Over the last 15 years, since the advent of the Southern Hemisphere wines in the UK, a good proportion of wines are now sold by their grape variety rather than their geographical origin. But with an ever increasing demand on multiple producers to reduce prices are the wines produced true to their grape varieties? To demonstrate the true character of each variety for you, we have composed 6 bottles of white wine that demonstrate perfectly the characteristics of each of their grape varieties for you to sue either as a benchmark of quality or simply to decide which ones are best for you.

Chardonnay - Chateau de la Ragotiere

The bouquet has floral notes together with notes of yellow fruits. The palate is generous and well flavoured with notes of peaches of apricots predominant. The finish is fresh, elegant and lasting with the well-balanced acidity balancing the mouth watering.

Sauvignon de Touraine - Chateau de la Presle

Aromas are bright and fresh with delightful gooseberry and nettle notes. On the palate it is clean and refreshing with an excellent balancing acidity that makes the cheeks water leaving a grassy, direct finish.

Riesling - Hollick Wines, Coonawarra

The aromas are fun and lead with petrol/diesel notes that lead to hints of apple on contact with air. The palate is full, crisp and refreshing with citrus notes of lemon and lime, good, crisp acidity and a fresh and generous aftertaste.

Pinot Grigio 'Alisia' - Astoria Wines

Aromas and flavours are dominated by ripe pears that are underpinned by a salty minerality (making it an ideal food partner) and a crunch acidity to refresh the palate. It is medium bodied with faint hints of spice in the finish.

Chenin Blanc - Vouvray Demi-Sec, Domaine Darragon

The hallmark of Chenin Blanc is the crisp acidity which balances against the green apple fruit. This demi-sec has retained some residual sugar past fermentation giving it a richness on the palate and a luscious and lingering fruity finish.

Gewurztraminer - Elena Walch, Alto Adige

Ripe aromas and flavours of lychee, roses and cumin are foremost which combine effortlessly with the clean, fresh acidity. Good length and definition in the finish.