Move over Sauvignon Blanc: here are 5 new white wines to buy for your next dinner party
Next time your wine cupboard needs restocking, try one of these new bottles, from mineral-rich Greek wines to crisp French whites
Sauvignon Blanc may be the go-to for many a dinner party, but isn’t it time we gave our tastebuds (and our guests) something new to talk about? While Sauvignon Blanc's zingy freshness has earned it a permanent place in our fridges, the world of white wine is brimming with exciting alternatives that deserve a swirl in your glass.
The world of wine can at times feel daunting, so where best to begin? 'When it comes to Sauvignon Blanc, the thing people really seem to love is the racy acidity and the intense fruit flavours made popular by New Zealand’s wines,' says Laithwaites wine expert Grant Hedley. 'To find an alternative, drinkers should look for winemaking regions that get plenty of sunshine but still get a cool temperature drop overnight. Greek Assyrtiko is a great choice, as is Spain’s superstar white Albariño'.
From under-the-radar grapes to bottles with a bit more personality, branching out can elevate your dinner party from predictable to palate-pleasing. So, if you’re ready to retire the sauv blanc – at least for one evening – here are five white wines to impress your guests and add a splash of intrigue to the table.
For more wine advice, check out 5 on-trend wines to buy in 2025 and 10 wine myths debunked by an expert.
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What makes tasty food even more delicious? A great glass of wine, of course! That’s why the Good Food Wine Club stocks over 1,500 wines, so you can be sure you’ve got the perfect bottle to go with any dish or occasion, whether it’s a midweek meal or lavish dinner party.
Visit goodfoodwineclub.com/wine/on-offer-wine to discover our wines, exclusive offers, expert advice, wine gifts and tips for matching food and wine.
5 new white wines to try
Vignobles Canet Picpoul De Pinet 2024
- Available from Laithwaites (£13.99)
If you drink a lot of French Sauvignon Blanc, try switching to another bottle from across the Channel instead. Picpoul de Pinet has been steadily increasing in popularity over the last few years, and is a great choice to pair with seafood. This dry example comes from the Languedoc in France and has a crisp, citrussy freshness, with sharp apple and pear aromas.
Available from:
Laithwaites (£13.99)
Barón de Barbón Albariño Rías Baixas 2023
- Available from Laithwaites (£11.99)
Grant Hedley calls Albariño Spain's 'superstar white', and for good reason. This example comes from the cool hills of northwest Spain, the perfect growing climate for Albariño, with moderate temperatures, clear, sunny days in summer, a strong influence from Atlantic breezes and soils rich in granite, clay and quartz. The resulting wine is rounded, with juicy stone fruit (think ripe peaches) on the nose and palate, balanced by welcome freshness.
Available from:
Laithwaites (£11.99)
Valdorata Fiano 2023
- Available from Laithwaites (£8.99)
You can get great sauvignon blanc alternatives for under £10. Fiano is a unique Italian grape that grows well in Sicily; it's a great one to bring out at dinner parties when you want to show off a lesser-known grape variety and try something new. Here it's blended with another hidden gem grape variety, Grecanico, for a crisp white with notes of fresh fruit and blossom.
Available from:
Laithwaites (£8.99)
Leitz Pinot Blanc 2022
- Available from Laithwaites (£9.49)
German wine isn't only about Riesling, there are many world-class white wines to discover at an affordable price. This pinot blanc from the Rheingau is elegant and refreshing, just like a Sauvignon Blanc, but here with warm, rounded stone fruit notes before a crisp, lemony finish. Try serving with chicken or creamy fish dishes.
Available from:
Laithwaites (£9.49)
Kir-Yianni Assyrtiko 2023
- Available from Laithwaites (£14.99)
Dip your toe into the world of Greek wine with this Assyrtiko from a fifth-generation winemaking family producing renowned wines. The aroma of wildflowers and lemon gives way to fresh, mineral flavour notes, with light apple tartness. If you've been on a Greek summer holiday and are looking to continue the vibes at home, pick up a bottle of this and serve with a crunchy Greek salad.
Available from:
Laithwaites (£14.99)
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