YES PLEASE!

It's not often that someone will offer me a chance to drink delicious wine without paying for it, so when I was offered a selection of wines - on the understanding that I would review them, well - it would have been rude not to!

GERMAN WINES - DISCUSS...

I started eagerly with a bottle of Kendermann's Pinot Grigio Chardonnay. Relaxing after a long day at work, I enlisted the help of my husband, who (like me) only usually describes wine in the terms 'shall I get another bottle out of the fridge?'

We were both a bit lost, and trying to do this properly, came up with 'it's a strong tasting wine but is more of Pinot Grigio than a Chardonnay, the oakiness of the Chardonnay has been overpowered by the crisp dryness of the Pinot Grigio grape. A very fresh tasting wine, with lime and citrus undertones."

On a bit of a roll, the next sample we decided to rate was a Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling. I've never been much of a fan of German wines, since being drunk on Liebfraumilch far too many times when I was too young to know better. So although the Rieslings I've tasted recently have been nice, it's not one I'd usually choose. There is apparently a bit of a movement in Germany to dispel the image of producing nasty, sweet, cheap wine.

It was delicious! Not overly sweet, very fruity but with a definite dry twang to it. This one disappeared far too quickly.

Following that (and I hasten to add, we didn't drink all of these the same day) we moved on to the Naked Grape Riesling. Very trendy looking bottle, funky design, but could the contents measure up? To me, this one was full of flavour, vanilla and apple subtle hints (I sound like I'm selling paint) and it was a very refreshing drink. Simple and very clean on the palate (do I sound like I know what I'm talking about yet?)

STOCKISTS

The Naked Grape Riesling is available from Waitrose at RRP £5.99

The Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling is available from Oddbins at RRP £5.99

The Kendermanns Pinot Grigio Chardonnay is available from Tesco at RRP £6.99