13% abv £8 from Asda First, a confession. I don't really like Sauvignon Blanc. I'm sorry if that makes me a failure as a wine critic. But, I can't help it! It may be due to drinking far too much of it circa 2005? Or it may be that the makers are all completely overdoing the green flavours of grass and asparagus these days.
On the plus side, it's a wine I can pick out at 50 paces, which is a big advantage in a WSET blind tasting exam, so I won't tell you what I think of Chablis!
A second confession... despite it's popularity, I'm not a massive fan of sparkling wine either. Despite this, I chose Brancott Estate's Brut Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc as wine of the week. Why? Because I love my readers (and I'm quite a fan of Brancott's Pinot Noir too). Dominique convinced me that I had to try this while it's on offer at £8 from Asda and who am I to refuse? My mission at Purple Teeth is always to challenge my readers to experiment and try new wines to discover new favourites, so I do have to do this myself or I'd be a hypocrite. So try it I did, and I hope you will too.
On the plus side, it's a wine I can pick out at 50 paces, which is a big advantage in a WSET blind tasting exam, so I won't tell you what I think of Chablis!
A second confession... despite it's popularity, I'm not a massive fan of sparkling wine either. Despite this, I chose Brancott Estate's Brut Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc as wine of the week. Why? Because I love my readers (and I'm quite a fan of Brancott's Pinot Noir too). Dominique convinced me that I had to try this while it's on offer at £8 from Asda and who am I to refuse? My mission at Purple Teeth is always to challenge my readers to experiment and try new wines to discover new favourites, so I do have to do this myself or I'd be a hypocrite. So try it I did, and I hope you will too.
So here's the deal. It's got fizz and it tastes of Sauvignon Blanc. So if you like one or both of those things, then this is a sure fire winner to brighten up your summer parties, back garden picnics, or barbecues.
It's fresh, vibrant, full of tropical fruit, lemongrass and with a hint of green grass too. The acidity is nicely balanced and not overpowering as it can be in some still Sauvingon Blancs. Myr Purple Teeth found the combination of flavours a little hard to get his head around - "It's got an odd smokey flavour I don't associate with sparkling wine." I didn't detect any smoke but perhaps it's a hint of asparagus he was finding? In any case, the bottle was polished off within 90 minutes which, I think it's safe to say, is a good sign.
I don't think I'd buy it again, purely because I drink very little fizz and I'd probably prefer to spend my £8 on a Cava or the Lindauer special reserve if I was going to do so. My love affair with Sauvignon Blanc is over. It may be re-kindled one day but until then, the other aromatic grapes will carry my heart.
Dominique's review is perhaps more flattering: "A perky little alternative to ubiquitous prosecco! Fresh and fruity....recommended." Sarah from Australia describes it as "good fizz" and she's bought it several times. While Lesley even served it at her wedding last summer, which is a pretty high recommendation. So, a positive vote of confidence from the Purple Teeth public. Why not give it a try?
Next week's Wine of the Week will be another £5 from Asda bottle, and at last, a Shiraz. It's Wolf Blass Vineyard's Release range and we'll update you on our thoughts in about a week. If you want to tell us what you think, please send views via the Facebook page, Twitter or Google Plus (links above). I'm also interested to know if readers would like a scoring system (e.g. marks out of 10) for Wine of the Week, or if you're happy with my general reviews. Feel free to leave comments.
It's fresh, vibrant, full of tropical fruit, lemongrass and with a hint of green grass too. The acidity is nicely balanced and not overpowering as it can be in some still Sauvingon Blancs. Myr Purple Teeth found the combination of flavours a little hard to get his head around - "It's got an odd smokey flavour I don't associate with sparkling wine." I didn't detect any smoke but perhaps it's a hint of asparagus he was finding? In any case, the bottle was polished off within 90 minutes which, I think it's safe to say, is a good sign.
I don't think I'd buy it again, purely because I drink very little fizz and I'd probably prefer to spend my £8 on a Cava or the Lindauer special reserve if I was going to do so. My love affair with Sauvignon Blanc is over. It may be re-kindled one day but until then, the other aromatic grapes will carry my heart.
Dominique's review is perhaps more flattering: "A perky little alternative to ubiquitous prosecco! Fresh and fruity....recommended." Sarah from Australia describes it as "good fizz" and she's bought it several times. While Lesley even served it at her wedding last summer, which is a pretty high recommendation. So, a positive vote of confidence from the Purple Teeth public. Why not give it a try?
Next week's Wine of the Week will be another £5 from Asda bottle, and at last, a Shiraz. It's Wolf Blass Vineyard's Release range and we'll update you on our thoughts in about a week. If you want to tell us what you think, please send views via the Facebook page, Twitter or Google Plus (links above). I'm also interested to know if readers would like a scoring system (e.g. marks out of 10) for Wine of the Week, or if you're happy with my general reviews. Feel free to leave comments.
This will be 11th wine of the week... £5 at Asda and doubtless around £7.50 at other supermarkets
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