A true South African blend

The quest for a truly South African blend is still continuing. There is no doubt that it should contain a percentage of our own South African developed cultivar, Pinotage. It is interesting to note the various wine makers versions. Some of our favourites are listed hereunder.

Vriesenhof's Jan Boland Coetzee feels that at least1/3 should be Pinotage, the complexity added by three or more added varieties. His Enthopio 2000 thus has Pinotage, Merlot, Cabernet Franc with Shiraz. ( JP 4*). His future blend will contain Grenache as well.

Andre Morgenthal, head of the W.O.SA feels that the wine has excellent maturing potential, but it can be enjoyed now by opening it the day before. His assessment is that of plums, dark berries, marzipan and spice. It sells for approximately R69 per bottle.

Flagstone winemaker/viticulturist Bruce Jack's Dragontree 2001 (The Cape Blend) is made up of 34% Pinotage, 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. ( JP 4* ). Incredibly dense, dark red colour with intense wild red berry on the nose. Youngberry, vanilla, chocolate chip muffin, cloves and toffee flavours. Retails for around R85/bottle.

Blauuwklippen 2001 Barouche Cape Blend is made up of 35% Pinotage, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Shiraz and 13% Zinfandel. ( JP 3 ½* ). The addition of Zinfandel is what makes it unique. Retails at approx. R50/bottle.

Grangehurst Nikela 1999. A Jeremy Walker "tribute" comprising 32% Pinotage, 53% Cabernet and 15% Merlot. ( JP 4 ½* ). Retails at around R119/bottle.

Devon Hill Bluebird 2001 contains 17% Pinotage, 73% Merlot and 10% Cabernet. With lead-pencil and fennel tones this is the Estate's flagship. ( JP 4* ). Retails at approx R85/bottle.

Jeremy Walker is doing a FREE wine tasting at Manuka tomorrow - Saturday 17th April. Pop in and have a chat to him between 10.30 and 2 pm.

The dinner and Groot Constantia wine evening on 12th May is fully booked already. There is some space available for Wed 2nd June with Wildekrans and Friday 18th June with Goedverwacht Wines.