Top Summer Whites Under £12
Top Summer Whites Under £12
Falanghina, Vesevo, Beneventano, Campania, Italy - £11.99
Falanghina is an ancient grape variety that those Italians have kept to themselves for far too long. The Name Vesevo is the historic name for Vesuvius. The breeze blowing in off the bay of Naples, over the centuries, has blown volcanic ash inland giving the soil here a rich and volcanic character - awesome for grapes. This is an utterly delicious, fresh, crisp and aromatic wine, full of white flower perfumes, melon and mineral notes which provide a backdrop to the full, ripe palate. Want to impress your friends by busting out wines they may not have heard of? This needs to be at the front of that arsenal!
Bodegas Arousana, Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain - £11.50
A classic which never fails to deliver. Albariño is considered the reigning grape variety grown in Galicia which is right up in the North-West of Spain. It is an early ripening varietal that just loves the humid, cool, and temperate conditions. This really is a very good example of Rias Baixas Albariño from a small cooperative that's got it just right, don’t be put off by a cooperative winemakers, its a fantastic alternative for independent growers to make wine, not just sell the grapes to the highest bidder. It has a strong floral character on the nose, bright acidity, thirst quenching drinkability and is packed with flavours of lime and green apples. This wine does, however, pose a problem - one bottle is never quite enough.
The previously undervalued Tejo region, lying to the south of Lisbon, is capable of producing wines of enormous value and character – something that is captured by Ai Galera. Indigenous grape varietals Fernão Pires and Verdelho are masterfully blended to create bold, ripe fruit aromas of melon and peach, with a delightfully floral nose and then all balanced out nicely with a mouth-watering acidity. There really isn’t much that can go toe to toe with this on the price - an absolute belter of a wine that deserves a spot in your fridge.
Funkstille, Grüner Veltiner, Niederoosterich, Austria - £11.99
Grüner Veltliner has one of those names that you could be forgiven for not knowing how to pronounce it (go on, give it a go) and because of this, it may be overlooked. Most commonly grown in Austria and Hungary, it was relatively uncommon until the 90s, when it burst onto the scene like an excitable puppy and now everyone can’t help but love it. It has a richness to it, with subtle exotic hints, ripe pears and fresh citrus flavours. Dry and complex, the palate is rich with melon and grapefruit with a refreshing zippy finish. Your tastebuds will thank you for this.
Picpoul de Pinet, Les Grands Bouillons, Languedoc, France - £9.99
Picpoul is becoming a home staple nowadays and always recognisable due to its own style of bottle (called a Neptune). One of the most refreshing and best value for money white wines on the market. The grapes for Picpoul de Pinet are grown close to the Etang de Thau on the Mediterranean coast. The combination of hot sun and sea air gives the grapes both citrus and tropical aromas and flavours. So you can expect lemon and lime along with melon and mango, lots of racy minerality, and delightful saline notes. Naturally, the perfect partner seafood, but equally awesome with good conversation.
Château de l’Oiselinière de la Ramée, Muscadet Sevré et Maine sur lie, Loire Valley, France - £10.99
Muscadet can be overlooked sometimes as it can be confused with the Muscat grape, however, this wine is made with the Melon de Bougogne grape - a grape which is predominantly grown in the Loire Valley, but originates from Burgundy, hence the name. Bizarrely in the 18th century, all the vines in Burgundy were ordered to be destroyed. An odd choice, because it makes bloody lovely wine. There is no oak treatment on the wine, though it does undergo time on its lees (sur lie), in underground concrete tanks. Expect citrus aromas of grapefruits and lemon skin on the nose. The wine is very fresh in mouth with bitter and citrus tones, well balanced with white flower, exotic fruits and a vibrant acidity. Lovely old job.
So, there you have it, there is something for everyone here and if you are thinking of having your mates over for a glass in the sun, why not try something new? We have even taken the liberty of putting all these wines in a pre loaded box which can be found just here and you can save yourself a few quid while you are at it.
Happy Drinking (responsibly)
Ben
