Cape Town - While reds dominate during the chilly months, there are many whites that can hold their own, with chardonnay probably heading the list.
Wooded chards, whether fruity or mineral in character, need good food to show their best, but more and more unwooded chards make ideal winter lunchtime aperitifs.
We were reminded of this when relishing De Wetshof’s Bon Vallon 2013 (R81 from cellar), a Veritas double gold winner, offering delicious mouthfuls of apple, stone fruit and citrus, backed by flint. It faces competition from the estate’s Finesse (R92), in which a touch of oak adds depth and nuttiness to the fresh citrus notes.
Staying with chardonnay, a lightly oaked example, Bon Courage, has every reason to show off its Prestige Cuvée 2013 (R72), which scooped gold at the Chardonnay du Monde this month, while the cellar was voted one of the top 10 chardonnay producers in the world. It is fruity and zesty with a lingering finish, and not too powerful to enjoy on its own.
From Robertson to Stellenbosch and two more enjoyable chardonnays sans wood: Neethlingshof’s 2013 (R55) is crisp with inviting pear and citrus, and the Delheim 2013 (R77) balances citrus and stone fruits with mineral backbone. Seafood, poultry and creamy pastas will all benefit from the partnership.
WINE DIARY
Elegant or robust, fruity or flinty, wooded or unoaked, ’tis the season for characterful wines that warm the cockles of the heart and complement hearty fare in style.
We start with a showcase of Cape shiraz set to take place at the Vineyard Hotel on Friday, August 1, from 6pm. Tickets, which cost R120 and include tasting glass, brochure and snacks, can be bought through Webtickets and at the door.
Last month, the winners of the 2014 Shiraz SA Wine Challenge were announced: the top 12 labels, with four winning shiraz blends, were chosen by seven judges from 191 entries. These will be poured for showcase visitors, with an array of others: new vintages and noteworthy older ones, newcomers and old favourites.
The winning shirazes are Black Elephant Vintners Amistad 2012, Boschkloof Louis 57 and Boschkloof 2012, Cederberg 2011, Fairview Beacon 2011, Hartenberg 2010, Jordan The Prospector 2012, KWV Abraham Perold Insignis 2012, KWV The Mentors 2012, Oldenburg 2011, Rickety Bridge 2011 and Saronsberg Provenance 2012.
* The Melck family of Muratie estate outside Stellenbosch will host a port festival on Sunday, July 27, from 10.30am. Ten top Cape port producers will pour their best, food stalls will offer warming treats, and the Farm Kitchen will be open for lunch. It costs R80. To book, call 021 865 2330 or e-mail info@ muratie.co.za.
* Gluhwein, a cheese fondue and live jazz make a warming combo at Delheim estate on Sundays, until the end of next month, at R185 a head. The fondue is served with a baguette and vegetable crudités, and the Wicomb jazz trio play from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. To book, call 021 888 4607 or e-mailrestaurant@ delheim.com.
Weekend Argus