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With the days getting longer, the nights getting lighter and the weather getting warmer (ish!), now is the time we start changing our drinking habits for spring. Big, full-bodied whites and reds are left on the rack and crisp, fresh whites are loaded into the fridge. Many of our customers ask for Sauvignon Blanc when they are wanting a dry crisp and refreshing white, however, we love suggesting some other great grape varieties that I am sure they will love as much as they enjoy Sauvignon Blanc. So, if you usually grab a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc but fancy a change, here's what I suggest you try…
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is a light-bodied zesty white wine which can be both dry and sweet. A crisp dry Chenin Blanc is a great alternative to Sauvignon with it's a high acidity and zesty flavours . This is the perfect pairing to light seafood and fish dishes that are in season now.
SHOP CHENIN BLANC
Chardonnay
When I say Chardonnay I mean a crisp, refreshing, unoaked Chardonnay as opposed to the big, full-bodied oaked Chardonnays that you might be thinking of. A fresh, unoaked appley Chardonnay is simply delicious and can be a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc.
SHOP CHARDONNAY
Something a little different
I am a big believer in always trying something different and whether you know your grapes well or not, the following wines are a little different to the norm and well worth a try:
Muscadet
is another Loire Valley white wine made with the Melon de Borugogne grape variety. It is a crisp, refreshing wine with key flavours of lemon and lime, green apple and pear. It's light-bodied with high acidity which makes it a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc and an obvious choice to pair this with delicious seafood and fish dishes.
SHOP MUSCADET
Pinot Gris
Also known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, it is one of the darkest skinned grape varieties used to produce white wine. A great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc as it is crisp and dry with good acidity like a typical Sauv Blanc. Delicious lime and lemon flavours with a touch of white stone fruits on the palate too. Our New Zealand Esk Valley Pinot Gris is a great choice if you are looking for something a little different. It's a little more full-bodied and richer in style than the other wines I have suggested, however, I really believe you will love it. Aromatic with flavours of stone fruit, honey and pears with a hint of spice providing complexity. This is great with soft cheeses, pork and seafood dishes.
SHOP PINOT GRIS
I really hope this helps you find some great alternatives to Sauvignon Blanc to try out over spring and summer. Please let us know how you get on, I love hearing about great wine discoveries and also if you need any more help deciding on some great wines to try please call me in the office on 01325 776446 or email me amy@bcfw.co.uk and I'll be happy to help.
