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“What I need to live has been given to me by the earth. Why I need to live has been given to me by you.”
~Author Unknown Read more
Whether you haven’t given a thought to World Cup 2010 or have monogrammed underwear for the US team or some other personal favorite, it’s the perfect time to pay tribute to South Africa, host of this year’s games and home to some of the world’s finest wineries.
South Africa, which has been producing wine since the 1600s mostly for domestic use, has gradually gained worldwide attention, and the heart of its wine industry lies in Stellenbosch. With its Mediterranean climate of hot, arid summers and crisp, wet winters, Stellenbosch winemakers were initially known for luscious Cabernets and region-unique Pinotage blends, but now their whites are also drawing fans. With the Cape Fold mountain range nearby and a wide range of soils, Stellenbosch has developed quite a following among wine lovers. Soccer fan or not, this month’s Club wines are definitely something to cheer about.
Vinum Africa 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch
For wine with a hands-on appeal, one need look no further than Vinum Africa, which picks and sorts all of its grapes by hand. Aged partially in French and American oak barrels, the Cabernet develops a deep, vibrant cherry red that’s fruit-forward and very drinkable. Think Old World Cabernet structure mixed with New World flavors. Rich, spicy and inviting aromas introduce a palate that is layered and generous. The oak influence compliments, rather than takes over, producing natural fruit components and flavors of cigar box, blueberry, spice, cherry, currant and mocha. The finish has a fresh note of minerality, making it overall a wine that is lovely by itself or equally satisfying with a succulent steak or other hearty meal.
Vinum Africa 2008 Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch
Here is a Chenin Blanc that consistently gets great mentions because of its unusual elegance. Chenin Blanc makes up approximately one-fifth of the grapes grown in South Africa, and Vinum Africa has made it a mission to showcase this grape at its best. The nose reveals white petals and citrus crispness mixed with light vanilla and
cinnamon. The palate offers more layering with bright lime and gentle spices that brings to mind a lingering intensity of fruit and finishes with a mineral resonance. If you are less familiar with Chenin Blanc, this is a wonderful example of its complexity as well as its versatility. Because of its citrus tones, this wine goes perfectly with seafood, but is also a good match with other white-wine foods. Chenin Blanc is good now, but also ages well, too.
Break out the panettone because here come two Italians perfect for your holiday fare. This month’s wine club has traveled not only to one of Chianti-region’s smallest towns off the beaten path – Montespertoli – but to one of its smallest communes, Castello Sonnino, owned by Baron Alessandro de Renzis Sonnino, whose winery was supplying Italy’s prime ministers and Secretaries of State with its fine wines back around World War I. Wine reviewers, however, say it is the Baron’s most recent wines, under the watchful and gifted eyes of Winemaker Stefano Chioccioli that are this Castello’s best…thus far. Using a combination of traditional grapes such as Sangiovese, Canaiolo and the rare Ancellotta and international varieties like Merlot and Syrah, most vino-philes believe this estate is headed to new levels of greatness. Like the Baron himself, the wines of Castello Sonnino exhibit tradition, elegance, strong personality and plenty of charm.
2007 Chianti di Montespertoli
Balanced and elegant, this isn’t one of those straw-wrapped bottles of wine better suited to candle holding than sipping with your favorite parmigiano di vitello. Robert Parker describes this rare Chianti DOC as “highly pleasurable with…cherry and red currant fruit, freshness and fragrance, and light tannins.” The classic Chianti flavors are artfully rendered in this wine with 80 percent of it being Sangiovese, accompanied by Canaiolo, Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes. Spice and herbal nuances frame this bright wine with medium body. A delicious glass of wine all by its lonesome, but it is even better on the dinner table.
2007 Leone Rosso IGT
Made from a mix of Syrah, Canaiolo, Ancellotta and Sangiovese, this Super Tuscan lives up to this quasi-varietal superlative. It is a lusciously dark and dramatic wine that always causes a stir. Its nose holds rich, ripe plum flavors as well as berries and vanilla,and its layering of fruit flavors provides a somewhat piquant berry note towards the finish after decadent cocoa and vanilla flavors that together create a multi-dimensional wine with spunk. A hedonistic wine that is perfect to share with friends at your next holiday gathering
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