Wine Choice for May/June

Clocktower  Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010

The first vine in the modern era of Marlborough wine was planted in 1973, with the first grapes harvested in 1976. The company Montana kick-started the modern era of viticulture in this famous area of Sourth Island,  New Zealand.  Vines had been grown here almost a century earlier. Marlborough has one of New Zealand’s sunniest and driest climates. During the summer,  easterly breezes cool the vineyards from mid-morning  into the early evening. All this aids the characteristic fresh, vibrant fruit quality. Marborough’s keynote wine is the famous Sauvignon Blanc, which immediately reminds us of herbaceous aromas and flavours, zingy with tart fruits such as gooseberry.It is this grape which I am recommending as a refreshing summer drink, enjoy it with a meal or on its own, chilled to your own satisfaction. I would prefer to seek out a 2010 vintage if at all possible which gives me a little more body to the wine. I appreciate that the 2011 vintage is widely marketed now and, such is the demand for New Zealand wines, this does not surprise me.

It is this grape which I am recommending as a refreshing summer drink, enjoy it with a meal or on its own, chilled to your own satisfaction. I would prefer to seek out a 2010 vintage if at all possible which gives me a little more body to the wine. I appreciate that the 2011 vintage is widely marketed now and, such is the demand for New Zealand wines, this does not surprise me.

This is a wine produced by renowned winemaker, Brent Marris of Wither Hills winery. It is an innovative and exciting example of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc which combines lively flavours of fresh gooseberry, juicy lemon and tropical fruit with a crisp edge. This is an elegant, sophisticated dry white.  I agree with this description and am happy to recommend it. I am also delighted that this wine is unoaked and I’m sure many who try it will feel it is reminiscent of a fine Sancerre. This is a wine that certainly complements a seafood dish that we enjoy in these parts.

My recommendation is supplied by Marks and Spencer and is available on offer (8.5.2012) at £11.03 a bottle