September 2023

Winery: Paserene

Wine Maker: Martin Smith

Winery Location: Franschhoek

Varietal(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon;

Vivino Score: 4.0/5.00

Retail Price: R250.00

Notes in the wine:

• Strong mineral undertones, with eloquent aromas of cassis, liquorice and black berries. There are supple tannins on the palate to provide a rounded flavour and a deliciously dry mouth-feel.
• Grapes are sourced from the Paserene wine farm in Tulbagh and are arguably one of the best representations of the terroirs in the Paserene Elements Range. The palate carries these aromas through, with succulent berry flavours complemented by rich vanilla undertones. 
•  Martin is a third-generation wine-maker, whose passion was ignited through the influence of his father and grandfather. Between 2010 and 2017. he worked for Vilafonte, a winery established in a collaboration between South African Mike Ratcliffe and Americans Phil Freese and Zelma Long. 
• Martin is a precision winemaker, rarely adding anything to his wines, and he chooses not to filter them. He prides himself on spending the time and effort on exactly what  goes into the bottle, to ensure that what comes out is as authentic as possible.

Food pairing: Lamb, roasted with plenty of rosemary and lashings of butter.

Winery: Neil Ellis

Winemaker: Warren Ellis

Winery Location: Stellenbosch

Varietal(s): 100% Syrah

Vivino Score: 3.80/5.00

Retail Price: R165.00

• An elegant Syrah with a vibrant colour. The nose has hints of raspberries with contributing perfumed aromas of violets. The palate is juicy with red and dark cherries, and peppery notes lingering in the background. The palate is well balanced and fresh, framed by fine tannins.
• Sourced from the same property as the Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc, the Syrah grows in a unique micro-climate of warm days and cool nights to ensure optimal flavour development and steady sugars. Elegant and approachable, this wine partners perfectly with good food and friends. A wine for every moment.

Food pairing: Pork belly and braised chicken, accompanied by a Pasta marinara, Grilled Aubergine or Portabella Mushrooms.

Winery: Spider Pig

Winemaker:  David Wibberley

Winery Location: W/O Western Cape  

Varietal(s): Pinot Noir

Vivino Score: 3.8/5.00

Retail Price: R255.00

• On the Pigs Back’ is basically an Irish saying for doing really well, really really well. Who’s up for a Piggy Back ride then? Put your arms and hands around this bottle, hold tight and enjoy the ride down the flavour slide. Don’t fall into the Barrel. This little Piggy is Back!”
• Whole bunch portion only 0-10% depending on the batch. Open top fermenters used with pump overs twice a day.

Food pairing: Char Siu Pork or Crispy Duck Pancakes.

Winery: Doolhof

Winemaker: Gielie Beukes

Winery Location: Wellington

Varietal(s): 100% Merlot

Vivino Score: 3.80/5.00

Retail Price: R295.00

Notes on the wine: T

• This Merlot has a beautiful deep red hue with aromas of blackberries, truffles, cassis, and hints of vanilla. Medium-bodied and complex, this wine has a juicy mouthfeel. The palate is layered with plush fruit, hints of chocolate and is well supported by silky-smooth tannins that lead to a long, elegant finish.
• The Merlot grapes were harvested from a vineyard located on an elevated hill centrally situated on the Doolhof estate. These vines are planted on granitic Oakleaf soil with a deep shale base.
• Grapes were handpicked with bunch sorting done at the cellar before destemming and crushing lightly.

Food pairing: Grilled T-bone with herbed butter

Winery: Groot Constantia

Winemaker: Boela Gerber

Winery Location: Constantia

Varietal(s): Cabernet Franc/ Merlot/ Cinsault/ Shiraz/Syrah

Vivino Score: 4.10/ 5.00

Retail Price: R175.00

• This new blend shows beautiful complexity. Ripe plum and red cherry flavours combine with a hint of fennel and careful use of oak. The variety of fruit follows on the palate and is framed by a fine tannin structure.

Food pairing: Rare roast beef with mustard and garlic dressing and roast vegetables

Winery: Rupert and Rothschild

Winery Location: Franschhoek

Winemaker: Yvonne Lester

Varietal(s): 51% Merlot / 34% Cabernet Sauvignon / 9% Cabernet Franc / 6% Petit Verdot

Vivino Score: 4.20/5.00

Retail Price: R225.00

Notes on Wine:

• Aromas of red plum, raspberries and cherries are prominent, layered with forest floor and oak spice expressed as toasted caramel and walnut.
• Alluring plush black fruits, earthy notes and pencil shavings followed by a layered complexity. The smooth, silky texture sustains spice, tea leaf nuances and dark chocolate.
• The palate has a fresh red fruit core with soft-textured tannins and good persistence.

Food pairing: Oak-smoked duck breast, roasted baby beetroots, beetroot puree, crispy Jerusalem artichokes, and a roasted cherry jus.

Winery: Pasarene

Winemaker: Martin Smith

Winery Location: Franschhoek

Varietal(s): 100% Chardonnay

Vivino Score: 4.00/5.00

Retail Price: R205.00

• In the glass, this Chardonnay has a bright green/gold colour with a bright core, and primary nose aromas of citrus blossom, neroli and yellow peaches. Secondary to that is a savoury sea-spray, almost chalklike, aroma harnessed with a gentle oak inclusion.
• Bright is made by fermenting all the Chardonnay components separately. The grapes were pressed and then transferred to oak barrels where fermentation occurred naturally. The grapes are sourced mostly from the Franschhoek vineyard but also has grapes from Tulbagh and Elgin..
• On the palate the wine is well balanced with a soft mouthfeel and a crisp acidity that give the wine great length.

Food pairing: A light summer salad with rustic bread and olive oil

Winery: Cedereberg

Winemaker: David Nieuwoudt

Winery Location: Clanwilliam

Varietal(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Vivino Score: 4.00/5.0

Retail Price: R135.00

• This cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc beguiles with a translucent, palest-of-yellow colour. An expressive nose of Cape gooseberry, granadilla (passion fruit), pineapple, kiwifruit and hints of lime citrus leads to a gentle palate.
• It is both savoury and creamy, followed by a clean finish of refreshing Granny Smith green apples.
• The winemaking process is done in reductive conditions with the use of dry ice and carbon dioxide gas.

Food pairing: Grilled chèvre on toasted sourdough bread.

Winery: Diemersdal

Winemaker: Thys Louw

Winery Location: Durbanville, Cape Town

Varietal(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Vivino Score: 4.10/ 5.00

Retail Price: R210.00

• Characteristic tropical notes of granadilla, gooseberry and kiwi-fruit are harnessed by a firm, exuberant bracing freshness, a nervy edge and green citrus and tense minerality. The finish is cool and long, making for a memorable Sauvignon Blanc experience..
• The Diemersdal Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was made in conjunction with Ben Glover Family Vineyards, producing stunning pungent wines of power, finesse and vibrancy. 

Food pairing: Shellfish, especially mussels and raw oysters

Winery: Cape of Good Hope

Winemaker: Mark van Buuren

Winery Location: Swartland

Varietal(s): Chardonnay

Vivino Score: 4.10/5.00

Retail Price: R225.00

Notes on the wine:

• Altima Estate is situated in Elandskloof, a 5km wide isolated valley north of Villiersdorp that is surrounded by a mountain range that rises 1km above the valley floor. The valley receives less direct sunlight due to the overshadowing mountains, which, combined with the valley’s elevation of 600 to 800m, results in a distinctly cool continental climate. Quartz sandstone from the Table Mountain Sandstone group is visible against the higher-lying mountains. The main type of soil found on the farm is good decomposed shale soil from the Malmesbury group. This unique terroir produces fruit with high natural acidity and low pH levels, which contribute to the wine’s ageing potential. 
• Orange blossom and stone fruit are discernible on the nose, with a subtle underpinning of caramel and vanilla. The palate is fresh and vibrant with lively nectarine and citrus flavours and a trace of zesty rind.
• Balanced and restrained with signature elegance and refinement, the gentle creamy vanilla oak nuance lends depth, structure and charm. Overall, a rounded, textured mouthful with a long, rewarding tail that ends with a light marmalade farewell.
• An exceptional vintage that promises to produce exceptional wines

Food pairing: Fettucine Alfredo Pasta with chicken

Winery: Neil Joubert

Winemaker: Ernie Leicht

Winery Location: Paarl

Varietal(s): 100% Chenin Blanc

Vivino Score: 3.80/5.00

Retail Price: R135.00

• Expressive aromas of yellow apple, quince, kumquat, dried pineapple, and a touch of oak spice. The palate has an excellent balance of fruit and oak, with bright acidity adding freshness and backbone. After de-stalking and crushing, the juice was allowed to settle and then transferred to new 400L French oak barrels for primary- and malolactic fermentation.
• The wine has a creamy, rounded mouthfeel and a satisfying finish with yellow citrus and stone fruit flavours. A complex, food-friendly wine that will facilitate further bottle ageing for 5-6 years from vintage.

Food pairing: Rich & creamy fettucine alfredo pasta

Winery: Spider Pig wines

Winemaker: David Wibberley

Winery Location: W/O Western Cape

Varietal(s):  Chenin  

Vivino Score: 4.20/5.00

Retail Price: R175.00

• “The Upside-Down Pig is all about finding a unique perspective. You see, Chenin Blanc in South Africa is like mud in a pig sty. It’s everywhere. And while most are brilliant, they really do come in all shapes and sizes. Fat ones, thin ones, sweet ones, grim ones. So we’ve made sure that ours offers a different perspective of the grape.  Tight, focused, minerally and delicious, you won’t find any flab (or any flies) in the Piggy Chenin.”

Food pairing: crab salad