Wine Tastings
| Style | White |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Grape | Sauvignon Blanc |
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Excelsior Sauvignon Blanc, Robertson, South Africa
£10.50
The De Wets of Excelsior have a proud wine-making tradition dating back to 1697. This zesty Sauvignon Blanc brims with fresh fig, grass and tropical fruit flavours. Great value and a great wine for parties.
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Picpoul de Pinet, La Mirande
Picpoul is having something of a fashionable moment right now, everyone seems to have woken up to the fact that this is one of the most refreshing, delicious, reliable and affordable wine styles around.
This version, from the organic La Mirande estate is pure pleasure, offering real depth and flavour (more than most), whilst still retaining that fresh zippyness that we all love. A versatile food wine and a good fridge stand-by, it goes well will most seafood and salad dishes.
‘O Rosal’, Terras Gauda
Terras Gauda was the first Galician winery to really make me think that World class wines could be produced here. Their vineyards are located in the subzone of O Rosal on the terraces that rise steeply above the river Miño which divides Spain from Portugal. This wine is a selective blend of the best Albariño grapes in the O Rosal subzone, mixed with the indigenous Loureira and Caiño Blanco, it is greenish-yellow, evoking white flowers and green plums on the nose and filling out on the palate with fresh grape and apple compote flavours as well as peach kernel. Edged with superb acidity and a bristling minerality this reminds me of a cross between really good Riesling and Premier Cru Chablis.The perfect wine for seafood, salads or simple fish dishes.
Southend Chardonnay, Newton Johnson
This family farm was founded in the mid-1990s by Cape Wine Master, Dave Johnson and his wife, Felicity (Née Newton) and within the past twenty years has built a reputation for producing some of the Cape’s best Pinot Noir. Dave’s CWM thesis was on the variety. Right from the outset, Dave and Felicity’s offspring were involved and today it is very much Gordon, partnered by his wife, Nadia, who are responsible for the winemaking, with brother Bevan looking after the commercial side.Southend is a single vineyard that is owned and farmed by Newton Johnson's neighbours, the Pringle
family. It is a notably cooler slope, a stone’s throw across the river from NJ, with less sunshine
and consequently slower ripening. It produces wines with sparkling clarity, high-toned fruit
flavours, compact structure, and vibrant acidity. They preserve these features by fermenting in
larger format casks that often ferment slowly in to the winter.The oak is barely noticeable here, the wine is just fresh and juicy; such an elegant style of Chardonnay by one of the New World's best Chardonnay producers. If you know people who are adamant that they do not like Chardonnay, get them to taste this!
A great all-rounder, suiting simple fish and shellfish dishes as well as salads and grilled vegetables.
Te Whare Ra Sauvignon Blanc
Te Whare Ra (TWR), pronounced Te Faré Rha (House of the Sun), is the oldest little winery & vineyard in Marlborough, being first established in 1979 in the sub-region of Renwick. Since 2003 it has been owned and operated by Anna & Jason Flowerday. She’s an Aussie from South Australia and he’s a Kiwi from Marlborough.
Anna and Jason firmly believe that biodiversity is the key to maintaining a good vineyard. They plant between the vines and plough alternate rows. To combat pests, they use natural methods such as buckwheat, and fertilize the vineyard using their own home-made composts and manure. In the cellar they practice a hands-off approach as they seek to express the nature of their individual vineyards and sites. The TWR wines are truly hand-made. Everything is hand-picked, hand-sorted and the attention to detail is meticulous. Anna and Jason are dedicated to making delicious authentic wines that showcase the very best of Marlborough not the mass-produced version.A food-friendly Kiwi Sauvignon - great with grilled fish with olive oil and herbs
Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, Newton Johnson
This family farm was founded in the mid-1990s by Cape Wine Master, Dave Johnson and his wife, Felicity (Née Newton) and within the past twenty years has built a reputation for producing some of the Cape’s best Pinot Noir. Dave’s CWM thesis was on the variety. Add to that one of South Africa’s smartest Chardonnay’s and, more recently a pair of outstanding Rhône style wines. Right from the outset, Dave and Felicity’s offspring were involved and today it is very much Gordon, partnered by his wife, Nadia, who are responsible for the winemaking, with brother Bevan looking after the commercial side.This is always my favourite South African Pinot Noir, it just has beautiful purity of fruit and perfect balance; some richness but with bright and juicy acidity. It never fails to deliver. This will age and improve for up to 10 years but is delicious now.
One of the New World's best and for a wine of this quality, the price is incredible (compare to Burgundy or California!)
Great with roast lamb or pork, grilled chops, fillet steak, venison...any special meal!
Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay
Former winemaker at Howard Park and Madfish, Michael struck out on his own when his dream vineyards in the key quality region of Wilyabrup came up for sale. With more than 30 years of winemaking under his belt, and 12 years going solo with Hay Shed Hill, this man is one of the most experienced, respected and revered winemakers in Australia - and rightly so.
He likens Margaret River`s climate to "Bordeaux in a perfect year", and attributes the region's success to its maritime climate, meaning a low diurnal range, very important in a country that is known for its extremes in temperature, and pretty much everything else!
Michael explains. "I make single vineyard and single block wines because they express a particular character - otherwise what`s the point?" All of the vines are dry farmed and made from free run juice only. The vineyards are around 20 years old and they are all farmed organically, but without certification. The Chardonnay sees 25% new oak and represents the `modern Australian Chardonnay`, in the words of its maker. Fun fact. There is a higher annual rainfall in Margaret River than in London!A great match for poached salmon with a buttery sauce
Cotes de Gascogne, Duffour Pere & Fils,
This family producer based in central Gascony (South-West France), is considered one of the best in the area. Their wines have a depth of flavour which is often lacking here; their philosophy is firmly quality over quantity! This is a blend of Colombard, Gros Manseng, Ugni Blanc & Sauvignon Blanc (quite a mouthful!); It’s clean, fresh and modern in style, aromatic with a long, dry finish. Very quaffable and great value.
‘Chiaraluna’ Viognier, Muralia
Muralia is a beautiful organic winery in the Maremma region of Tuscany, owned and run by Stefano Casali, who is an absolute perfectionist when it comes to wine!This is a very elegant Viognier, with clean, pure stone fruit flavours and without the heaviness that sometimes comes with that grape. One of the best expressions of Viognier I've ever tasted (from anywhere!).Absolutely delicious with poached salmon or lobster.
