Many more of us are drinking wine and if you are anything like I was 10 years ago, I didn't know my Sauvignon from my Chardonnay or my Cabernet from my Shiraz. I would go to the supermarket and buy whatever was on special offer, regardless of what the wine was. I would often get home, open the wine and think, "No! don't like that, it will have to go in the cooking pot."

Through Kilburn Wine Circle, I have, over the last 9 years learnt more about wine, about the country of origin and most of all, what it is I like about some wines over others.

Now I still buy wines that are on special offer, but a bit more selectively, as I know which grape varieties I like and which one's I don't. I certainly don't waste as much wine in the cooking pot as I used to.

This month I thought I would write about a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc I enjoy. I had a recent holiday in New Zealand and of course, managed to visit a few wineries while there. The result is I am converted by the consistent quality and flavour of their wines.

Brand: Villa Maria
Range: Private Bin
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Year: 2006
Alcohol Strength: 13.5 %

The colour – A very pale straw colour
The bouquet – You can usually tell a sauvignon blanc by the gooseberry and citrus lime smell it gives off.
Flavour - My initial taste is a soft melon followed by a sharp citrus flavour and a strong lingering taste of gooseberries.

This is a crisp and fresh wine that goes very well with seafood, shellfish, salads and vegetable dishes. Personally I enjoy drinking it on a hot afternoon in the garden and just savouring the wonderful aromas and lingering aftertaste it gives you.

Available from Asda, Somerfield and Tesco.
Price: £7 to £8 depending on the retailer.

Anne Kennedy.