Secano, Sauvignon Gris 2009, Chile
Not, as you might guess, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, but a grape in its own right and one that is currently enjoying a bit of a planting boom. The Sauvignon Gris is a pink skinned mutation of the Blanc and is a variety that is gaining popularity fast not only here in Chile, but in Bordeaux and other areas too, because of its tendency to fuller, fruitier nature than Sauvignon Blanc. This example comes from the prime Leyda Valley on Chile’s coast, and has a terrific nose, punching though with Granny Smith apples, ripe, pungent pea-pod notes suggestions of a mineral, salty quality too. On the palate it is fabulously vivacious stuff, with loads of intense, dry, apple and scything citrus fruit, but it has roundness and charm, and though the acidity is razor sharp, a fruity sense of bonhomie too. 7.49, Marks & Spencer.
