South Africa
Chenin Blanc ‘Secateurs’, Adi Badenhorst,
Swartland, South Africa 2021
Producer
One often hears wine merchants saying that winemakers like to let the wines speak for themselves. Well, Adi’s wines would be lucky to get a word in edgeways! He is a fast-talking, quick-witted, warm-hearted kind of guy who aims to produce wines with bags of personality. If you want to drink wines with soul that were made using gut feel rather than technical recipes, then this is definitely where you should be focusing your attention.
Today, Swartland is among the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in the world – it’s extremely old bush vines attracting the attention of some of South Africa’s most pioneering winemakers. Adi took over this ancient winery in the Paardeberg district, utilising his 35 hectares of mature, dryfarmed bush vines to produce a range of grapes, including Chenin Blanc, Grenache and Cinsault, along with more unusual varieties such as the Portuguese indigenous grape, Tinta Barocca.
Tasting Note
This wine is full of texture and character – aromas and flavours of peaches, apples, honey, flint and orange blossom. A small proportion of the wine is fermented in oak adding to the silky texture.
Food Pairing
The ripeness of the flavour profile ensures this wine could be the perfect foil to sweet and sour, pan-Asian dishes. Otherwise, great with simply grilled white meats or equally delicious when enjoyed on its own.
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Red, Meerlust,
Stellenbosch, South Africa 2019
Producer
Long recognised for producing premium wines, Meerlust Estate has been the pride of the Myburgh family since 1756. Today, the dedication to the art of winemaking continues under the guidance of Hannes Myburgh, 8th generation custodian of this 17th Century national monument.
Meerlust were the pioneers of Bordeaux varietals in the Cape, and were the first to produce their iconic, award-winning wine, 'Rubicon' in 1980. When visiting Bordeaux, Nico Myburgh, Hannes' father discovered that the climate and soil was similar to that of the Eerste River Valley, a watershed moment. At the time, the red wines produced by the two regions, however, were very different. Unlike the Western Cape's specified cultivars, Bordeaux thrived on producing blends.
Nico returned to Meerlust, filled with inspiration and the desire to create a blend of his own that would match those produced in France. In 1980, after several years of experimentation together with winemaker Giorgio Dalla Cia, he announced the birth of the new blend. With proportions of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, a new style of wine had been created in South Africa. The pair had crossed a new frontier, making an innovative step towards shaping the South African production of today.
Cellar master, Chris Williams has been in charge of winemaking since 2004 having previously worked as Assistant Winemaker on the estate from 1995. He studied Oenology at Elsenburg and gained international experience in France while working for Michel Rolland. His interest was aroused in the classical French wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhone Valley.
The Myburgh family has a commitment to social responsibility and has a long history of investing in their workforce through the Meerlust Foundation, which aims to provide a safe and stimulating environment for the children of the farm workers. To further this, the Myburgh Family Trust was established, to initiate projects that would benefit their farm workers in a meaningful and economically viable way.
Tasting Note
A Merlot-led blend of Meerlust’s classic Bordeaux grape varieties. Expect intense blackcurrant and eucalyptus on the nose, mixing happily on the palate with green pepper and tobacco notes. The tannins are nicely soft and silky which give a good all-round structure before building to an elegantly smoky finish.
Food Pairing
A winter warmer with venison, casseroles or game dishes. Also a great red for sipping solo or with a good selection of cheese.
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Chenin Blanc ‘Releaf’,
Imbuko, Western Cape, South Africa 2022
Producer
We have always been proud of our ‘micro FairTrade’ label, Cannonberg, that we produce in conjunction with our friends at Imbuko estate in the Western Cape. In recent years, we have also added their Releaf project to our range.
Their ‘Releaf’ wines symbolise the true meaning of sustainability and harmony within nature. Sustainable agriculture is used in order to cultivate 100% hand harvested, organically grown grapes that are used to produce two separate cuvées. Every effort has been made to ensure this wine is as eco-friendly as possible, down to the fact it is packaged using partially recycled glass and is labelled with recycled paper and sustainable ink.
Similarly to our Cannonberg venture, a portion of the proceeds of the Imbuko Releaf wine goes towards supporting the Imbuko Schools Support Project – through which the estate supports a number of children in education by funding scholarships to local schools.
Tasting Note
Lively aromas of tropical fruits and melon with bright citrus and tropical flavours on the palate.
Food Pairing
Chenin Blanc is a wonderfully versatile grape variety when it comes to pairing with food. Its particularly great with creamy chicken or pork dishes!
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Red Blend ‘Releaf’,
Imbuko, Western Cape, South Africa 2020
Producer
We have always been proud of our ‘micro FairTrade’ label, Cannonberg, that we produce in conjunction with our friends at Imbuko estate in the Western Cape. In recent years, we have also added their Releaf project to our range.
Their ‘Releaf’ wines symbolise the true meaning of sustainability and harmony within nature. Sustainable agriculture is used in order to cultivate 100% hand harvested, organically grown grapes that are used to produce two separate cuvées. Every effort has been made to ensure this wine is as eco-friendly as possible, down to the fact it is packaged using partially recycled glass and is labelled with recycled paper and sustainable ink.
Similarly to our Cannonberg venture, a portion of the proceeds of the Imbuko Releaf wine goes towards supporting the Imbuko Schools Support Project – through which the estate supports a number of children in education by funding scholarships to local schools.
Tasting Note
Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and backed up with Shiraz and Merlot. An elegant wine offering intense blackberry and cassis flavours leading to a finish with vanilla spices. It is a big, rich powerful and spiced number that offers excellent value for money.
Food Pairing
This is crying out to sit alongside some red meat. Alternatively, pair with some aged cheese for a match made in heaven.