Sauvignon Blanc is an extremely popular wine and so easy to like – especially when first starting to drink wine. It’s crisp and fresh and zingy with a really appealing nose, the taste flows on seamlessly, there are no hard edges and you don’t have to wait for it to mature. Even at the cheaper end of the spectrum the wines are 14charming and easy to drink. Chances are if it says Sauvignon Blanc on the label it’s from the new world. Chile, South Africa and New Zealand are popular sources of good Sauvignon.

Safe Options:

Loire Sauvignon Blanc. E.g. Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, Menetou-Salon, Sauvignon de Touraine (Octavie) or Quincy. Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc blend E.g. Cape Mentelle Sem/Sauvignon Chablis E.g. Chablis Bois d'Yver

Why: Goes With...

These wines are all made from Sauvignon Blanc and Loire Sauvignon is very elegant. Similar in character to its new world counterparts but parked back and delicate. Goes with - On its own, with goats cheese salad or with shellfish.

Adding Semillon gives the wine a little more depth. complexity and interest without changing the fresh and zingy character. These wines also age better. Goes with -Aromatic Asian dishes with ginger lemongrass and coriander.

Chablis is still fresh and crisp but less intensely zingy and more appley and mineral. For those who fancy something more restrained. Goes with - Classic partners for shellfish.

Or for something more adventurous...

Dry white Bordeaux E.g. MyLord Entre Deux Mers (no oak) or Les Charmes Godard(barrel fermented). Dry Riesling E.g. Pikes Clare Valley Riesling or Kilikanoon Mort's Block. Blended Whites from Italy or Southern France. E.g. Vielle Ferme Cotes du Luberon, Il Fiore White, Zuani Collio Bianco, Clos des Fées Grenache Blanc

Why: Goes With...

The Bordelais set the benchmark for Semillon / Sauvignon blends. Sometimes barrel fermented for extra texture and complexity. Goes with: Roasted white meats or fish dishes.

Clare Valley Riesling is generally dry, zingy and zesty like a Sauvignon Blanc but more complex and vibrant. Think lime and green apple. Goes With: Scallops, most shellfish.

There are some absolutely delicious wines available that show remarkable purity, elegance and flavour without the kind of barrell ageing that Sauvignon Blanc drinkers sometimes don't like. No hard edges, beautiful fruit flavours, complexity and elegance. Definitely worth investigating a few of these. Goes with:Very food friendly and the richer wines work well with flavoursome dishes such as tagines, pasta, risotto, other Mediterranean cuisine as well as lighter roast meats and fowl.