Emma Hodges is on a mission to demystify wine. She’s writing a series of posts for Sussex Exclusive in which she’ll take a well known grape variety and provide you with suggestions for what you can try instead. And even more importantly, where in Sussex you can find these suggestions. Over to Emma:
If you like this wine…
If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, which is known for its vibrant acidity, crispness, and zesty citrus and herbaceous flavours, you might enjoy these other grape varieties that offer similar freshness and aromatic profiles:
Albariño
- Flavour: Peach, apricot, lemon and floral aromas.
- Why you’ll like it: Hailing from Spain and Portugal, Albariño shares Sauvignon Blanc’s acidity and zesty nature but adds a touch of stone fruit and floral notes. It’s crisp and refreshing, perfect for pairing with seafood or light dishes.
- Why not try: Episode 36: This is the Sea Albarino, The Liberator. Available from South Down Cellars.
Grüner Veltliner
- Flavours: Lime, green apple, white pepper, and celery.
- Why you’ll like it: This Austrian white grape offers a slightly more savoury profile than Sauvignon Blanc, with zesty citrus and a distinctive white pepper finish. It’s great if you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc’s herbaceous qualities.
- Why not try: Yealands Reserve Gruner Veltliner. Available from Waitrose.
Assyrtiko
- Flavours: Lemon, lime, flint, and saline notes.
- Why you’ll like it: Grown in Greece, particularly on the island of Santorini, Assyrtiko offers a similarly high acidity to Sauvignon Blanc, with crisp citrus flavours and a mineral-driven, salty finish, perfect for pairing with seafood and Mediterranean dishes.
- Why not try: DIAMANTAKIS VIDIANO 2023. Available from Butlers Wine Cellar.
Chenin Blanc (Dry Style)
- Flavours: Green apple, pear, citrus, and honey.
- Why you’ll like it: Dry Chenin Blanc, especially from South Africa or the Loire Valley, has a crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavours that Sauvignon Blanc lovers often appreciate. It can also bring floral and honeyed notes with a slightly rounder texture.
- Why not try: First Cape Bush Vine Chenin Blanc. Available from Waitrose.
Picpoul de Pinet
- Flavours: Lime, green apple and minerality.
- Why you’ll like it: Known as the “lip stinger” because of its high acidity, Picpoul de Pinet is a French white wine known for its sharp, citrusy freshness. Its bright lime and green apple flavours, combined with a distinct minerality, make it a perfect choice for Sauvignon Blanc lovers, especially if you enjoy seafood or oysters.
- Why not try: Picpoul de Pinet Terraces de la Mer. Available from South Down Cellars.
Emma Hodges is an Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant and named #59 Top 100 Most Influential People in Drinks in 2024. You can find out more about her at EmmasWineTime.
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