Drink

Mid-week tipple: an attractive, light, crisp, dry white

Each week John Wilson selects two wines for you to try at home. This week Le Petit Chat Malin 2014 and Poggio del Sasso Sangiovese 2013

Wed Aug 17 2016 - 13:00

Le Petit Chat Malin 2014 Pays d’Oc

12.5%

€12

The Sangiovese grape can produce some fairly tough wines. At the top end they tend to be firm, dry and tannic, requiring a few years ageing to soften up.

My notes from large stand-up tastings tend to be fairly illegible, but with this wine, they were even worse than usual. I think it is made from a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, with the addition of a little Clairette and Grenache Blanc as well. I can read my tasting note though; all of these are southern French varieties, and together they form a very attractive light crisp dry white wine with textured peaches and custard. Drink solo or with herby fish dishes. Fish cakes with parsley, dill and a little mint sounds good.

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Available from Molloys, Next Door, Spar, Gala, Londis, SuperValu

Poggio del Sasso Sangiovese 2013, Toscana

12.5%

€14.99

The Sangiovese grape can produce some fairly tough wines. At the top end they tend to be firm, dry and tannic, requiring a few years ageing to soften up. This wine however, is the opposite; light in alcohol, fresh and full of sweet ripe cherry fruits, it is ready to drink right now. In this glorious summer weather, put it in the fridge for twenty minutes before serving with cold meats and salads.

Available from Martins,Fairview; Leopardstown Inn; Searsons, Monkstown and Terroirs, Donnybrook.