Weekend wine with Blake Creedon

TODAY I’m recommending some white wines I encountered at O’Donovan’s recent tasting.

You might consider them for Christmas dinner as alternatives to sauvignon blanc and chardonnay.

Those two grapes often represent two contrasting styles: In broad brushstrokes, sauv blanc is most commonly characterised by stinging, prominent acidity accompanied by piquant flavours, whereas a chardonnay will often play on the broader end of the scale with richer tropical flavours, often accompanied by further breadth of oak.

There’s nothing wrong with either style — they’re popular with good reason. But there’s a world or delicious food-friendly whites out there beyond them.

Let’s try them.

* Yalumba is imported by Cassidy Wines, the other three by Gleeson Gilbeys. All are available at independent wine shops nationwide.

False Bay Chenin Blanc O’Donovans €10

Citrussy acidity contrasting with the sweet red apple in a dense creamy texture.

Fairview Viognier 2010 O’Donovans €9.99

A delightful discovery belying the reputation viognier has for being too overwhelmingly floral.

Y Series Viognier 2009 O’Donovans, €12.99

The latest vintage of a classic: its floral rich texture provide the perfect contrasts for that main course.

Laurenz V Friendly Gruner Veltliner 2010 O’Donovans, €14 to €16

Simple shellfish will flourish alongside the interplay between bright lemony acidity and sweeter tones.