Yet another reason to drink the brilliant wines of South Africa! South African Heritage Day! Cut Thursday Night Club like a stick of rock and I am pretty sure you’ll find a springbok!
First up is the Delheim ‘Worth The Journey’ Chenin Blanc 2018, Stellenbosch, South Africa. A few questionable encounters with tart, green apple tasting Chenin’s made him a little hesitant, however this Chenin is ‘absolutely delicious’, and definitely made the metaphorical journey back to Chenin worth-while. Lovely ripe concentrated fruit, juicy freshness and most definitely a wine to buy again. The Wine Society £10.95
Next we have the Rustenberg John X Merriman 2018, Stellenbosch, South Africa. This is a fabulous Bordeaux blend from this well established producer. A little tight at first, but given time to stretch and get its bearings in a big glass it has opened up into a delicious, rich wine showing cassis, leather and tobacco. A really smart wine that is brilliant with food and excellent value, you definitely get bang for your buck here. Waitrose Cellars £15.99
Van Loggerenberg Trust Your Gut Chenin Blanc 2018, Western Cape, South Africa. We first encountered Lukas Van Loggerenberg’s Geronimo Cinsault at a local restaurant and it knocked our socks off with its poise, perfume and elegance. We therefore had no problem ‘trusting our gut’ with his Chenin. A tiny production of 5 barrels and just his second vintage and the wine showed so much class. Rich and textural with baked apple, white pear, peach stone and a hint of nutmeg with a delicious saline finish. A serious wine worthy of some serious food. The Wine Society £28
Venturing out of the southern hemisphere and paying homage to another favourite wine club wine country thanks to a recent holiday and winery visit we head to Greece. The Gaia Estate Agiorgitiko, 2017, Nemea, Greece is a stunning example of this beautiful red grape which has flavours akin to Cabernet Franc. Perfumed red and black fruit, wild herbs, graphite, finely structured tannins, a kiss of oak, and beautiful freshness. Yiannis the winemaker is based in Santorini where he is famed for his stunning local Assytriko whites, but he has vineyards in Nemea in the Peloponnese which provide much better soils and climate for red grapes. This was purchased cellar door at the winery in Santorini but can be found in the UK for about £33. It is definitely a wine to splash out on as it is not only unique but utterly gorgeous.
Katia Alvarez Godello 2018, Galicia, Spain. A hard day labouring in the garden required something refreshing, and luckily this Godello was sitting in the fridge waiting for its moment to shine. Not a grape variety that this drinker is familiar with, but he was really pleased with the wine as a delicious mid-week treat that provided really good value. It is grown in the same region as the better known Albarino and also tends to make fresh unoaked white wines. Godello can be a touch richer and more textural with ripe peach flavours and a lovely saline finish. Majestic Wines £9.99