Lesser-Known Grapes from Tesco

Two lesser-known grapes from Tesco

I've said it before, but I rarely drink the same wine twice; I'm so busy trying new wines, that I don't often go back to ones I've had before.

For me, the endless variety of wine, the new countries, grapes, production methods and styles are all part of the fascination.

In practice, however, many people like to stick with something they know, have heard of or have tried before.

This summer, Tesco's buyers have pulled together a collection of new and interesting alternatives-to-the-usual that will work well with picnics and barbecues.

Albariño from Rias Baixas is perhaps more up-and-coming than brand new kid on the block; it has been around for a while now and can be considered a logical next step for Sauvignon Blanc aficionados with its botanical aromatics, citrus and and peachy fruit.

By contrast, Passerina is rather more obscure; it is grown in Marche in Italy, but its origins remain obscure. It is named after the bird that feeds on the grape. Stylistically, it is a classic Italian white, fruited yet food friendly and similar to Soave or Alsace Pinot Gris.

Tesco Finest Passerina, Terre di Chieti, Abruzzo 2021 (£7)

Made by the Citra winery, founded in 1973, in Abruzzo.

citrus, stone fruits and florality; fresh, broad and generous with peachy fruit, citrus and some warming sweet spice; supple and harmonious.

Thoroughly enjoyable and Good Value.

Drinks nicely on first pouring

A versatile food wine, match with picnic or barbecue foods, such as chicken, hummus or grilled fish.

Tesco Finest Viñas del Rey Albariño, 2021 (£9.50)

Rias Baixas is a cool, damp region of Atlantic Spain, just north of Portugal; the DO here dates back to just 1980.

aromatic citrus, cut grass and grapefruit pith, honeysuckle and stone fruits; fresh and mineral with apricot and mandarin fruit, zippy lime marmalade, white pepper and lemongrass; expressive, fresh and elegant.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

Drinks nicely on first opening.

Match with goat's cheese, parsley-and-ham terrine or monkfish in a herby broth.

*****

Where next?

If these wines have piqued your interest to explore further, here are some more suggestions. 

If you like the Passerina, consider the Botte de Conti Pecorino, Terre di Chieti from Lidl.

If you want to explore Albariño and other bracing whites from both Spain and Portugal, then check out these Iberian Atlantic whites: The Cambridge Wine Blogger: The CWB 3-Way Iberian-Atlantic-Off