a truly stunning wine! Intense aromas of kiwi and passion fruit merge seamlessly with savoury asparagus flavours and hints of minerality. An outstanding aperitif, it will also make a delicious partner to traditional Chilean ceviche (raw fish 'cooked' with lemon juice, onions and red peppers), sushi or a crisp green salad with grilled goat's cheese.