Riviera Sur Mer 2024 is a summer delight (and a sangria addition)

Pour some of this into your glass and straightaway you’ll notice that the label is far more colourful than the aromas. 

Looking at this bottle, you expect something summery, breezy and easy, and in that way, your expectations will be met. 

This is a simple wine with little to suggest its Sauvignon Blanc pedigree. Nosing this wine, you’ll wonder if this isn’t an unoaked Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio. 

Wait, isn’t that a bit of grass and crunchy gooseberry? Maybe, but there’s also some crisp citrus on the short finish and not much else. The producer has added a little Viognier to add more interest to the palate and I feel that this saves the wine from being relegated as insipid.

Given that it has almost zero sugar, it’s not an acid bomb, and that works in its favour. For those concerned about sugar in their diet, this is a clean option. 

It’s just not terribly inspired, but would work as a base for fruit-spiked white sangria or a lighter wine spritzer. It’s also a clean enough wine for making lemon risotto.