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STUNNING SAUVIGNON BLANCS

THIS HERBACEOUS, ZESTYGRAPE IS SHARP AS AWHISTLE, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

When it comes to crisp, pungent, aromatic whites, New Zealand’s sauvignon blanc steals the show

Indeed, the spectrum of styles and ripeness range from cut-grass and nettles to more tropical, exotic flavours –and alively fruit salad we just can’t drink enough of

Rich and beautifully refreshing,the buzz around these attractive wines means they don’t come as cheap as some of their counterparts. But foralip-smacking glass, this delicious array from Marlborough –the heart of savvy blanc production –are worth the slight splurge…

Yealands ReserveSauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough, New Zealand, £11, Sainsbury’s

When it comes to concentrated fruit flavours, this vibrantexpressionhas it in spades. Showing adelectable balance between herbaceous fruit and notes of wet stone, sweet pea and guava, there’s amouthwatering intensity and crisp, minerally finish.

M&S ClocktowerSauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough, New Zealand, £13, Marks &Spencer

With bright, perky,passion fruit, citrus and herbal flavours highlighted by fragrant floral, honey and grassy characters, this shows atextured palate enriched by fabulous freshness and ripe citrus on the finish.

Jackson Stich Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough, New Zealand, £10, from £13, Waitrose

Vivid and pure with lovely key lime, passion fruit, melon and grass, there’s an appealing breadth of zesty,citrusy fruit, streak of minerality, with nuances of lemon and lime lingering on the crisp, refreshing finish.

Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough, New Zealand, £13.50, Co-op Fragrant, layered and textured, enticing aromatics of passion fruit,lemon-lime and ripe melon draw you in, with a concentrated palate of fleshy,succulent, tropical flavours infused with zingy, citrusy acidity

M&S Collection Saint Clair Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, 2021, New Zealand, £16, Marks & Spencer

Charming on thenose with grassy,tangy aromas, passion fruit flavours are bright and juicy with touches of green capsicum, hints of herbaceousness and traces of nettle, offering lots of zing and bangfor your buck.

Smith &Sheth CRU Sauvignon

Blanc 2021, Marlborough, New Zealand, £18, Lay &Wheeler

Gently aromatic with acaressing mouthfeel, this is an elegant style showing great purity.Notes of soft guava, nettles, grass and lime, with aripe mix of citrus and tropical fruit flavours unfold on the palate, embellished with atouchof blackcurrantleaf in the background. A gorgeous glass.

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