The Cellar: South African Wines Under $20

The Cellar: South African Wines Under $20

This week my selections bring us to South Africa. The first one is a racy Sauvignon Blanc from an iconic producer that will go great with shellfish, while the second selection is a red made from the Pinotage grape that I see go great with various types of meats, especially game.

(And if before we go on to the first wine, if you wish to attend my next ‘Evening with Wine’ event on Thursday, January 26th featuring Cabernet Sauvignon based wines please visit www.ProvidenceWineAcademy.com.)

2009 Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa

Mulderbosch is widely recognized as one of South Africa’s finest producers and best values. Over the years its wines have attained great critical and commercial success and consistently earned top ratings and

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accolades. The Estate was founded fairly recently - in 1989 - but it didn’t take them long to get the attention and respect of the wine world, especially with their deliciously racy Sauvignon Blanc.

Winemaker Richard Kershaw adds a splash of between 6%-10% Semillion to his Sauvignon Blanc, adding some depth and complexity. The grapes in this wine are sourced primarily from their Stellenbosch vineyards and from vines that range in age from 7-27 years. Few people know that quality Sauvignon Blancs actually age fairly well short-term, so don’t be afraid to try an older vintage. Currently on the 2011 vintage, I was able to get my hands on the 2009 Moulderbosch which still comes across very fresh, displaying crisp acidity on the palate, with grass and green veggie aromas on the nose (think asparagus). The finish turns from slightly bitter to having a hint of sweet tropical fruits.

2009 Wildekrans Pinotage, Bot River, South Africa

Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. This manmade grape was created in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. In his search for the ultimate grape

he would eventually combine the best qualities of the robust Cinsaut with the delicate Pinot Noir, a grape that makes great wine but can be difficult to grow, and create Pinotage - South Africa’s signature red grape varietal.

Wildekrans’ 25,000-acre estate is situated in one of South Africa’s most exciting new wine producing areas, the recently proclaimed Bot River Ward. Originally established as a mixed farming operation, Wildekrans still produces and exports fruit, but grape growing and wine making is becoming an increasingly bigger portion of the business with 170 acres currently under vine. The 2009 Pinotage from Wildekrans is a great value offering true Pinotage bang for your buck displaying an interesting mix of dirty soil, mint and smashed red fruits with hints of toasty oak wrapped in a medium body.  

Enjoy!

Steffen Rasch CSW is ready to answer any wine-related questions, comments or concerns you may have. Feel free to email him at [email protected]. And as always, don’t forget to follow GoLocalProv’s Wine Cellar on Facebook.

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