‘The Tasting’ Episode 1: Our expert weighs in

After having comedian Alfred Adriaan taste our selection of wines blind and rate them in terms of price point at Gold Reef City, we are back to have a closer look at what the fairest Cape has painstakingly produced through love and labour. From the cool climate Hemel-en-Aarde region, down to the picturesque Franschhoek and across to the famous region of Stellenbosch, we have a wine suited to every palate and price point.

Ken Forrester, known as the king of Chenin Blanc (and rightfully so) celebrates his 25th year of winemaking this year. Besides producing award-winning Chenin Blanc, Ken also makes a rather smart easy drinking Sauvignon Blanc which sits quite easily on the table when enjoyed after a long day in the office by itself but is super friendly with lightly seasoned fish or creamy chicken pasta. It’s the perfect balance between tropical fruit and light grassy notes with underlying citrus but presents as clean and dry. It’s a wine that says more please, without too much regret the following day.

Heading off over the plateau to one of the most southerly wine estates in Africa in  Hemel-en-Aarde valley, just behind Hermanus. These guys have studied their soils and climate extensively, and know what is best suited for their terroir. They have proven time and time again to both the public and the best wine critics in the world that they had made the right decision to focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay only. The wine in question is their Chardonnay which we tasted. Master of wine Greg Sherwood gave this wine a whopping 95/100 points, which places it in some of the finest around. A subtle hint of oak from the 9 months of barrel ageing shows off some spice combined with lemon and lime finish. Can definitely suggest lemon butter prawns served with fresh to be enjoyed with this complex yet very approachable wine.

Tucked in the Bo-Hoek region of Franschhoek we explore the more playful side of Boekenhoutskloof, their Porcupine ridge range. In 2016, they added a Chenin Blanc to the range to satisfy South Africa and the worlds growing love for the grape we have proven to grow so well. Well priced for everyday drinking, this fruity wine shows the character of fruit salad and lemon and lime and easy to enjoy at most occasions.

Watch the original episode here to see how Alfred did.

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