Vouvray Demi-sec, Les Côteaux Tufiers 2024

Vouvray is famed for Chenin Blanc, but the trick here is knowing what you're getting - it can be anything from bone-dry to dessert-level sweet, and the labels don't always help you tell. This one's demi-sec, meaning off-dry: not a dessert wine, but with more honeyed richness than the usual dry white. It's all about ripe, juicy apples balanced by vibrant acidity, creating a refreshing, medium-bodied wine with surprising depth. The subtle sweetness is perfectly judged, leaving you with a long, satisfying finish. A cracking example of an off-dry white which is nuanced, and seriously enjoyable.

Thai green curry or Szechuan chicken are perfect food pairings, the whisper of sweetness tames spicy dishes like these while the zippy acidity keeps everything lively and balanced.

Boutinot, the guys responsible for this wine, is a big name in the UK's wine scene and are behind many labels seen on shelves up and down the country. Paul Boutinot kicked things off in 1980, starting with importing wines and soon partnering with winemakers around the globe. They've since gone on to produce their own wines from places like the Rhône Valley, Italy, South Africa and many other places. Their secret is in backing passionate winemakers who aren't afraid to push the envelope, always aiming for wines that really capture the essence of their regions. This, along with providing excellent value for money, is something they've really nailed.