Wines of the Southern Hemisphere

   This month our group of wining and dining friends gathered for a pre-holiday tasting that featured wines of the Southern Hemisphere, including South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and Uruguay.  In my November class at the Mt. Airy Learning Tree, we sampled South African wines, and I used that as starting off point for the wine dinner, highlighting two varietals that are often associated with the Cape - Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.  I filled it out with a quintessential Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, the flagship wine from Uruguay (Tannat, originally from Southwestern France), and a Malbec blend from Argentina and a classic Shiraz from "Down Under."

  The Pinotage was a big hit among the imbibers, which shows how far that long-maligned hybrid has come in recent years.  The Shiraz was certainly one of my favorites, especially given the price point, and the Tannat lovers gave the Pisano a thumbs up.  There was some dissension among the ranks with regard to the Malbec blend, but it may have been a function of the order in which it was tasted.  It will remain one of my go-to Argentinians.  Of the whites, the Chenin Blanc held sway, though most admitted that the Sauvignon Blanc was more suited to summertime quaffing.  (All the wines were purchased at Total Wine in Delaware, though some, including the Whitehaven, may be available in PA.)

1.     Neethlingshof Estate Chenin Blanc 2016   ($12.49)


           

Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc

Appellation: Stellenbosch Wine of Origin

Tasting/Production Notes: Fermentation took place at 12 ̊ C

for a period of 18 days; rested on the lees with stirring taking place once a week to add to the creamy mouth-feel of the wine and to ensure all lees flavors were released;

hand harvested;  after crushing of the fruit, the juice was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks over 14 days between 13° and 15° C; delicate stone fruit aromas progressing to a mélange of tropical fruit, elegant pear and guava flavors, followed by bright floral notes; medium bodied; lingering finish.

Food Pairing: aperitif; fish, poultry; asparagus

Alcohol: 13.5%

2.       Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2016  ($16.49)


     

           

Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

           

Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand

Tasting/Production Notes: Harvested in March/April 2016; stainless steel fermentation at low temperatures; aromas of gooseberry, blackcurrant leaf, boxwood, greengage plums, and a hint of tropical fruit; medium-bodied with lively acidity on the palate with bright fragrant fruit flavors that linger on long clean finish.

Food Pairing: summer salads, poultry and shellfish, such as Marlborough’s famous green-lipped mussels; also try it with lobster and white fish.

Alcohol: 13%

3.     Neetlingshof Estate Pinotage 2015  ($14.99)


    

           Varietal: 100% Pinotage

           Appellation: Stellenbosch Wine of Origin

Tasting/Production Notes:  Fermentation in rotation tanks took place at 25° to 28°C over six days; after malolactic fermentation the wine was matured in a combination of French (60%) and American (40%) oak, with 40% in new barrels for a period of nine months; the wine was bottled in January 2015 and released May of the same year; aromas of ripe banana and cinnamon and notes of plum and prunes; medium bodied with a velvety texture; earthy, vegetal, aromas and strong, plummy varietal flavors; cherry fruit; firm tannic backbone; may be aged 5-10 years.

Food pairings: meats such as Springbok, Kudu and other bok, whether in the form of steaks, potjies or even as biltong.

           Alcohol: 14.5%

4.      Pisano Tannat Rio de los Pajaros Reserve 2013    ($16.99)


               
          

Varietals: 100% Tannat

Appellation: Progreso, Uruguay

Tasting/Production Notes: complex notes of wood and mushrooms; effusive aromas of blackberry, earth, mushrooms, pepper, and oak; palate is driven by rich flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, spice, and dark chocolate framed by modest, chalky, dry tannins.

Food Pairings: sharp cheese; pasta with rich sauces; roasted meats

Alcohol: 13.5%

5.     Flichman Tupungato 2014  ($18.99)


       

           Varietal: 70% Malbec; 20% Cabernet Sauvignon; 10% Merlot

           Appellation: Tupungato, Argentina

Tasting/Production Notes: Hand harvested; fermented for 9 days; malolactic fermentation; 12 months aging in 50% American, 50% French oak; 6 months further bottle aging; aromas of red ripe fruit, plums, currants; concentrated, sweet tannins; complex, persistent finish;

Food pairings: Osso Buco

           Alcohol: 14.5%

6.     Schild Estate Shiraz 2013  ($22.49)

           Varietal: 100% Shiraz

           Appellation:  Barossa Valley, Australia

Tasting/Production Notes: 18 months aging in French oak; dark cherries, ripe black fruits on the nose with hints of new leather; dark fruit and chocolate on the palate fine, elegant tannins; may be aged up to 10 years.

Alcohol: 14.13%

Factoids about the Wine Estates

Neetlingshof: The Neethlingshof farm was initially called De Wolvendans (The Dance of Wolves) before it was acquired in 1788 by Charles Marais and his eighteen-year old wife, Maria, who immediately began extending the vineyards and building a cellar to make their own wine. Maria, subsequently was widowed not long after getting married hence why when her daughter married Johannes Henoch Neethling in 1828, he became joint owner of the farm and the name was changed to Neethlingshof. Always dressed to the nines, Johannes loved the good life and immersed himself in the community activities of Stellenbosch, earning himself the nickname, “Lord Neethling”.

Schild: Ben and Alma Schild first moved to the Barossa Valley from Lameroo in the Murray Mallee in 1952. The first vineyard that the family purchased is located up the top of Steingarten Road, near Rowland Flat, where the original homestead is still situated.

In 1956 Ben Schild died suddenly and Ed, being the youngest of eight children and the only son to be living at home, stayed to run the family property at the age of 16.

Ed Schild’s enthusiasm for the region, its offerings and vineyards saw him steadily grow the landholdings of the Schild Family, which today encompasses over 450 acres under vine. Within this large amount of land is one small patch of 160 year old shiraz vines which produces the iconic Moorooroo Shiraz. Ed and Lorraine have four children and eight grandchildren which ensures a strong family focus within the winery today. In 1998 the Schild Estate label was established producing a total of 7 tonnes making 450 dozen and recently in the 2011 Vintage 600 Tonnes – 50,000 cases. So with that much work to do and so many family members, it sure makes for fun times in Lyndoch.

Until recently Schild Estate Wines were produced offsite, but in July 2010 Valley of Hope Winery was opened and 2011 saw the first complete vintage come through its doors, with Chief Winemaker Scott Hazeldine leading the charge.

Flichman: Finca Flichman, a more than centenarian winery, is one of the oldest and most established names in Argentinean wine. Its brands are commercialized at domestic and international markets as well, exporting them to more than 60 countries worldwide.

Finca Flichman’s vineyards extend over 400 cultivated hectares and are distributed in two different Mendoza regions: Barrancas, in Maipú and Tupungato, in Uco Valley (Valle de Uco).

Since 1998, Finca Flichman has been handled by Sogrape, leading Portuguese group, that has been distinguished as the “Best Wine Producer Worldwide” by the World Association of Wine & Spirits Writers and Journalists (WAWWJ)for the second consecutive year.

Whitehaven: Established in 1994 in the heart of the internationally renowned Marlborough region, WHITEHAVEN is the realisation of the White family's vision to create a respected and critically acclaimed winery. Today the company is headed by Sue White, an enthusiastic advocate of the region, who continues to make the dreams she shared with her late husband Greg a reality. Sue leads a small, talented, committed team who together are carving global recognition for the WHITEHAVEN label, showcasing elegant, single varietal Marlborough wines to over a dozen countries.

Wine and Beer Sales Open up in Pennsylvania Food Stores (World Does Not Come to an End!)

For the long-suffering Pennsylvania wine (and beer) consumer - and yes, I have used that apt descriptor before - , the relaxing of state liquor laws seems to be coming on fast and furious after decades of glacially-slow modernizing of the PA LCB (Liquor Control Board).  In an earlier post (August 7) wherein I extolled the virtues of the Naked Wines wine club, I noted that shipments could be sent to your nearest State Store.  Now you can have the wine shipped DIRECTLY to your home! See below for more information.

In addition to this new convenience - that almost every other State in the Union already enjoys, I might add - , food stores and supermarkets are now able to sell beer and wine, albeit with some restrictions in purchases and a somewhat lesser selection than most State Stores. Nevertheless, this will go a long way in making wine and beer purchases much more consumer friendly.  Already Wegman's is selling wine, and I'm told Whole Foods is soon to follow. (The new Whole Foods at 20th and Callowhill already sells dozens of craft beer by the six pack or by individual bottle.)

I haven't checked out the PA Wegman's wine selection yet, but if it's anywhere close to the selection in their Cherry Hill location, there will be good deals to be had.

So drink up wine (and beer) lovers! Pennsylvania is on the move!

Click on the link below for more information:

http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20161127_Relaxed_for_the_holidays__Pa__s_rules_on_beer__wine_sales.html

And from Naked Wines:

https://us.nakedwines.com/home.htm

Rejoice! You can get more wine, for 18% less — and we're shipping it straight to your door!
I have some good news for you — the wine shipping laws for your state have changed — and we will now ship directly to your home, work, or to a designated FedEx location for convenient pickup. You won't have to make any more PLCB trips. Woohoo!

...and the pesky 12 bottle/month ordering limit? That 18% emergency tax? Both gone. More money for wine!

There aren't too many wineries around that can make this happen
We're on the cutting edge with this update — and one of the few wine sites that make shipping exclusive wines to you this easy.

Wines of South Africa

 The best-kept secret in the wine world right now might just be South Africa.

-Wine Spectator, June 15, 2015

In the ever expanding world of wine, South Africa is perhaps best positioned to take advantage of the consumer’s search for high quality wines at affordable prices.  As suggested by the Wine Spectator quote above, the attributes of South Africa’s wine regions – climate, soil, geography, history and expertise – combine to create a formidable presence among wine-producing nations.  Although Chenin Blanc and Pinotage are mostly closely associated with South Africa, many other popular varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay – find excellent representations here.  In my most recent tasting classes, we had the opportunity to sample some of these fine wines whose descriptions you will find below.

For the first class, the favorites appeared to be the Chenin Blanc (one or the other) and the Pinotage, which was interesting since it was the first time most, if not all, the class had tasted it.  Pinotage is definitely on the rise, overcoming its dubious reputation of the past.

In the second class, the Hamilton Russell Chardonnay was voted favorite of the whites, and the Cabernet Sauvignon among the reds.  Personally, as someone who is very particular about Chardonnay and does not drink it on a regular basis, I have to say that I was very impressed by Hamilton Russell, and recommend it for those who are not frequent Chardonnay imibers – you might be surprised!  As for the reds, I especially enjoyed the Syrah blend, but would not hesitate selecting any of the others depending the food pairing.

1.     Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc 2016

($12.99 in PA)

                             

Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc

Appellation: Stellenbosch Wine of Origin

Tasting/Production Notes: Hand harvested; fermented cool, bottled early; youthful, fresh wine with quince and pear flavors; crunchy green apple and grapefruit flavors; tangy finish.

Food Pairing: light al fresco summertime fare; aperitif

Alcohol: 13%

           

2.       Ken Forrester Old Vine Chenin Blanc Reserve 2015

($15.99 in PA)

                               

           

Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc

           

Appellation: Stellenbosch Wine of Origin

Tasting/Production Notes: Hand harvested; barrel and tank fermented and left on the lees (9 months French oak, 20% new); matured on secondary lees for a rounded complexity; golden hued and full bodied, with melon and spicy baked apple aromas; layered, with mineral notes enhanced by honeycomb and caramel flavors from lees contact; harmonious balance between fruit and delicate oak/vanilla flavors, combined to form complex, soft flavors with sufficient body to enhance even spicy and full flavored meals.

Food Pairing: spicy dishes, full flavored fish or chicken dishes; crayfish, prawns

Alcohol: 14.5%

3.       Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2015

($27.99 in PA)

                              

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

Appellation: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Estate Wine of Origin

Tasting/Production Notes: Release date December 2015; 1^st  organic harvest;  barrel fermentation 84%; Foudre 7%; Stainless steel 9 %; 9 months barrel aging; prominent pear and lime fruit aromas and flavors; bright natural acidity; long dry minerality; (94 points, (94 points, Wine Spectator: "Rippling with tension, featuring Jonagold apple, white peach, mirabelle plum and honeysuckle notes coiled at the core. Citrus oil– and mineral-edged finish.”)

           

Alcohol: 13.78%

4.     Raats Red Jasper 2013

($19.99 in PA)

                          

Varietals: 85% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Petit Verdot, 2.5% Merlot

Appellation: Stellenbosch Wine of Origin

Tasting/Production Notes: 18 months aging in French Vicard and Mercury oak barrels; cold soak on the skins for 5 days; malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks; neither fined nor filtered; very complex, with subtle dark berry fruit on the nose, and perfume and violets from 85% Cabernet Franc; palate exhibits darkness of fruit: blue and blackberries, blackcurrant, bramble, intertwined with hints of tobacco and the darkest of chocolate. Complex and structured.  (90 points, Wine Enthusiast)

Food Pairings: beef, rib-eye, venison.

Alcohol: 14%

5.     Neetlingshof Estate Pinotage 2015

($15.99 at Total wine in Delaware)

                       

           Varietal: 100% Pinotage

           Appellation: Stellenbosch Wine of Origin

Tasting/Production Notes: Fermentation in rotation tanks took place at 25° to 28°C over six days; after malolactic fermentation the wine was matured in a combination of French (60%) and American (40%) oak, with 40% in new barrels for a period of nine months; the wine was bottled in January 2015 and released May of the same year; aromas of ripe banana and cinnamon and notes of plum and prunes; medium bodied with a velvety texture; earthy, vegetal, aromas and strong, plummy varietal flavors; cherry fruit; firm tannic backbone.

Food pairings: meats such as Springbok, Kudu and other bok, whether in the form of steaks, potjies or even as biltong.

           Alcohol: 14.5%

6.     Graham Beck Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

($16.99 at Total Wine in Delaware)


                                

           Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

           Appellation:  Western Cape Wine of Origin

Tasting/Production Notes: Hand harvested;  12 months aging in French oak barrels; blackberry fruit, hints of dried herbs and cigar box notes on the nose; full bodied on the palate with juicy mulberry and cherry flavors, tobacco spice and cedar wood; soft  yet firm tannins; long, lingering finish.

Food Pairing:  North African dishes, spicy Moroccan  tagines; roast beef, osso buco; hearty risotto

Alcohol: 14.13%

7.  Spice Route “Chakalaka” 2013 ($19.99 in PA)

Varietals: 50% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 13% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignan, 8% Grenache, 6% Tannat

Appellation: Swartland Wine of Origin

Tasting/Production Notes: Hand harvested; fermented in open concrete fermenters; malolactic fermentation; matured in seasoned French and American oak for 12 months before blending and further maturation of final wine in same oak barrels; aromas of clove, white pepper followed by plum with hints of elegant spice; medium bodied with red fruit, integrated oak; well-balanced acidity and tannins.

Food Pairings: beef, rib-eye, venison.

Alcohol: 14%

 8.   Nederburg “The Winemasters” Pinotage 2014 ($11.99 in PA

           Varietal: 100% Pinotage

           Appellation: Western Cape Wine of Origin

Tasting/Production Notes: harvested by hand and machine at 23º

to 24,5º Balling from the end of January to mid-February; crushed and cool-fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at 25ºC to 28ºC for approximately

two weeks; after malolactic fermentation, the wine was matured in contact with American and French oak for 8 to 12 months; aromas of plums, prunes and subtle oak spice; full mouth feel on the palate with rich fruit flavors, soft tannins and lingering finish

Food pairings: rich winter stews, roast duck, guinea fowl, quail, ostrich, game casserole, classic goulash, venison steak, smoked Kassler chops, pasta, pizza, roast leg of lamb, bobotie and even chocolate.

           Alcohol: 14.41%

Factoids about South African Wines & Wine Regions

·         The two varietals most associated with South Africa are Chenin Blanc, also known as Steen; and Pinotage, a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault (Hermitage), created by Prof. Abraham Perold in 1925

·       Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted white grape in the Cape and accounts for most of the old-vine planting

·       Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted red grape, followed by Syrah, Pinotage and Merlot

·       South Africa is the world’s 8^th largest wine producer

·         Vines were first planted in the 17^th century by Dutch and French settlers

·         A renaissance in the wine industry began some 20 years ago with the end of apartheid which opened up the export market

·         Almost all of the South African wine growing regions are located on the Western Cape, surrounding Cape Town

·       The Wine of Origin system encompasses 5 geographical regions, namely Western Cape, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Eastern Cape

·         The 5 regions are divided into 26 districts and 66 wards

·         In addition to traditional table wines, S. Africa also produces high quality sparking wines, Port- and Sherry-style wines and other fortified-dessert wines.