The Other Down Under
When I was first introduced to South African wines, I made the mistaken assumption that they’d be just like other Southern Hemisphere-based, new world wines, specifically Australia and Argentina. Thus the expectation of big fruit, approachability, and, honestly, the thought that I wouldn’t care for them. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised at how adeptly these winemakers balance juiciness of the new world-style with the brightness and savory flavors of European-style wine. As I’ve tasted more and more wine from this nascent region, this hypothesis has held true. It truly is the best of both worlds.
Especially if you’re mostly familiar with American wines, as many Americans are, but long to branch out and discover new things, SA is a great stepping stone towards discovering the rest of the wine world.
We recently had the opportunity to sample a few new South African wines into the PLCB system from D’Andrea Wine Imports in Pittsburgh. Here are some highlights:
Robertson Chardonnay 2012, $8.99
Roberston Sauvignon Blanc 2012, $8,99
There’s a real value play to be had in South Africa, and these two wines typify it with aplomb. For less than $9, both hit way above their weight. This is juicy, smooth, delicious quaff. The kind of wine you open on a Tuesday night for a glass with dinner, and next thing you know you’re tipping an empty bottle. I especially enjoyed the chard (and I typically avoid chards!) Simple, but hard to stop drinking. Stock up!
Rustenberg Estate White Blend 2012, $12.99
More complex than the Robertson wines, this blend marries the austerity and herbal components of Sauv Blanc with the smooth, soft melon notes of the Chard. It’s crispness makes it a good match for seafood or light pasta dishes.
Barista Pinotage 2011, $12.99
A hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault that’s mostly grown in South Africa, Pinotage is known for it’s signature ashy flavor, making it cultishly loved by some and hated by others. This particular bottle aims to subdue the ash and play up the more friendly aspects, and, while I find myself in pro-Pinotage camp, I do believe it succeeds. Though the name, Barista, alludes to coffee, chocolate stands out more, with a milky cocoa note appearing in the mid-palate and carrying through to the finish. Plums and dark berries add liveliness. An excellent intro to the grape at a nice price!
Rustenberg Peter Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $49.99
Big and bold, with rustic undertones. Demonstrates a lot of complexity, from green pepper and herbs on the nose, to warm spices, earth and tannic structure on the palate. Drinking well now with some air and food, but seems like it would benefit from a few years on its side. Piggy-backing on the aforementioned value proposition of South African wines, this one may be challenged by the price point, especially when comparing to other more well-established regions. Still, an excellent wine.