The Corkless Mind

Category: Wine

Celebrate NYE with my Top 5 List of Bubbly

With just one day left to the end of the decade and the end of 2019, there’s plenty to celebrate and toast to with a glass of delicious bubbly. If you’re stuck for choice and want some suggestions, look no further than my top 5 favourite bubblies:

1. L’Ormarins Blanc de Blancs 2013 Vintage

Αn absolute favourite of mine! This L’Ormarins MCC is cultivated from 100% chardonnay grapes, is deliciously fresh with tangy lemon, ripe peach, grapefruit and crisp green apple on the palate with an intriguing flinty character on the nose, then broadens out on the mid-palate with a creamier, fuller-bodied richness taking over before it tightens once more with a defined, dry and crisp tail. Pairs well with seafood, sushi and grilled chicken.

L’Ormarins Brut Rosé

Cultivated from 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay grapes, with grapes grown in Franschhoek, Overberg, Darling, and Robertson. I adore the sparkly salmon hue and summery notes of strawberry, raspberry and yeasty brioche on the palate and nose. Pairs well with dessert, soft cheese, seafood, and whitefish.

2. Haute Cabriere’s Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose

The Belle Rose is a fruity Méthode Cap Classique which owes its salmon pink colour to the Pinot Noir varietal. The palate reveals a lively presentation of rich strawberry and cherry flavours derived from Pinot Noir – with an elegant, long dry finish. Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Pairs well with salmon, trout and a delicious summer cheeseboard.

3. Simonsig’s Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé

A celebration of refreshing flavours tantalises the palate with a sublime finish of quince notes. The subtle yet crisp acidity causes an array of lingering high notes. This vibrant Sparkling Rosé reflects elegance, style and finesse with notes of red berry and delicate hints of candyfloss. Pairs well with seafood, dessert and light summer snack platter of seasonal fruit and soft cheese.

4. Creation’s Elation MCC

This Walker Bay local has the potential of an international superstar. Cultivated from 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir Grapes. This beautiful MCC has aromas of lemon blossom and dried apple, followed by wild strawberry and hints of freshly baked brioche. On the palate, well-integrated flavours of grapefruit and dried apple are accompanied by fresh flinty character – elusively savoury like wet pebbles and shells on a beach.

5. Le Lude Brut

Last, but certainly not least, is the fantastic award-winning Franschhoek MCC. The Brut is a classic blend of 91% Chardonnay and 9% Pinot Noir.

Elegant citrus blossoms with fresh lime aromas. Secondary aromas of nougat, roasted nuts and hints of proving dough.Bright, fresh and elegant palate entry. Aromas of grapefruit, ripe zesty lemon and pear form a structured mid-palate. The mousse shows effortless finesse and texture with a restrained presence. Elegant length develops delicately on the palate with fine tertiary aromas of caramelised honey, vanilla and dried fig. Pairs well with freshly shucked oysters, seafood and a complex flavoured cheese board. Drum roll, please… this is my top MCC pick for 2019!

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and prosperous 2020!

Cheers! x

December 30, 2019
Bonnievale Wine Estate Launches New Limited Release Wines at Gorgeous George Hotel in Cape Town

The launch for Bonnievale’s premium wine launch was hosted in the newly renovated ‘The White Room’ at the beautiful Gorgeous George Hotel in Cape Town last week. Bonnievale Wines launched two limited release, single-variety wines crafted from a selection of top vineyard sites that reflect the influence of the ancient soils, climate, and weather of the Bonnievale ward. The wines are a Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2017 vintage and a Chardonnay, from 2019 – both destined to be must-haves for the discerning wino. The new wines feature dedicated packaging and labels that reflect their premier status in the Bonnievale portfolio, as well as the quality of the contents.

The Luncheon, consisted of a five-course menu, with all meals paired with Bonnievale wines. The hotel oozes opulence with chic touches of modernity. The roof-top bar is as ‘Instagrammable’ as is the Bonnievale Rosé served on the day.

Now on to the bit, you’ve been waiting for, the Bonnievale Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 displays beautiful, clean red fruit, notably raspberry, supported by hints of liquorice and leather on the nose. The juicy red fruit carries through on the palate, supported by fine, ripe tannins that provide elegant structure and loads of depth to the wine. With 18 months maturing in mainly new French and American oak, the two types of oak deliver a balanced and well-integrated wine with a taste that lingers long after the last sip. The Limited Release Chardonnay 2019 has delectable citrus on the nose, especially of lime and grapefruit that extend to the palate. It is crisp and fresh with a distinct flinty finish. Here too, the French oak that was used to mature the wine for seven months is well integrated, supporting the fruit but also delivering a smooth, rounded mouthfeel.

Why these cultivars?

The Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay have long been stars in the Bonnievale Wines portfolio. Both cultivars also remain highly regarded and sought after in international markets. The two cultivars are also keenly sourced by many of South Africa’s premier winemakers for use in their own blends and brands.

Bonnievale Wines

This coming-of-age for Bonnievale Wines has led to a renewed focus in recent years on high quality and high value. First came the revamp of its portfolio and then, the launch of the premium River Collection range, which has accumulated a string of local and international awards.

The home of Bonnievale Wines is the eponymous village, located some 200km east of Cape Town. A renowned winemaking region, Bonnievale’s vineyards are influenced by amongst others the presence of two major rivers – the Breede and Riviersonderend – and micro-climates created by extensive hills and soaring mountains.

Where to purchase and what’s the cost

The wines produced here are available countrywide and available for order from Bonnievale Wines’ online shop at http://www.bonnievalewines.co.za.

The Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 sells from R140/bottle and the Limited Release Chardonnay 2019, from R95/bottle.

*Information supplied by Yolandi De Wet PR and Bonnievale Wines. *

December 9, 2019
An Evening of Food and Wine Pairing at Kunjani Wine Estate

*Please note, Kunjani winery hosted me to attend the dinner, however, all views are my own*

I recently attended the very first wine and food pairing dinner at Kunjani wine estate in Stellenbosch. You may recall I was at their label launch earlier this year. The dinner consists of six courses and will be a regular occurrence at the boutique winery which will feature a fresh, seasonal menu with every dinner hosted by co-owner Pia Watermeyer.

The first course was a beetroot goat’s cheese salad, pistachio goat’s cheese balls, fig compote, grapefruit perfectly paired with the Kunjani Stolen Chicken Rosé 2018. It was quite a warm evening so this went down quite a treat! The second course, line fish, grilled artichoke, cauliflower puree, broccoli, pak choy, white wine chive sauce paired with an equally delicious Kunjani Chenin Blanc 2018.

The third course, was a refreshing palate cleanser of lemon sorbet to prepare us for the next course which was North-West Kudu carpaccio, quail eggs, horseradish, parmesan shavings, radish, pickled vegetables paired with my personal favourite, Kunjani Shiraz 2015. Next was an incredibly delicious biltong-spiced sirloin, king oyster mushrooms, carrot & cauliflower quenelles, asparagus, broccoli paired superbly with the Kunjani Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. Dessert always being my favourite course, was a chocolate-mint nougat mousse, pistachio crumbs, frozen yoghurt, and a brandy snap paired with the Kunjani Merlot 2017.

The dinner costs R550 per person, including wine and gratuity.
Bookings essential, prepayment secures your seat. Limited to 30 guests.

Note: bookings are subject to availability. Cancellations 7 days or less prior to the date of the dinner are non-refundable. T&Cs apply. This is a special event and due to space restrictions long/mixed tables are allocated and not individual tables. To book your spot for the next dinner call: +27 87 630 0409, or email: info@kunjaniwines.co.za For more information visit their Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/Kunjaniwines/

Thank you Kunjani for graciously hosting my husband and me, we can’t wait to be back again soon!

December 4, 2019
2019 Diners Club Winemaker and Young Winemaker of the Year Awards Announced
The winners of the 2019 Diners Club Winemaker and Young Winemaker of the Year awards were announced at a black-tie gala dinner at La Residence Hotel in Franschhoek on Saturday 23rd November, with Daniel Keulder from Nitida Wines, and Herman du Preez from Stellenrust Wines claiming top honours respectively.

The Winemaker and Young Winemaker awards, focusing on quality and recognition of excellence, are regarded as the country’s most prestigious and well-respected wine industry competition. Celebrating the skills and talent of the vintners, these awards are open to all in the South African wine industry at no cost, thus affording all winemakers an equal opportunity. The Winemaker of the Year is in its 39th year, while the Young Winemaker has been running for 19 years.

The awards are presented to the winemakers who produce a wine that the judging panel considers the best in a specified class. The categories for 2019 were Pinot Noir for Winemaker of the Year, and White Wines of any varietal or blend for Young Winemaker of the Year. The field was narrowed down to ten finalists through rigorous judging by a panel of wine experts: with five winemakers shortlisted for the prestigious Winemaker of the Year award, and five for the Young Winemaker of the Year title.

This year’s Diners Club Winemaker of the Year (Pinot Noir category), Daniel Keulder, amazed the judges with his 2017 Nitida Pinot Noir. The 2019 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year, Herman Du Preez, received his award (White Wines category) for the 2018 The Apprentice White Cinsault.

The winning Winemaker receives R50 000 while the Young Winemaker, R25 000 and a trip to an exciting wine-producing destination.

The 2019 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Judges include:

Nigel Greening – International judge
- Carrie Adams
- Debi Van Flymen
- Michael Crossley
- Nomonde Kubheka
- Gregory Mutambe
*End of press release* All information and images provided by the Diners Club.
November 25, 2019
The 2019 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10

Last week I had the privilege of attending the FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 at the tallest skyscraper in Cape Town, the FNB Portside Building. 2019 being the first year I am attending my very first wine awards gala, excitement leading up to the day was palpable. I was invited to attend as media and brought my husband along as my plus 1, he ended up striking up new connections with a few winemakers, whilst I mingled and caught up with a few of the industry’s best. The evening was glamorous with lots of the participants Sauvignon Blanc flowing from table to table.

The Top 10 were drawn from a broad collection of entries this year, with 107 producers submitting 183 wines. The country’s diverse wine growing regions were well represented with five out of the six regions in the Western Cape delivering at least one wine in the top 20. A total of 12 of the top 20 wines were from the 2019 vintage, confirming the overall industry consensus that this year was an outstanding year for Sauvignon Blanc.

In alphabetical order, this year’s top 10:

. Cederberg Ghost Corner Sauvignon Blanc 2019

·         De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Wooded)

·         Diemersdal Winter Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2019

·         Du Toitskloof Land’s End Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Wooded)

·         Groote Post Seasalter Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Wooded)

·         Lomond Sauvignon Blanc 2019

·         Merwida Sauvignon Blanc 2019

·         Spier Ideology Sauvignon Blanc 2019

·         Stark-Condé Round Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Wooded)

·         Tokara Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Wooded)

Wine lovers will be able to acquire the 2019 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 collection via Wine of the Month Club. For more information, email admin@sauvignonblanc.com.

A technical seminar based on this year’s performance will take place on Wednesday 20 November in Franschhoek. For more information or to become a member, visit www.sauvignonblanc.com or call 021 975 4440.

October 18, 2019