Box: March 2021
Tavern of the Seas
Few people outside of the country know that Cape Town in South Africa has the nick name of Tavern of the Seas. Amazing what a google search can do for the name of a box of wine in March. Who cares about accuracy, I just thought it would be cool 😉 to pair up with this month’s African offer !
About the only thing I know about South African wine varieties is Pinotage. This is their flagship red grape and demands the highest praise ( and price ) of all the African reds. A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, these wines vary in color and intensity based on when the grapes are actually picked. Our Pinotage is on the fuller side and can be seen in the alcohol %. And on that subject, we have two more on the heavy coming from a base of Cabernet Sauvignon (which is also the predominantly grown variety in SA.
White African wines I knew nothing about but have discovered I love their clear delicate wines with a bit of minerals. The Chenin Blanc is a perfect example. Not only is it something we don’t get to taste every day, it has so much “Summer” inside that I could not ignore its optimism (and flavor) . Add to it a bend of Sauvignon and Semillon bringing a bigger impression of fruits and acidity. Another summer drunk and best served ice cold …
Despite the late snow and cold weather of March, we can still smell spring in the air and what better way to celebrate than the coming of winter in South Africa !
Manz
Wine description:
- Country: Germany
- Grape: Sylvaner
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: K2T
- vivino: 3.8
- Price: 274 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is a variety that we have not seen for a while. Look for earthy tones, green apple and something that tastes like bread in this semi dry wine. Lively in the mouth with the sugar and yeast still bubbling away. It has a long finish and is ideal for spicy food.
Simonsig Chenin Blanc
Wine description:
- Country: South Africa
- Grape: Chenin blanc
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: K2T
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
Light and bright like the sky above the land. This is a wine of lite minerals and lots and lots of apples on top of a very clean citrus base. A delicate wine to be served on warm days and drunk outside.
Simonsig Sauvignon/Semillon
Wine description:
- Country: South Africa
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: K2T
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
Serve this wine ice cold for best results. A bit higher in acidity but still very subtle. The finish will bring something of a oily, gooseberry flavour that is a bit unusual, but very nice all the same.
Luc Pirlet
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: K2T
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 209 Kč
Mike's Tip
A classic French chardonnay with a touch of oak. Add a bit of honey and you have a perfect wine for salmon or a Caesar salad. Keep it simple and you will be pleased.
Simonsig Carbernet / Merlot
Wine description:
- Country: South Africa
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: K2T
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
Welcome back to some tannins ! Berries and pepper come out front on this and I suggest that you decant to round off the edges before diving in. Serve with strong meats.
Duca di Saragnano
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: K2T
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 215 Kč
Mike's Tip
Primitivo seems to find its way into quite a few of of boxes of late. This blend of Primitivo and Anglianico is every bit as heavy and full as the varietals that you know, but has a finish that is less sweet and a bit more earthy and bitter, i.e. very sensible !
Simonsig Pinotage
Wine description:
- Country: South Africa
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: K2T
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 329 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is the flagship of South African red wines. Rich and smooth, with bark berry tones and a hint of smoke or earth. Refined enough to drink on its own, or with a fine slab or protein on the grill. You decide.
Simonsig Carbernet / Shiraz
Wine description:
- Country: South Africa
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: K2T
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
Deep… There is no hiding the 14% behind this dark red full of current and black berry. The fruits are young and fresh, but not so mature to offer a long finish. Think burger and chips with lots of katsup and Tobasco ;-)