Tipple of the Month – March 2017

Published on: 4 Mar, 2017
Updated on: 4 Mar, 2017

Jeremy Blood of the Surrey Wine School

Jeremy Blood from the Guildford based Surrey Wine School reveals his locally available “Tipple of the Month”.

Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile and diverse grapes in the world. Whether it comes from its home in the Loire or from its adopted home in South Africa it can do it all.

It can be bone dry or decadently sweet, it can be used in sparkling wines and it can also be fresh and fruity or complex, oaky and rich.

It is also a great wine to have up your sleeve when looking to pair with white meats such as chicken, pork and turkey if you don’t fancy a red wine.

I think that the best dry wines are found in the famous Loire sub-regions of Anjou (richer style) and Saumur (higher acid and fresher).

In Vouvray the other sub region to specialize there is a growing trend towards fermenting and ageing the wines in oak that leads to a rounder richer and toastier style. This is typically the style I look for when choosing a South African version.

So here are details of two wines tasted last month that will demonstrate the two different dry styles and conveniently can both be found at your local Marks and Spencer’s.

Le Bois Dore Saumur Blanc, Loire France, 2015 £8.00 This is a much fresher style without any oak involvement lovely apple and grapefruit aromas so try it with some smoked salmon or some goats cheese.

Villiera Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc, South Africa 2016 £12.00 A fuller bodied style due to oak fermentation and ageing, it still, however, retains freshness. Classic ripe apple and honey characters goes splendidly with pork and apple sauce.

My evening events are held at The Guildford Institute in Ward St so book on a course, have some fun and uncover your new favorite wines.