Bouchard Finlayson, Blanc De Mer, 2019

Bouchard Finlayson Blanc De Mer is a lip-smacking, cool climate blend that is the perfect partner to fish, shellfish and white meats. It has a fragrant, Riesling dominated nose of grape, lime and peach fruit with a lovely weight of fruit on the palate and a luscious but mouthwatering finish. The richness of Viognier is countered by the Riesling's acidity and the Chardonnay's structure, followed by honeyed white fruit, lime and cape gooseberry flavours.

A distinctive and unusual blend of 69% Riesling, 24% Viognier, 4% Chardonnay and 3% Chenin Blanc. Intended as a wine for all occasions, it stands alone in South Africa as a Riesling dominated blend - a fact that its ripe fruit and racy structure will attest to. As its name suggests, Bouchard Finlayson originally created Blanc De Mer to partner seafood. Whilst this still holds true, as of this vintage it has rather less of a savoury, saline quality than in previous years due to the omission of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from the blend. In fact, as good as it used to be, it is now so appealing that we cannot recommend Blanc De Mer highly enough.

When wines are made from just one great variety they can be a little bland unless they come from a great terroir. This one has both. Great complexity from the careful blending of grape varieties together with origins that add texture and mineral notes, both of which make it ideal with fish and seafood.

• ❖ ABV: 13.5%