I wish I could get Government backing for an awareness campaign. I’m giving it the working title, Just Say No to Pinot Grigio. The campaign would urge pinot grigio drinkers to change their allegiance to other wines.
The problem with pinot grigio is that, in the main, it tastes of very little at all. This is assuming that the grape is made in the bone dry and crisp Italian style and not the richer, more unctuous style which I like. However, in this fatter style it is usually called pinot gris, thus there is little confusion.
Anyway, the point I’m making is that I would far rather drink one of the following fresh-tasting white wines which are better by miles.
Majestic has Fritz’s Riesling 2009, made by winemaker Fritz Hasselbach in the Rheinhessen region of Germany. It has a zinging acidity that balances nicely with a little sherbety sweetness.
The sweetness will help it pair with light spicy dishes but it slips down wonderfully as an aperitif also. Peach, citrus, honey and white flowers dominate the nose and palate, with a little minerality. The alcohol level, at 11.5 percent, is refreshingly low too.
De Bortoli DB Semillon Chardonnay 2009 is reasonably priced with a zesty, fresh, easy-drinking style. There’s a hint of toastiness from fermentation in oak barrels, with flavours of mandarin orange, lemon and a hint of honey.
This Aussie wine is a blend of about three quarters semillon, the rest being chardonnay and I reckon it has real crowd pleasing potential.
South African winemaker Charles Back’s Fairview Darling Chenin Blanc 2009 oozes tropical fruits, lemons, pears and honey. The flavours are quite rich, concentrated and long but the wine has a remarkable freshness too.
This is partly due to the fact that the grapes are grown in hilltop vineyards at Darling, which are cooled by breezes from the Atlantic Ocean which is only a few miles away.
Tipping’s Tipples taste warning: remember pinot grigio can seriously weary your palate.
Fritz’s Riesling 2009, Rheinhessen, £7.99 each when you buy two at Majestic 18/20
De Bortoli DB Semillon Chardonnay 2009, £5.99 at Oddbins 17/20
Fairview Darling Chenin Blanc 2009, around £9 at Suddaby’s in Malton and South African Wines Online (www.sawinesonline.co.uk) 18/20
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