From the fact that wine has overtaken beer as the ‘nation’s favourite drink’, to the Chancellor holding the duty on wine, to the “Grape Britain” map drawn up by one of the nation’s largest wine retailers. This revealed that with £600 million pounds worth of Sauvignon Blanc drunk every year, it is, the nation’s favourite varietal.

According to the study, Britain’s 5 favourite varietals are:

Sauvignon Blanc 

Chardonnay

Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon

Shiraz

While the county of Berkshire bucked the trend putting Chardonnay in the top spot.

It’s no surprise then that our supermarket shelves and pub “wine by the glass” offerings feature the same old, same old.

As a wine expert, when I talk to people about trying something new, the normal response is fear.  Wine is an integral part of our relaxation and we’re afraid to part with our cash without being certain we will heartily enjoy it.

Grape Varietals are the new brands, but they are certainly no guarantee of satisfaction with regional styles, barrel-ageing and vintages all playing a part.

And there’s so much fantastic wine out there to try that sticking to the same varietal every time is like never eating any other chocolate than your favourite all the time!

I’d never suggest you avoid your favourite varietals altogether.  After all, there’s nothing quite like a hug from an old friend.  But, if you’re feeling a little bit adventurous, why not explore the alternatives?

Sauvignon Blanc

Loved for it’s crisp citrus, gooseberries and green flavours ranging from grass to asparagus.  With some stuck on Marlborough Wines missing out on the exciting Sauvignon’s coming out of Chile.  The French heartland of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé are worth revisiting for more restrained styles. Or, push yourself with a Fumé Blanc from California, which adds oak, giving a pleasing vanilla note.

For a fresh alternative, try Pecorino from Italy, Verdejo from Spain, or Picpoul-de-Pinet from France.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay has had a renaissance after the “ABC” backlash to the poorly oaked versions from Australian mass-market styles in the 1980s and 90s.  A classic international variety, it expresses the winemaker’s choice and the land it grew on like no other. Creamy, buttery, vanilla or crisp citrus, you’ll find every style almost everywhere.  Love Chardonnay but sharing a bottle with an ABC?  Try Viognier.  It often has the same voluptuous character of a good oaky Chardonnay but has peach and tropical flavours rather than dairy. If you find Viognier too aromatic, Albariño from Spain and Assyrtiko from Greece are also worth seeking out. Barrel fermented Assyrtiko might surprise the oaky Chardonnay fan as well.

Merlot

A classic easy-drinking red, much-maligned for all the wrong reasons after the hit film Sideways! Did you know that Merlot is also the source of some of the world’s most expensive wines such as Bordeaux’s Chateau Pétrus. I favour fruitier examples from Chile more than cheaper Clarets. For an alternative, try the wine formerly known as “Chilean Merlot” – Carménère which has all those red fruit and plum notes along with hints of spice. Young Spanish Tempranillo might also satisfy your thirst for juicy red fruits.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Blackcurrant, cassis with hints of green pepper, Cabernet is another classic French grape which has found freedom across the world. Lovers of this grape enjoy it’s hard tannins and punch.  The range of styles makes it hard to suggest one alternative, but why not start with it’s parent, Cabernet Franc? With great single varietals emerging from Chile you’ll find those herbaceous notes alongside the black fruit you love.  My favourite Italian wine is a great Cabernet alternative: Aglianico.  With fabulous examples from southern Italy providing a chewy, dark and delicious alternative, like Vulture (pronounced ‘vool-too-ray’ rather than like the scary scavenger) is home to the best.

Shiraz

Australia has made this grape it’s own.  The best examples of blackberry and black pepper bombs come from the Barossa Valley.  The Northern Rhone, where it’s known as Syrah, is the source of Shiraz.  Providing a lighter touch with notes of violets, Syrah styles are a worthy alternative if your friends resist your love of Shiraz.  A “rose by any other name” not your idea of an alternative?  Try a punchy Douro Red from a Portuguese staple Touriga Nacional, or, easier to find, a good Nero D’Avola from Sicily – full of rich black fruit flavours. A barrel-aged Spanish Monastrell is also worthy of a try.

Remember enjoy a drink but please be drinkaware: www.drinkaware.co.uk

by Heather Harrison

 

Source:

1. Wine and Spirits Trade Association Research claims 6/10 chose wine as their drink of choice.
2. A survey of the nation’s wine buying habits by Laithwaites