RAISE AGLASS TO SPRING

AsApril arrives, thoughts turn to fresh white wines to polish up the palate. Especially if you’ve just dusted down the wine rack –and it’s looking abit bare. After all, now’s the time to start thinking about seasonal produce –think plump scallops and smoked mackerel recipes with pickled cucumber….

Here are the perfect whites to pair with spring.

No1 CederbergChenin Blanc 2022, South Africa, £8, Waitrose

Some might say South Africa has something for everyone –and that’s certainly the case with its signature grape varieties. The country’s most important white grape, this own-label chenin (Waitrose has moved to the most recent vintage), combines juicy tropical fruits and zippy acidity,with asuper-bright citrusy freshness lending the wine vibrancy and energy

Anatural with seafood, especially scampi or smoked salmon.

ExtraSpecial Chardonnay 2021, Barossa Valley, Australia, £8, Asda

Aripe chardonnay with lovely concentration of fruit and touch of creamy vanilla, fresh stone fruit aromas and hint of melon follow through on the palate, with nuances of pineapple joining the party.Vibrant with well-integrated oak, this is an easy-drinking chardonnay to wash down with seafood pie and Parmesan crust.

Abbotts &Delaunay‘Les Fruits

Sauvages’ Chardonnay 2021, Languedoc, France, £10, Majestic Abeautiful expression from akey producer,this chardonnay showcases the potential of the sunny Languedoc –and could passfor aBurgundy blonde. With floral intensity on the nose, touch of pear and hint of hazelnut, it’s bright and rounded on the palate, typically buttery and creamy,with balanced acidity keeping everything beautifully fresh. Think panfried scallops with garlic butter

El NuberronSemillon 2021, Aconcagua Valley, Chile, £11, Virgin Wines

Chile likes to turn its hand to most grapes and this smooth semillon really hits the spot with its pure, citrusy fruit, rich texture and fullness on the palate. With lemony aromas andplentiful apricot, lime and pear fruit, the label may depict grey clouds –but the flavoursbeamblue skies.

Pair with seafood linguine or moules marinières.

La Belle Saison Sauvignon Blanc 2021, VindeFrance, £11, Laithwaites

This arty label depicting natural flora in the vineyard may be labelled basic vin de France, but its flavours are adelight.Pure and aromatic with enticing florals flanked by grassy notes, it’s full of apples, pears and nectarine, with somecitrusy zest and acrisplong finish.

One for grilled fish and early spring salads.

Elena Walch Sauvignon 2021, Alto Adige, Italy, £19.50, Armit Wines

Asilky,seductive savvy blanc to spark your interest, this white really draws you in with its fragrant bouquet of fresh gooseberries, flash of papaya and hints of herbs.

The definition of apolished white, the papaya, grassy notes and herbal flavours show range and detail, backed by juicy acidity on the long finish.

Ajoyous glass from awinemaker at the top of her game.