Pick six: June 2009

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is first and foremost associated with the great white wines of Burgundy. It is highly adaptable to different growing conditions and appears in a variety of styles from fresh and fruity to rich and heavily wooded.

 

EVERYDAY

FORTRESS HILL 2008
Fort Simon price: R40
Tel 021 906 0304

Why we like it:
Second label from Bottelary farm Fort Simon. This wine has an expressive fruity nose and this follows through to the palate, which displays a spectrum of flavours from citrus through peach to pineapple. It's lightly oaked and has mouthwatering, zesty acidity so perfect for those who think they don't like Chardonnay on account of it being too rich. Serve with tapas or some grilled fish.

WEEKENDS

L'AVENIR 2007
Cellar price: R55
Tel 021 889 5001

Why we like it:
Stellenbosch farm L'Avenir was acquired by prominent Chablis producer Michel Laroche in 2005, who surely brings his expertise to bear when it comes to making Chardonnay. This wine shows understated complexity: the nose is somewhat shy but the palate displays lime and some yeasty notes. The subtle oaking lends a touch of creaminess with the acidity gentle but refreshing. Serve with grilled fi sh or roast chicken.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

HOOPENBURG
INTEGER 2006
Cellar price: R130
Tel 021 884 4221

Why we like it:
The wines from Stellenbosch farm Hoopenburg seem increasingly worthy of attention since Neil Hawkins joined as winemaker at the beginning of 2005. This ambitious off ering is modern in style but well conceived: it shows toasty oak and oatmeal on the nose, while the palate shows wonderfully pure citrus fruit with well integrated wood. Full bodied and intense but balanced with fresh acidity. Serve with poultry or pork.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is responsible for some of the world's finest and longest-lasting wines, providing great depth of colour, concentrated dark fruit (typically described as cassis or black currant) and firm tannins.

EVERYDAY

FRANSCHHOEK CELLAR
THE CHURCHYARD 2007
Cellar price: R40
Tel 021 876 2086

Why we like it:
Those looking for good everyday wine should not overlook Franschhoek Cellar (previously Franschhoek Vineyards) since it was acquired by industry heavyweight DGB in 2007. This wine shows red berry fruit and some herbal notes on the nose and palate. It's medium bodied with relatively unobtrusive tannins making it approachable now but capable of maturing with benefit for up to two years. Serve with flame-grilled beef.

WEEKENDS

BLACK PEARL 2006
Approx. retail price: R85
Tel 021 863 2900

Why we like it:
Shades of Napa Valley, California, with this wine, which has a hefty alcohol by volume of 15.5%! The nose shows ultra-ripe dark fruit, violets and dried herbs while the palate is full bodied and intensely flavoured. Fruity sweetness up front but there are also firm tannins in evidence that lend shape and structure. A blockbuster that needs hearty food - serve with a lamb stew.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

RUSTENBERG
PETER BARLOW 2005
Cellar price: R310
Tel 021 809 1200

Why we like it:
What's remarkable about this wine is that it displays both a very New World core of ripe fruit as well as a tannic austerity typical of the Old World. The nose is wonderfully expressive showing cassis, oak spice and tea leaves while the palate shows great intensity without being unduly weighty. Dark fruit matched by fine tannins and fresh acidity. Serve with a classic beef dish like Chateaubriand.