Pick six: April 2009
Chenin Blanc
South Africa's most widely planted variety, it's a great alternative to predictable Sauvignon Blanc. It also comes in a variety of styles, so be willing to experiment.
EVERYDAY
RIEBEEK CELLARS 2008
Cellar price: R22
Tel 022 448 1213
Why we like it:
The quintessential unwooded Chenin Blanc. The nose is very primary, showing pronounced guava, while the palate is packed with sweet, juicy fruit off set by zesty acidity. Grapes came from both bosstok and trellised vines, with some of the vineyards approaching 50 years old. Rich and concentrated, it should easily stand up to a fish curry but equally makes for great quaffing on its own.
WEEKENDS
ONDERKLOOF SCHAPENBERG
SINGLE VINEYARD 2007
Cellar price: R45
Tel 021 858 1538
Why we like it:
For evidence that the Schapenberg near Somerset West is capable of quality whites, look no further than the white blend from famed Vergelegen. Now comes this well-constructed Chenin Blanc from relatively unheralded Onderkloof. The nose shows some waxy, leesy notes which are echoed on the palate. Lime fruit and fresh acidity reflect the wine's cool-climate origins, while the oak is well judged and adds interest.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
SIMONSIG CHENIN
AVEC CHÊNE 2007
Cellar price: R89
Tel 021 888 4900
Why we like it:
The unwooded Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2008 was voted "Superquaffer of the Year" in Platter's 2009 and this is its "big brother". The name means "Chenin with oak" and the wine spent 11 months in large-format barrels, only 14% new. The nose shows tropical fruit, dried apricot, honey and spice, while the palate is full bodied and concentrated, balanced by tangy acidity. Try pairing it with a ripe creamy cheese like Epoisse.
Red Blends
The Bordeaux template (wines that have Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in prominent roles but can also include Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot) is no longer the only one in use. Try these alternative offerings.
EVERYDAY
LANDSKROON PAUL HUGO
RED 2007
Cellar price: R27
Tel 021 863 1039
Why we like it: An honest, no-nonsense red blend of Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Merlot. This wine is essentially fruit driven - red cherries on the nose and palate - but has just enough tannic grip to lend interest. It's medium bodied, clean and ridiculously easy to drink. "Pleasingly refreshing if chilled in summer," suggests the backlabel, and we couldn't agree more. A great party wine - if your mates come around and fl atten a couple of bottles, it won't bankrupt you.
WEEKENDS
BELLINGHAM
DRAGON'S LAIR 2006
Cellar price: R85
Available from all good wine retailers
Why we like it:
More and more local wines evoke the Rhône and this is one of them, the blend featuring Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Viognier. There's some fragrance on an otherwise shy nose and the palate is complex with red and black fruit and lots of spice. Well balanced, it does not appear unduly sweet unlike many of its counterparts. It is part of the Legends range that includes a (very good) white blend called Fair Maiden and another red blend called St Georges.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
DE TRAFFORD
ELEVATION 393 2005
Cellar price: R380
Tel 021 880 1611
Why we like it:
For the price tag, you're entitled to expect something memorable and this delivers. A blend of Cab, Merlot and Shiraz, it has a complex, enticing nose showing dark fruit, chocolate, some earthiness and appealing herbal notes. The palate is full bodied but well structured and balanced. Not shy, it has an alcohol by volume of 15% but it carries this well and you can be assured that you are getting bang for your buck!
Photographs by Danie Nel
