Sleek, sensual, dry whites are the call of the day to complement the delicious fish recipes in this week’s Weekend Magazine.
2009 La Vis, Storie di Vite Pinot Grigio, Trentino, Italy (£7.99, Waitrose). This succulent, refreshing pg is very widely available and it really does hit the mark with lighter fish dishes. With more depth and citrus flavour than most it is a delicious light white with a lip-smackingly finish.
2009 Lenswood Hills, Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills, South Australia (£9.49, Laithwaites Wine, tel. 0845 194 7700 & www.laithwaites.co.uk). Made by the celebrated Aussie winemaker Neil Pike, this sultry, layered, honey and hazelnut-scented chardonnay is a treat with main course fish dishes and creamy sauces.
2009 Tasmanian Sauvignon Blanc, Australia (£9.99, Marks & Spencer). Tasmania is fast becoming a cult region in Australia for really fine wines. Taste this crisp, lime and fresh herb-imbued white and marvel in its control and nervy acidity. Posher than many Kiwi sauvignons, keep your eyes peeled for Tassy wines.
2009 Palais des Anciens, Côtes du Roussillon Blanc, Southern France (£7.49, Tesco). This is a wild blend of grenache blanc, macabeu and vermentino and these three grapes bring stone fruit, waxy honey and wild flowers to the party. Inspirational and wonderful, with a bit of weird thrown in, too, this is a quirky wine for meatier fish dishes.
2009 Cheverny, Le Vieux Clos, Domaine du Salvard, Loire (£7.99, Majestic). Made predominately sauvignon blanc, with a touch of chardonnay in the mix, this is a superb substitute for more expensive Sancerres and Pouilly-Fumés. With calm, smooth, elderflower and gooseberry notes in spite of its affordable price this is a highly sought after wine, particularly in top French restaurants on account of its affinity with seafood!
2009 Leasingham, Magnus Riesling, Clare Valley, South Australia (£8.99, Sainsbury’s). This is a cracking dry riesling from a great vintage and it can handle any spice or chilli heat in your fish dishes. Soothing, luxurious and with hints of tropical fruit this wine will drink brilliantly from now until 2015!
