Riesling
Riesling (pronounce “Reece-ling”) is arguably the world’s most under-valued fine white grape, making wines of great purity and extraordinary longevity. Its greatest expressions come from the Mosel, Pfalz and Rheingau districts of Germany, but it has been transplanted around the world. In South Africa, the true Riesling grape is known as Weisser, or Rhine Riesling, to diff erentiate it from the inferior Crouchen Blanc which incorrectly came to be known as Riesling.
EVERYDAY
NEDERBURG
THE WINEMASTER’S RESERVE
RHINE RIESLING 2008
Approx. retail price: R40
Tel 021 906 0304
Why we like it:
Straw yellow with a hint of green in colour.
The nose is fruity rather than grapey while
also displaying some delicate perfumed
notes. The palate shows good fruit expression
and fresh acidity. Flavours of lime,
pineapple and some subtle spice. Drink
now or over the next three years.
WEEKENDS
HARTENBERG WEISSER
RIESLING 2007
Cellar price: R54.50
Tel 021 865 2541
Why we like it:
This wine has a residual sugar of 7.9 g/l
making it off -dry and it is interesting
to note that fermentation was stopped
prematurely to achieve this style. e nose
shows terpenes and a hint of spice, while
the palate is pleasingly full (thanks to 30%
botryitis) but balanced by a gentle line of
acidity. Serve with a Malay curry.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
KLEIN CONSTANTIA
RHINE RIESLING
Cellar price: R85
Tel 021 794 5188
Why we like it:
Very pale with hint of green in colour.
Slight terpene note and some spice on
an otherwise shy nose, The palate shows
a slight oiliness (due to partial barrel
fermentation), but the most arresting
character of this wine is its mouthwatering
line of acidity. Makes for a very
elegant aperitif, but should pair well with
lighter dishes.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is the grape variety wholly responsible for red Burgundy and the best examples from this region undoubtedly rank among the top wines in the world. To drink great Pinot is an enchanting experience and this has compelled many around the world to try their hand at it. Unfortunately it demands much of both vine-grower and winemaker, meaning that the world is littered with many poor (yet still expensive) examples.
EVERYDAY
HOOPENBURG
BUSH VINE PINOT 2007
Cellar price: R85
Tel 021 884 4221
Why we like it:
The wine is still rather primary but there is
every indication that it will mature well -
there’s juicy fruit and fresh acidity and the
wood is well judged (12 months in French
oak). Appealing red cherry character on
the nose, which follows through to the
palate. Medium bodied with fi ne, powdery
tannins.
WEEKENDS
CREATION 2008
Approx. retail price: R145
Tel 028 212 1107
Why we like it:
New label from prime Pinot territory
Walker Bay. The nose shows dark cherries,
oak spice and some savoury notes. The
palate is full-bodied and expressive. The
oak currently dominates, but the wine has
sufficient depth of fruit to suggest a happy
future. Bright acidity lends balance.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON
GALPIN PEAK 2008
Cellar price: R205
Tel 028 312 3515
Why we like it:
Pefumed, almost musky nose. Also red
and black cherries and some Pinot pong.
Intensely flavoured on the palate without
being weighty or showing signs of being
overly extracted. Medium bodied, elegant
and balanced: juicy fruit, fresh acidity and
fine, well-integrated tannins.
Tagged Education & Information
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