One of the joys of getting older is observing how various organs of the body start to perform differently. Or, to put it another way, how most body parts start to fail.
No need to be alarmed as in this instance I only have eyesight in mind. I could venture elsewhere but it is Sunday and it doesn't feel appropriate. I got to the age of 58 before I accepted that I needed prescription spectacles, having previously survived by investing in petrol station style 'readers'.
Whilst shopping for a white wine for this week my attention was caught by the label of:
I think you will be able to see what I mean if you take a look to the right. Both eyes open, no need to overdo it.
Like most people I am susceptible to the powers of clever marketing and this time, they got me. As it turns out I am quite pleased to have fallen prey to the intentions of the label designer as they led me to choose a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, which is a style I have something of a prejudice against. Not because I believe I dislike the style, but because in terms of wine exploration if feels like something of a cliché; an obvious choice.
This particular wine is fairly typical of that style, but once I tasted it I found myself reminded of why it is so popular. There are Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough that underwhelm with weak flavours, low acidity and a generally dull impact and they are to be avoided. This is not one of those, as it bursts with citrus and floral tones and has enough acidity to make the palate tingle. The flavours last well in a lengthy fruity finish and it is rather moreish.
This style makes a great aperitif, at least for the first glass, and went very well with a lemon and mustard chicken casserole.
Whilst the eyesight is diminishing and, I am told, the hearing may be following (I think that's what she said, I couldn't really hear...) I take some comfort that the senses of taste and smell seem to remain intact. Having said that I am now concerned that I have been led to that conclusion through sampling a wine that has bags of flavour. Hmmm,...watch this space.
The lesson from this week, as it has been from earlier weeks, is to avoid the prejudices and to try everything that's on offer, even if it may be overfamiliar.
Buy again? This style, yes. This wine? I have no reason why not.
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