Wine, a fashion item?

Well, maybe not fashion, but there are certainly trends. The current trendy white is Pino Grigio, it seems to be everywhere, and that’s not such a bad thing. The Italians have been steadily improving what was usually (with a few exceptions) a fairly thin and ordinary table wine into something much more satisfying.

Sauvignon Blanc

Until very recently Sauvignon Blanc was top of the fashion list. It’s still pretty close to the top now, so when the summer offer arrived with a Sancerre and a New Zealand Sauvignon I couldn’t resist the temptation to compare again the old and new world styles. Unfortunately, as they have before Majestic advertised the offer and didn’t have the stock to back it up, but they did offer a substitute and on this occasion extended the offer to several other Sancerres.

Domaine Gerard Fiou

The direct Sancerre replacement for the offer was a Domaine Gerard Fiou, 2004. Offer price £5.99
I found this wine a little disappointing, not a great deal on the nose, with muted flavours on the palate; a bit grassy a bit of crushed nettle, light citrus fruits, all of which faded very quickly, not unpleasant just very ordinary. Had I paid the full price of £8.99 I would not have been happy!

Oyster Bay Sauvignon

By comparison the Oyster Bay Sauvignon (appear unavailable now, but Vine-Guide have found it at John Lewis for £6.99) was an absolute treat. Typical gooseberry and grassy sauvignon aromas, quite intense gooseberry and citrus flavours, balanced with a crisp light mineral background, and a lingering finish. At £4.99 it’s a bargain, I’m off to see if I can get some more!

I’m told that both of these wines will be available when the offer ends but at a much reduced discount. Pity about the Sancerre, but I reckon the Oyster Bay is still good value at its full £6.99 price.