Wine Tastings
Ataraxia Chardonnay, Hemel en Aarde
Kevin Grant is one of only a handful Chardonnay specialists in South Africa. Bright yellow straw in appearance. White flowers and vanilla cream on the nose, with neatly integrated toasty oak characters. This Chardonnay has been known to top the charts in many a South African Chardonnay tasting, and rightly so with its chiselled, focused style.
It manages to be both subtle and intense, with hints of sun-warmed tropical fruits, gentle peach and vanilla. The wine has a fresh palate on entry with crisp acidity and subtle tropical notes.
One of my all time favourite Chardonnays - it just hits the right spot every time!
Perfect with lemon and herb roast chicken or roast pork with apples - yum..
Chenin Blanc, Botanica
This is one of South Africa’s best white wines! Awarded the maximum 5 stars in the influential Platter Guide for seven vintages. The dry-farmed grapes for this wine come from a vineyard in the Citrusdal Mountain region. It is fermented and aged partially in old oak barrels and has the perfect balance between richness and freshness that only great Chenin Blanc seems to achieve. Amazingly complex and will continue to develop for many years to come. Outstanding.
Albarino, Newton Johnson
Newton Johnson are famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but this new addition to their range has won them huge plaudits. The Spanish grape Albarino, is taking off all around the World as more and more people fall in love with it. Less intense than Sauvignon but still crisp and fresh, this is a variety you need to try.
This version is very well-made (as you would expect from Gordon Newton Johnson), perhaps slightly fleshier and juicier than it's Spanish relatives, but still elegant and food-friendly. Delicious.
Perfect with shellfish, BBQ prawns, lobster mayonnaise, grilled fish with olive oil.
