In the murky mid-winter, it’s all about mood-lifting wines – bright whites to seek and satisfy our desire for a drop of sunshine in a glass.
Something bright and fresh, with good depth and drive to pep up seafood pasta and fish pies; add some zest to fish finger sarnies and sing with seafood chowder.
Here’s what’s hitting all the right notes and bringing a smile to our faces…
1. Extra Special Palacio De Vivero Verdejo 2022, Rueda, Spain, £6.75, Asda
If you’re not familiar with verdejo, this Spanish native grape speaks of citrusy freshness with green notes (similar to a sauvignon blanc), hints of herbs, stone fruits, fennel and bright, lemony acidity. Mouthwatering, this IWSC Silver Medal Winner 2024 is a pure expression – and one for battered fish and chips with its zesty finish.
2. The Society’s Australian Chardonnay 2024, Australia, £7.50, The Wine Society
Yalumba, Australia’s oldest family-owned winery always overdeliver – and is the name behind this crisp, lemon-edged chardonnay with ripe peachy-appley fruit along with limey notes; it’s nicely textured with balanced acidity – pair it with flaky fish in a white wine sauce with herbs, garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
3. San Pedro 35 South Sauvignon Blanc 2024, San Pedro, Chile, £7.75, Sainsbury’s
Ever-popular, we can never seem to sink enough sauvignon blanc – and Chile’s flagship, seafood-loving white is defined by tangy citrus flavours and mouthwatering freshness. Packed with zesty grapefruit, lemon, touch of tangerine and subtle herbal note; a racy acidity and nice citrusy tartness on the persistent, mountain fresh finish. A win-win with mid-week sardines on toast, or cheeky fish finger sarnie.
4. M&S Chateau Galochet Bordeaux Blanc 2023, France, £10, Ocado
A mood-boosting Bordeaux, there’s a generous splash of semillon to bolster the sauvignon blanc; balancing the flavour profile and lending a citrusy, toasty richness. With a white, floral nose, citrus, peach and pear are at the fore with some limey zest, streak of minerality and subtle toasted note on the uplifting finish. A go-to with seafood quiche.
5. No1 Foundation Cederberg Chenin Blanc 2023, South Africa, £12.99, Waitrose
Cited as one of the world’s most versatile grapes – from dry to sweet to sparkling – this producer’s standout chenin in a dry, youthful style offers enticing blossomy aromas, flavours of bright orchard fruits interwoven with melon, grapefruit, juicy white peach and fresh, citrusy acidity. Wonderfully balanced, it’s a natural with seafood such as creamy, prawn pasta or simple poached salmon.
6. La Voute 2023, Vin de France, Limoux, France, £17.99, Laithwaites
A chardonnay lovers chardonnay, this is a full-bodied, creamy, rich style which showcases tropical fruits, lively peach, pear, apple and nectarine, framed by bright acidity; with subtle oak vanilla and spice on the textured, refreshing finish. Utterly delicious, this sleek wine is a top drop with bold flavours of heavier seafood like creamy fish pie, or bowl of clam chowder with crusty French bread. Cheers!
