(2024) From an appellation in the Loire Valley, this is an organic certified Sauvigon Blanc. It is fairly subdued aromatically - certainly no herbaceous or elderflower fireworks - more cool apple, citrus and a faint herbal edge. In the mouth a little peachy juiciness comes through, but it is a wine that's more about texture and a mineral and citrus line of acidity.

(2023) There are many appellations of the Loire Valley where Sauvignon Blanc is the most prized grape variety, including the Coteaux du Giennois, not far from Sancerre. Part of the 'Taste the Difference' range, this has a fresh tinge of emerald to the colour, and aromas of white flowers and crisp orchard fruit. There's a suggestion of grassy herbaceousness in the background. In the mouth it's a very pleasing, relatively delicate Sauvignon. The acidity is there OK, but it flows from a sweetly-fruited, easy-drinking mid-palate with a suggestion of candied fruit, through to a pithy grapefruit and lime cordial finish. Watch the video for more information.

(2022) From 100-year old vines, this lees-aged Melon de Bourgogne comes from the western Loire, close to the Atlantic coast. It has a golden colour after four years in bottle, and a succulent, nicely maturing character of waxy lemon rind and juicy apple, with a hint of ocean spray. The palate has that juiciness too, a hint of nutty maturity, but lovely mouth-filling texture and balance. Long and delicious. Part of the special 10% off offer for wine-pages visitors until end September 2022.

(2022) From granite soils, this Melon de Bourgogne spent a full three years on the lees in concrete vats. Super breezy and fresh, there is iodine and ozone and a crisp citrus and ripe apple fruit personality. In the mouth that bracing lick of seaside air is somehow still evident, a delightful featherlight breeziness of flavour, juicy acids and a long and delightful finish. A little star.

(2022) Fruit comes from Touraine and other regions of the Loire, punchy elderflower and a touch of passion fruit, thiols quite pronounced. The palate has ripe and tropical fruit with plenty of pithy acidity to balance.

(2022) At £10.95 this has to count as a cracking bargain, combining the punch and fruit intensity of Marlborough with the mouth-watering freshness of Sancerre. There is leafy green vibrancy and that lychee exoticism, then the streaking lime juice punch of the acidity extends the finish perfectly.

(2021) Harvest for this cuvée takes place in October, with well-ripened, fully mature grapes, so a touch of sweetness would be expected. It is vinified in oak barrels where the wine ages on fine lees for 11 months. In practice the wine is sweet only in terms of fruit ripeness, a certain weight to the texture too, but clean and bright Chenin aromatics running from apple into firm peach, a little lusciousness on the lips before very good acidity kicks through. Could work with aromatic Chinese food this one.

(2020) Calvet is one brand of a group called 'Les Grands Chais de France', whom I visited a few years ago, discovering what a true giant of the French wine industry it is, owning numerous estates and brands from across the country. I also discovered that quality is excellent overall, including this Sauvignon from Menetou-Salon, a fine appellation that adjoins Sancerre. Lemon and lightly nettley aromas lead on to firm stone fruit and some delicate white flower touches. In the mouth it is tectured and quite weighty, with plenty of citrus and slightly fatter/riper yellow plum and peach, the acidity sheer and well-balanced into a long, fresh finish.

(2019) What a lovely Sauvignon Blanc, and quite a different expression from the Loire big hitters of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Part of that is down to the 18 months this unoaked wine stayed on the lees, meaning that even with only 12.5% alcohol it has texture and creaminess as well as vivid fruit.  There's a touch of honey and apricot to the otherwise pristine apple and citrus aromas and flavours, nuttiness from the lees ageing rather than anything grassy, and a rounded, balanced finish.

(2017) A Loire wine for those who don't like their Sauvignon Blanc too tropical or too green, this pale-coloured, mineral example has stony aromas, citrus and the vaguest suggestion of nettle. In the mouth the 65-year-old vines grown on limestone soils give a natural concentration and bit of grip, the fruit taut with melon rind and lemon peel flavours, that little stone and salts note there in the acidity of the finish.