The Riebeek winery was established in 1941 in the beautiful Riebeek Valley. Cellarmaster Zakkie Bester – a real character and a spontaneous personality – ensures fastidious quality control in every aspect of winemaking.For this wine, the grapes came from free-standing (or ‘bush’ ) vines at the foothills of the Porseleinberg mountain. Taking inspiration from the modern whites of the Loire, Muscadet in particular, Zakkie carried out regular stirring of lees – the natural yeast sediment that occurs during fermentation. This process adds a gorgeous complexity to the Chenin’s bright citrus flavours. Being very fresh and lively, too, Cape Weaver is well suited to aromatic Thai stir-fries, crab and chilli pasta or Summery seafood salads.
Beyerskloof Pinotage 2010, Western Cape
Showing a delicious spiciness that perfectly complements the berry and fig fruit flavours. If you’re a Pinotage fan, this one is a classic. Ideal with red meats, curries and spicy foods.
Waterval Hoek Chenin Blanc Viognier 2011
As The Times has noted, “New World Chenin Blancs have more punch than the Gallic originals, a useful attribute given the full on flavours of modern cuisine.” This deliciously ripe white goes a step further with the addition of rich and aromatic Viognier.It’s made at the state of the art DGB cellar by winemaker Jaco Potgieter. Jaco’s secret is to identify the best vineyards across the Western Cape and by working closely with growers ensure perfectly ripened, hand harvested grapes.Waterval Hoek means Waterfall Corner and it’s a place of immense beauty with stunning views of the Drakenstein mountains. Bursting with apple and apricot character, this racy dry white goes really well with Summer salads or spicy fish and chicken dishes.
Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc Select 2009
This Chenin Blanc Select is made just for us with prime Stellenbosch grapes aged nine months in French oak for unsurpassed complexity. But that’s not all … “I will not see another vintage like this for the rest of my life,” said head winemaker Ken Forrester. Growers were nervously chewing their fingernails and expecting seasonal rainfall to ruin the 2009 harvest (vines suck up the water – grapes get bigger but flavours are diluted). But the rain never appeared, growers’ patience paid off and grapes enjoyed a lengthy ripening period and achieved incredible depths of flavour. “Ken Forrester knows his Chenin Blanc inside out” (Jonathan Ray, Telegraph) and his FMC (Forrester Meinert Chenin) was Wine Spectator’s highest scoring South African white. This offers the same complexity and freshness – and it’s tremendous value. Don’t miss out!
Drakenskloof Pinotage 2010
For anyone yet to be seduced by rich, seriously spicy Pinotage, this fine release from the award-winning and historic Spier Estate is a great-value introduction. Pinotage was first bred in South Africa’s Western Cape in 1925 – a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Drakenskloof Pinotage hails from around the Breede River Valley in the Cape. Here, scorching days are tempered by sea breezes and give way to cool nights. As any winemaker will tell you, this huge contrast of temperatures produces strikingly intense fruit. In the hands of Paarl-born Anton Swarts, it delivers a red of rare 15% power and impeccably fine tannins.This is an ideal red to enjoy on its own and great with a spicy lamb or pork casserole or a rich pasta bake.
