Tesco Finest Pouilly Fume (£13, Tesco)
Pouilly Fumé is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes that acquire a powdery, smoky or ‘fumé’ blue coat at the peak of maturation. The nose is classic Pouilly-Fumé, with aromas of citrus, apple and grass, as well as a smoky note. The palate is rich (owing to a warm vintage) yet fresh, with a long, mineral finish. This works with dishes as diverse as goats’ cheese, oysters, seafood and chicken.
2018 Maremma Toscana Rosso (£7.99, Lidl)
Maremma Toscana is a relatively new DOC region on Italy’s western coast producing interesting (and impressive) red wines and this is a good mid-priced example of what the area does well. Smooth but with slightly chewy tannin, it delivers full and weighty black cherry fruit with an appealing assembly of supporting flavours including chocolate, clove, thyme and even hints of tomato.
WINE OF THE WEEK
Co-op Chianti, (£6, Co-op)
This is a classic rustic red from the Tuscan hills. When people think of Italian wine they often think of poor quality whites or Chianti – but the quality has improved dramatically recently. This example is ripe and juicy with notes of cedar and raspberries. The palate is fresh with flavours of red berries, liquorice and plum to finish. This is a serious wine at a fair price, with an appealing structure and a long finish.
