The Naked Grape (France) Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Many readers will be familiar with a lovely wine made by Dr Loosen in the Mosel, sold in very fresh, modern packaging as The Naked Grape Riesling. The Naked Grape is in fact a marketing concept belonging to Dr Loosen’s UK importers, and this is the second wine in their range, a Sauvignon Blanc from the Charente in western France made by the excellent Loire winemaker, Henri Bourgeois. In a screwcapped bottle, it has a fine Sauvignon nose with gooseberry and elderflower notes, a nice nettly streak, and crisp orchard fruits. On the palate it is punchy and fresh, with some vivid herbaceous character and swathe of lime and lemon fruit. It has a good, rich texture through the mid palate, and the fruit just hints at more tropical ripeness, before a core of lemon and mineral acidity sweeps through the finish. A nicely balanced, food friendly wine, this would be good value at its full price, but has a pound off for the next week in Waitrose. 5.99, Waitrose, Booths
