Torres (Spain) Gran Vina Sol 2004
I have recently returned from a very lazy week by a pool in Lanzarote, where we enjoyed more than one bottle of Gran Vina Sol. It was interesting to note that in the UK it is bottled in a screwcap, which is perfectly sensible for this aromatic, fresh white wine. Only one third of the Chardonnay was vinified in oak barrels (Hungarian and French), and there is 15% of the crisp native grape Parellada in the blend too. This wine has a beautifully buttery, creamy character on the nose, with melon and ripe pear fruit and a hint of lemon. On the palate it is nicely balanced and structured, with quite a full texture and a combination of nutty sweetness, luscious fruit and a core of crunchy apple acidity. £7.09 – 7.49 Oddbins, Harrods, H. Nichols, Selfridges, Noel Young
