Suggest some new white wines for me to try...

[Alex]

I just read through the wine tasting guide, and I feel I should really try expanding my wine horizons. I'm far more of a white wine than red wine fan, so I'm still looking for new wines to try.

So far I've come to the conclusion that I'm very fond of Chablis and a good bottle of Sancerre. I really like the smoothness that these grapes have, while still being full bodied and quite dry. I do like a Muscadet - dry white but not too edgy. Chardonnay I've found to be quite nice, but kind of smilar to sancerre only less nice.

Not really too big a fan of italian wines - I've not really got on with Pinot Grigio or Frascati - not really sure why but they just don't seem to have the same smooth slip dow the throat taste that the others I've mentioned do. I really prefer dry whites and medium dry whites, I've not found a sweeter white that I've liked at all.

So, are there any other grape varieties that I should be trying or a similar type to the above, or should I just concentrate on trying different wines from the same grapes and different years? There just seems to be so much wine out there to try!

[matty-hodgson]

i'll kick you off..

Lambrini

[Clingy]

You have to be careful of over oaked white wines, especially chardonnay. At the moment for quaffabel whites I am going for New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs....can be up to a £10 a bottle so often slum it with some Chilean ones. Usually dependable. Since "an incident" at last years Works Xmas doo, I cannot stomach red wine .

Also try a New Zealand or Australian Reisling (Tim Adams of Villa Maria). King of the grapes and my favourite wine. I have a case of Tim Adams Reisling laid down for my daughters 21st. It's been there 5 years already....just one more year to go!

For interest also try a Gewurtzstraminer. Interesting grape, you will love or hate. Spicy. Either a German or Australian one.

If you want links to specific wines I drink please say otherwise enjoy the hunt (which is half the fun).

[GheeTsar]

If you like Sancerre and Chablis then try Pouily Fume or even a Petit Chablis (this are the same sort of order in price).

Also +1 for the prior suggestion of New Zealand Sauvingon Blanc (make sure it's from the Marlborough region) too.

[Zak33]

Hardys VR (varietal range) Chardonnay.

Peachy melony stunner..... proper lovely

[dave87]

I will second the Sauvignon Blanc recommendation. More of a red wine man myself, but quite partial to a nicely chilled bottle of white.

Chilean wines seem to be quite acceptable, though I'd say the premium for Australian wines is justified. Otherwise a nice Chardonnay from the likes of New Zealand?

[i4000]

If you like Chardonnays, then my favourite at the moment is Lindemans Bin 65, it's very sharp and very dry, just how I like it + available from most supermarkets at a decent price. I find most australian whites to be quite reasonable

[Alex]

Will investigate further, thanks chaps

[Dareos]

Selaks Marlborough Sauvingnon Blanc

its, rather nice.

Only had it in a restaurant so far, called 2 Fat Ladies at the Buttery, amazingly good place, but told by the staff there that you can get it from Oddbins.

its worth a try

[Funkstar]

2 Fat Ladies at the Buttery

Is there still one on Dumbarton Road, round about the end of Byres Road?

Been in that one, and it was really really good.

edit: appears it is, it's been a few years since i was there though.

[Jackalb]

Robert Mondavi. Californian chardonny sometimes on special in supermarkets but not very often. Costco have it at a good price if you have a card and want 6 bottles.

[Zak33]

Robert Mondavi. Californian chardonny sometimes on special in supermarkets but not very often.

I've had some of that.. lovely and buttery

[Piman]

Don't give up on red wine, either. It took me a lot of perseverance to like it - kind of like beer when I was 15. I mean 18. er. anyway.

Even more so than whites, most reds needs food. And young reds usually need to breathe as well. In fact, try this as an experiment. Buy two identical* bottles, open one and decant it. A glass measuring jug will do - we're not being nobby about it. Leave it for, say, an hour. Then open the second bottle. Pour a glass from each and try them one after the other. Maybe have some water or plain bread in between. There should be a noticeable difference.

Next, cook yourself a steak. Have a sip of wine (the one that's breathed). Now have a piece of steak and follow it with some wine. Better?

Let us know how you get on.

* no two bottles are identical but never mind that for now. on one wine tasting evening, the expert frowned upon topping up a glass with wine from a new bottle of the same wine, because of the missed opportunity to see that.