2014 Trsors de Loire, Cuve 845 Chenin Blanc, Loire, France (£7, Sainsbury's).
This rather special wine hails from the Anjou region of the Loire Valley. It bears the name Cuve 845 on the label, which harks back to the historical roots of the chenin blanc grape variety in the Loire. These can be traced back to Charlemagne's grandson, King Charles Le Chauve (the bald!). It was then fancied by Thomas Bohier, Lord of the Chteau de Chenonceau, who planted it in his castle's garden. It is here that it became known as chenin.
These two wine lovers unwittingly kicked off a craze which has lasted for nearly 1,200 years. Chenin makes every style of white wine, from frothy sparkler to intensely age-worthy sweetie, but my favourite category is the textured, wistful, intellectual, dry white,and this is a thrilling example.
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With a smattering of oak and also some well-judged lees contact bringing nobility and richness to this creamy, perfumed wine, this epic Loire white offers devastating value for money. It is a good accompaniment to grilled or pan-fried fish with lemon butter and fresh herbs. Nigh on 500 Sainsbury's stores stock this cracker across the country so you ought to be able to find it with ease.
Matthew Jukes is a winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition's Communicator of the Year (MatthewJukes.com).
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