Vietnamese Wine - no seriously

I was the greatest doubter of all when it comes to Vietnamese Wine. Like many people I had an unpleasant introduction to the local non-varietal wine while on an undistinguished Halong Bay tourist boat.  If the marketing director of Vang Dalat ( Vin Da Lat) knew what muck was being served up to visitors under the banner of Vietnamese wine produce I am sure he would  be horrified!t

If you follow my infrequent Facebook posts you will have noted the first time I bought some New World wine - some five or six weeks into my sojourn. Oh, it tasted like nectar but one bottle of decent Sauvignon Blanc is the same price as a fair bottle of Champagne / fizz in the UK so when you compare it to the price of fish, bread and eggs, it would be like drinking a bottle of MOET every time. My goodness.

As a result, I have been forced to take a longer look at the local wine which costs £2 a bottle. A wineau can't afford to be toooooo fussy...... afer all the days are long and hot and a chilled glass of white wine is often the only drink that will slake the thirst and sooth the soul.

Richard Sterling recently wrote an article in Asia Life about Vang Dalat. He says that, as a result of the French colonisation, wine has been grown in Vietnam for a long time but popular varieties were introduced about 20 years ago and the growers now produce very serviceable wine under the name of Vang Dalat ( not to be called VD) and I agree. Apparently there is also a Chardonnay and a Cabernet available but they are hard to find.

The white wine is light and crisp and sharp and reminds me a little of Muscadet. At only 12% proof it is also ideal for glugging in this sultry climate. Richard says it makes excellent Sangria so that might be my next expedition. The problem is that wine is a relatively new and misunderstood product to the Vietnamese and it is often stored badly.

It's hot in Saigon. It's around 80 degrees all year round and wine prefers a cooler storage temperature to retain its quality. One of the best places to buy it is a small supermarket where the turnover is fast enough to prevent any damage.

It's a good idea to drink it quickly as well! Mot Hai Ba Yo! (one two three down teh hatch it goes)

Dalat - home of the wine industry in Vietrnam