Klein Constantia lies on the narrow Cape Peninsula, only 20km from the centre of Cape Town, where there is exposure on all sides to the maritime influences of the southern Atlantic and the False Bay area, which moderate the tempratures within the Constantia Valley. Typically South African in style, with a deep ruby core of ripe fruit and spicy aromas from 20 months’ barrel ageing. Weighty and richly textured, with plenty of fine tannins providing a lasting finish. Matches well with roast beef or any hearty red meat dishes.
Shiraz and Friends Six
Full-flavoured, spicy and powerful … one sip shows why Shiraz is so popular. And Shiraz has the Aussies to thank for its global appeal, with premium wines like Warburn Estate’s Barossa Shiraz and Chain of Ponds from McLaren Vale. South Africa’s The Chocolatier has wonderful chocolate notes, while Spain’s Gran Bombero is a pure, old-vine Garnacha of astonishing complexity. You’ll love how Shiraz marries to Cabernet in Talking Heads and Carignan in a fruit-packed blend from the Angove family. Order now and pay just #7.50 a bottle.
South African BIG Reds
A case of bold, fruit-packed reds, ripened to perfection under the hot African sun. Star of the case is customer favourite Groote Kaap, a barnstorming 15% Cabernet from Montagu in the Western Cape. The Rustler is a prime example of Pinotage, South Africa’s berry-rich native red and to finish you’ve a South African take on southern French Mourvedre, brimming with blackberry and black pepper.
West Cape Howe Chardonnay 2011
A paradise for surfers, Western Australia is also home to some of Australia’s finest wineries. West Cape Howe can certainly be counted among them, situated as it is in Denmark, right on the coast of the Great Southern region. It was founded and run by Brendan and Kylie Smith for a “highly successful seven years” (James Halliday), before they sold up in 2004 to Gavin Berry, former winemaker to legendary Plantagenet Wines, and viticulturalist Rob Quenby. Together they make an impressive team.This is their showpiece Chardonnay, cool fermented on its lees for two months for extra weight and complexity, but unoaked, so very elegant and fresh in style. It’s a top drop on its own and will make a fine partner to grilled fish or seared scallops.
Stumble Vineyards Viognier 2010
Bruce Jack is one of the most passionate, innovative and contagiously enthusiastic winemakers you’ll ever meet. No wonder his wines are always so thrilling to taste. He was awarded South Africa’s ‘Winemaker of the Year’ in 2009 and his cellar, based in a former dynamite factory just 400 metres from the sea, scooped ‘Winery of the Year’ in 2008. The grapes for this pure Viognier come from one of three very isolated, breathtakingly beautiful vineyards, which Bruce ‘stumbled’ across while out hiking and now owns. The cooling sea breezes that sweep through this remote spot help to draw out the grape’s aromatic qualities, making it a very enticing aperitif. It’s great, too, with a spicy stir fry, grilled chicken wings, or seabass.
