Saint-Bris and Chenin Blanc – Wines that will surprise you

Saint-Bris Les Vaux Sereins 2008, £9.99 at Nicolas. Most of Burgundy is made from Chardonnay grapes.  However in the Yonne department, south west of Chablis Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Aligoté are permitted in the blend.  This wine is dry, high in acidity due to the continental climate of cold winters and warm summers with plenty of aromas; apricots, melon, grapps, hint of minerality.  Try it with cod or grilled chicken.

Cape of Good Hope Chenin Blanc 2009, bought at a restaurant. Interesting wine, not what I expected.  Rich and round in the mouth with hints of apricot and there seems to be some oak ageing there.  Hint of apples and apricot linger, not bad for under £20 at a restaurant.  Chenin Blanc takes up about 18% of South African’s vineyards, more Chenin Blanc is grown there than anywhere else in the world.  The grape is able to adapt so well to this warm climate, able to retain its acidity with high yields.  Perfect on its own or try with barbequed chicken.