Durban - We are rarely satisfied. The summer heat heralds calls for cooler days, while rain elicits moans for sunshine.
Maybe embracing the reality is tasting new releases while waiting for the inevitable weather turn – then hoping the cooler days are nothing like those now being experienced the US and Europe.
First up, Anthonij Rupert Wines’ The Cape of Good Hope Altima Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (R95) and Terra del Capo Pinot Grigio 2013 (R60), perfect for warmer weather.
The first was in the Sauvignon Blanc Challenge top 10; the food-friendly pinot grigio was developed by the late Anthonij Rupert.
Muratie released new vintages of its “love story wines”, the white blend Laurens Campher 2013 (R95) and red partner Ansela van der Caab 2010 (R175). The wines honour the love story now written into South African folklore as an icon of the struggle against 17th century slavery. Ansela was a Castle slave with only a Christian name, her surname “van der Caab”, Dutch for “of the Cape”; Laurens was a young soldier who walked the 64km to Cape Town to visit her over their 14-year courtship.
When she was eventually freed, he brought her and their three children back to Muratie as his wife. The oak tree Ansela planted to bless their union still stands today.
The white cries for creamy chicken or slightly spiced dishes, the red is best savoured in the cooler weather with hearty meat dishes.
Bouchard Finlayson released its 2013 whites with winemaker Peter Finlayson noting the vintage followed a protracted winter and late ripening season – producing fruity wines with racy structures.
The Blanc de Mer (cellar door – 2013: R79) blend has won a global following over 20 years and was recently listed in the Moulin Rouge in Paris. The new vintage boasts 52 percent riesling.
The Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (R87) comes from older vines, possibly the winery’s richest, most structured sauvignon blanc ever. The unoaked San Barrique Chardonnay 2013 (R111) wins support from those enjoying the flinty clean character of Chablis.
The Kaaimansgat/Crocodile’s Lair Chardonnay 2013 (R117) presents a bottling with floral notes.
Last was Du Toitskloof Vin Doux sparkling wine (R46). The pinotage-driven blend is naturally sweet to whet the appetite or be paired with curries or berry desserts. - The Mercury
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