353. Ronco del Gnemiz, Sauvignon Sol Colli Orientali del Fruili, 2004

£24; 13%

So, this opened the Planet of the Grapes food & wine matching night (well, after the excellent unfortified Fino), that happened to coincide with my birthday (so it had to be done, along with a bunch from work!). And a really interesting and unexpectedly good introduction to oaked Sauvignon Blanc. Pale lemon. Slightly smoky toast and vanilla cream nose, that develops nuttiness as it warms. Crisp, dry acidity with a green apple flavour. Some tropical fruit notes emerge on the palate over time. Pretty good overall. Not a bad match to basil and roasted vegetable galettes, although the best match of the night was 1999 Chateau Musar with yoghurt and thyme marinated lamb flatbread, with salsa verde.