Los Arbolitos Sauvignon Blanc
2008
Central Valley, Chile
7.65€
The Central Valley is the powerhouse of Chilean wine and in style & flavour profile this sits pretty much halfway between the grassy and herby Loire (Sancerre & Pouilly Fumé) and the piercing tropicality of New Zealand. Here citrus and tropical fruits marry harmoniously with some “three in a bed” stone fruit (peach & nectarine) to deliver a superbly approachable dry and fruity white.
Drink with: The classic partner of Sauvignon Blanc is Goat’s Cheese – where a Sancerre might be best with a young fresh crottin, try this with oven baked or grilled Goat’s Cheese Crostini with a Salad of Soft Herbs (Tarragon, Coriander and especially Dill). Works brilliantly with fish dishes where there is aniseed or fennel flavours. Marvellous too with a Globe Artichoke Risotto, Brandade de Morue and proper “British” Fish & Chips.
Recipe suggestion: Salsa Verde – sort of like a Pesto sauce but with herbs such as Dill, Parsley, Mint and Tarragon (just about any combination) rather than Basil – smash a couple of garlic cloves, add a handful of each of the chopped herbs, some chopped capers, anchovies (optional), a teaspoon or so of Dijon mustard and a few squeezes of lemon – drizzle in enough olive oil to a sloppy consistency – serve with Grilled Chicken or Fish.