Run by two brothers who are perpetuating their peasant father?s dream of natural wines ? which they have taken to an evangelical, bio-dynamic platform. The brothers Bernard and Frederic Duseigneur operate their 30 hectares from the family home in Lirac, which incorporates the gravity-based winery that their father built. The family are Pieds Noirs, their father having left North Africa at the time of the civil war in 1962. They regard the Rhône as ‘extreme country’; the heat, the cold, the winds etc. This is a tough climate to tame. There is need to lessen some of these extremes ? like planting vines north/south to accommodate the Mistral, and to lessen the sun’s intensity. They pursue bio-dynamic principles in their endeavour to stay in contact with nature.
Spier Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Western Cape
A pale green Sauvignon Blanc from a large estate that specialises in ecologically sustainable farming. The nose shows hints of grass, fresh herbs and tropical fruits, which follow through to the medium-bodied, well balanced palate. Excellent as an aperitif wine, or as a partner to most seafood dishes and goat’s cheese.
Zondernaam Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Stellenbosch
The grapes for this wine were sourced from a prime location adjacent to the celebrated Thelema Mountain Vineyards. Whilst the quality of this zesty Sauvignon is comparable to this famous winery, the status is not, and it is therefore aptly named ‘Zondernaam’ meaning ‘no name’. Fortunately, the prices aren’t comparable either, so take advantage.
Antony’s Yard 2008, Graham Beck
A Bordeaux style of wine. Red and black fruits on the nose and palate, with hints of cigar box. This is a one-off blend made by Graham Beck, which has been aged for 12 months in French oak.
Obikwa Case
Great value from the Rainbow Nation!