Valley of the Giants, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013

Buying wine at the value end of the spectrum can be a little hit and miss, but you can vastly improve your prospects of scoring runs by buying a type of wine that is the strength of its region of origin. Like the Valley of the Giants Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2013. It’s an example of a style that is done exceptionally well in the Margaret River yet will still hit the table at around $9 to $10 a bottle.

On the nose, the scent of cut grass and citrus skin is unmistakable, but on the front palate, there are wonderfully zesty kaffir lime and gooseberry flavours which round out to honeydew melon characters in the middle. The real attraction of the wine, however, is the balance and length of finish which shows a depth beyond its price tag and makes it eminently drinkable on its own, or with delicate seafood or vegetarian flavours.

It may be a budget conscious buy, but it’s also so delightfully acidic, crisp and dry.