September 2014 Meeting - Wines from South Africa

Julie and Jerry host the first meeting of the new season on the 16th of Septembe...

 

The Wines

 

Springfield Estate (Robertson)

Wild Yeast Chardonnay 2011

This is an unoaked Chardonnay, made in the time-honoured method of wild yeast fermentation. This allows the natural yeasts present on the grapes to bring about fermentation, which takes a lengthy 60 days, but promotes greater richness and complexity of flavour.

Immensely complex aromas of pineapple and pear mingling with nutty, yeasty cookie dough notes from extended lees ageing. The palate structure is firm, crisp and grippy.

Robertson is an inland wine region located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It also sits at the heart of South Africa’s famous Wine Route. Bordered by the Breede River and Langeberg Mountains, it has a hot, dry climate and contains numerous different terroirs.

Majestic

£10.95

14.0%

Springfield Estate (Robertson)

Sauvignon Blanc 2013

This delicious Sauvignon is created from fruit grown on dryland vineyards producing very low yields and concentrated fruit flavours. It makes a zippy apéritif or an excellent partner for moules marinière or fish pie. This wine now carries a 'sustainability seal' guaranteeing that the wine in the bottle was produced in a manner that is respectful to the environment. The grapes are harvested at night.

Waitrose

£11.99

12.5%

Zalze

Chenin Blanc 2012 Reserve

Upfront tropical, ripe pineapple and peach aromas, are complemented by a long, crisp aftertaste, creating a delightfully accessible wine.

Produced by Kleine Zalze, R44, Stellenbosch, South Africa. Wine has been made here since 1695. Today, this family-owned winery situated outside Stellenbosch in the heart of the Cape Winelands, continues the tradition of producing wines of outstanding quality.

Sainsbury

Waitrose

£7.50

13.5%

Cape Heritage

Reserve Selection Shiraz 2013

Super South African red with all the hallmarks of a big beautiful Shiraz. Loads and loads of almost sweet blackberry and damson fruit but with a hint of New World Shiraz bitter dark chocolate. Might even be too sweet and juicy if not for a steely backbone of cheek-tightening tannin tingle. Enjoy at room temperature in big goldfish bowl glasses with your feet up in front of Strictly or stick it on the table with some top notch steaks and requisite chips. Delicious and impressive in equal measure.

Morrisons

£4.99

13.5%

Mount Rozier

Merlot 2013

This superb South African red has vibrant blackberry and plum aromas, backed by gentle spices and creamy vanilla from its time aging in oak barrels, balanced by supple sweetness and a long finish.

Our 20 hectare farm is situated on the Schapenberg slopes above Somerset West, neighboring Vegelegen. Mount Rozier can be reached in half an hour from Cape Town international airport. The location with its commanding views, undulating topography, varied soil composition and idyllic micro-climate provides a natural amphitheatre to produce world class single vineyard wines.

Research into the history of the farm led to the selection of Mount Rozier, after Annie Rozier, a local flower merchant who gathered wild flowers on the slopes of Myrtle Grove at the turn of the century and sold them in Cape Town.

Waitrose

£7.49

14.0%

Rooiberg

Pinotage 2010

Rooiberg Pinotage has an attractive deep colour and the typical full-flavoured style of rich Pinotage. It has lots of complex cultivar character, mingling well with good woodiness. If consumed young the fruity Pinotage bouquet can be fully appreciated, but it will develop a wide full flavour with further ageing.

Pinotage is South Africa's flavourful answer to Pinot Noir but it was very nearly the wine that never was. In 1925 Professor Perold at Stellenbosch University crossed the robust Cinsault grape with Pinot Noir, a difficult grape to grow. He planted the seeds, then got a new job, left and promptly forgot about them. The garden became overgrown and the fledgling vines seemed lost forever. Fate stepped in in the form of a young professor who rescued the vines just as a team of gardeners arrived with shears. The first wine was produced in 1941 and what a beauty this style has turned out to be. A complex wine with a fantastic history, it really is one not to be missed.

Blue Otter

£10.00

14.0%