September steers us in many ways, but with an ‘R’ in the month and the start of the native oyster season, now’s the perfect time to pick out a fresh white wine and plunder the fruits of the sea.
But what of other shellfish and sea creatures? After all, not everyone is a fan of shucking oysters.
Don’t worry, these easy breezy, brilliant whites will put the wind in your sails – and wash down wonderfully with crab, prawns or fresh fish.
1. Sorcova Pinot Grigio 2019, Romania (£5.84 from £7.79, now until September 22, Waitrose)
A star buy and proof that an everyday pinot grigio may be simple, yet deliciously easy to sink. With perky tropical fruits and ample floral aromas, a good balance of citrusy acidity supporting the ripe melon and apple flavours, it’s fresh, fruity and fun. Pairs equally well with a creamy seafood linguine, garlic butter shrimp and dressed crab.
2. Tesco Finest Passerina 2019, Abruzzo, Italy (£6 from £7, now until October 5, Tesco)
Here’s a steal. Not only do you get a picture postcard label, but a rare grape variety named after the sparrow that likes feeding on them. Floral-edged with a beam of ripe peach – interspersed with scents of herbs – this charming white is soft and round, while the citrusy acidity keeps it vivid and uplifting. And we can’t think of a better match than tagliolini with squid, or a good seafood risotto.
3. RAW Airen Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc, Spain (£8, Co-op, in-store)
Lively and refreshing, this wine’s appeal is heightened by the fact that a verdejo (Spain’s most popular white grape) sauvignon blanc blend rarely fails to deliver. The abundant aromatics, delicate herbaceous fruit character, lovely peachy, citrusy notes with hints of pear and a minerality are divine. Plus, it’s organic and vegan. One for oysters, shellfish platters and smoked fish.
4. The Best Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie 2019, France (£8, Morrisons)
From the most westerly point of the beautiful Loire Valley, where you can almost taste the sandy wind from the Atlantic coastline, Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie is the fish-loving label to look for. A gastronomic style of Muscadet, the wines are more concentrated with creamy notes from ‘sur lie’ – meaning the wines are left in contact with dead yeast cells, adding depth and complexity. This one’s remarkably zesty with hints of apples, quince and a lovely salty, creamy, tang.
5. Asda Extra Special Albariño 2019, Rias Baixas, Spain (£9, Asda)
An ace albariño to remind us why this Galician gem soars with seafood. Aromatic and fruit forward with lovely depth of flavour, think classic citrus with bright peach and orchard fruits, a zesty minerality and crisp saline note. Refreshingly satisfying – serve with Spanish tapas or grilled fish.
6. Villemarin Picpoul de Pinet 2019, South of France (£9.99, £8.99 mix six, Majestic)
A picpoul that catches the Mediterranean breeze from the Languedoc’s coastal vineyards and faint, salty tang from seaside restaurants in Sète, it’s hardly surprising this seafood lovers’ white works so well with a plate of half-a-dozen of those succulent, briny oysters. It’s super fresh, with hints of nectarine and lovely, limey fruit, plus a little drop of lemon, brisk acidity and a clean finish. Bring on the mignonette sauce.
7. Smith & Sheth Cru Wairu Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Wairau Valley, New Zealand (£18.50, Wine Direct)
Want to really push the boat out? A sauvignon blanc that reels you in with its enticing floral scents and citrusy orchard fruits, it’s brimming with lasting flavours of ripe nectarine, passion fruit and fresh lime, followed by a touch of herbaceous gooseberry. Beautifully made with a stony minerality and refreshing acidity on the finish, it’s a marriage made in heaven with Asian style seafood, garlicky prawns or moules marinière.
Looking for some great wine deals? Wise Living has teamed up with Unique Wine Safaris for an exclusive mixed case wine offer. Save £49 on a case of 12 bottles from the Abruzzo wine region in Italy.
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