Sussex Wine List

Dedicated readers will have realised by now that we have switched the column to a fortnightly rota. So as to work up a thirst, you understand!

And if there are wines that you have bought locally in-between time, that you rate, why not drop me a line at http://www.sussexwinelist.co.uk

Now I promised to keep Bexhill readers in mind, and throw in a recommendation from Ravenside every so often…

Well we went there today to find some teething granules for the youngest, and I took the opportunity to slope off and check out what little gems Tesco might have on offer.

For those of you with expensive tastes, I heard over the tannoy that they are selling Dom Perignon champagne at half price.

But I digress. What I found up high on the shelves was an uninspiring looking label, but a real treat for white wine lovers.

Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia, is famous for its Semillon wines. The grape is a favourite of mine, and makes up one half of the traditional White Bordeaux blend.

This 2010 Denman Vineyard Semillon (selected by Tesco) was a lovely medium lemon colour with an interesting first set of aromas – marmalade, apples and more exotic fruit. After a swirl in the glass they were fresher and crisper, giving a whiff of lemon sherbet.

Dry and full bodied on the palate, it had the most detailed flavours of ripe lemons – from the rind, through the flesh, to the lemonade that it might make for a hot summer’s day.

It will keep and develop in bottle if you can stop yourself from drinking it now. And will be a very good partner to a meaty fish, or a Thai supper. Down £2 to £7.99, it is on offer until 6 September.