Classic Cape Chenin is a law unto itself – quite unlike the expression of this variety from elsewhere. Self professed ‘free spirited’ and highly energetic winemaker Bruce Jack makes one of our favourites styles and named it, aptly, after local folk hero ‘The Good Rustler’. Bruce is very much one of a kind, with a degree in English from St Andrews and in winemaking from Australia’s Roseworthy College. He is the inspiration behind many of our other South African bestsellers including those delicious Stumble Vineyards wines.The Rustler is a delightful, fragrant and well balanced Chenin with that essential core of zesty lemon and apple flavour. It goes just as well with seafood or grilled fish as it does with pork chops and apple sauce.
Stumble Vineyards Verdelho 2012
Bruce Jack is one of the most passionate, innovative and enthusiastic winemakers you’ll ever meet – plus he knows the technical side of the trade inside out. He was named South Africa’s ‘Winemaker of the Year’ in 2009 and his cellar, based just 400 metres from the sea, scooped ‘Winery of the Year’ in 2008.The grapes for this zingy, aromatic white come from a group of vineyards that Bruce spotted at the bottom of an isolated valley whilst out hiking in the hills. He determined to find the owner and has since produced an award winning range of wines from the grapes, which produce wonderfully crisp, elegant fruit thanks to the cooling sea breezes. The latest addition, this Verdelho, is perfect with seafood starters or grilled white fish.
Stumble Vineyards Malbec 2012
Bruce Jack is one of a kind – a contagiously enthusiastic winemaker with degrees in English from St Andrews and in winemaking from Australia’s Roseworthy College. He was declared South Africa’s ‘Winemaker of the Year 2009’ and his Cape Town cellar, based in a former dynamite factory and 400 metres from the sea, scooped ‘Winery of the Year’ in 2008.Out hiking one weekend, Bruce ‘stumbled’ upon the vines for this pure Malbec and negotiated to buy the crop. Cooled by sea breezes, the grapes, you see, ripen slowly, developing pronounced aromatics. And thanks to Bruce’s gravity fed winery, the wine’s texture is velvety smooth.Crack open a bottle and enjoy its big spicy damson and bramble fruit with a large steak, hearty stews or moussaka.
Groenendal Vineyards Merlot 2012
Part of South Africa’s Cape Winelands, Wellington has excellent soils and climate – which is why you’ll find so many vine nurseries there. Planted over 300 years ago, the vines at Groenendal are some of the oldest in the region. The owners, originally from the Loire, used to vinify their own grapes, but more recently have begun sending them to the nearby Bovlei winery, where Frank Meaker takes control.The grandson of Paul Sauer (founder of the famous Kanonkop Estate), Frank is a gifted winemaker and has made the most of South Africa’s superb 2012 vintage with this Merlot. Unusually cool conditions have resulted in an almost Bordeaux like elegance coupled with a delicious ripeness of fruit. Enjoy with roast lamb, duck or spicy pork dishes.
Longridge Chenin Blanc 2010
Longridge is an ambitious Cape estate in the premium region of Stellenbosch in the lee of the Helderberg mountains. It has been a farm since the 1840s. The current team, headed by the highly accomplished Jasper Raats, is focusing on environmental stewardship and matching various grapes to the estate’s wide array of soils and microclimates.South Africa’s current crop of innovative, passionate winemakers are working wonders with Chenin Blanc, the country’s signature white, and Longridge has proved its credentials with a Gold medal from the Decanter World Wine awards in London.Made from a single vineyard of 30 year old vines, this wine has crisp apple fruit, lively acidity and impeccable balance. A great wine with seafood and white meats.
