presented by Megan Gadwah of 3 Keys Wine Distributors
Paarl Heights Sauvignon ~ 2022
The grapes are planted at the foothills of the Paarl Mountain which is the second-largest granite outcrop in the world. The soils are made from decomposed granite and the minerality of the final wines is a direct result of this soil type. This background of different micro-climates, together with cool harvesting, and slow and cool fermentation creates a wine with concentrated fruit flavors as well as minerality.
Appellation: Paarl, South Africa
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc 100% – ABV 12.5%
Tasting notes: Classic aromas of nettle and lemon zest with a palate of more lemon and green pepper, finishing with a stony minerality.
Pairings: Fish, chicken, sushi or asparagus dishes.
Producer: Paarl Heights
Mooiplaas Chenin Blanc Bush Vines ~ 2022
Mooiplaas Wine Estate and Private Nature Reserve is situated among the majestic mountains and fertile valleys in the Stellenbosch Winelands, approximately 40km east of Cape Town. It is a historic and traditional working wine farm. The vineyards lie on steep slopes of ancient mineral-rich soils in the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch, overlooking Cape Town.
Appellation: Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA
Grapes: Chenin Blanc 100% – ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: Lovely straw color. The nose shows typical beeswax, and a mix of dried peach, citrus, ripe lemon, honey, and pawpaw flavors. Good weight, balance, and some minerality on the palate. The wonderful mouthfeel that typifies ripe Chenin has already started to develop, and will increase in the next 12-24 months.
Pairings: Very versatile. Poultry: Roasted chicken & white meats, cream-based pasta dishes / Seafood: Grilled or roasted fish, prawn, crayfish / Other: Lightly spiced salads, vegetarian dishes, cream-based pasta dishes.
Producer: Mooiplaas Wine Estate
Andis Cabernet Franc Sierra Foothills ~ 2021 [92 pts Editor’s Choice – Wine Enthusiast]
From vineyards at high elevations in the Sierra Foothills. These vineyards boast a long growing season, which allows the grapes to develop rich flavors and intense colors. Thanks to the volcanic soils, the wine is very true to the varietal’s characteristics, with spicy aromas of tobacco, graphite, and black olive. This rich and layered red wine has flavors of black cherry and dark chocolate, with delicate tannins and a slight tang of acidity that keep it perfectly balanced.
Appellation: Sierra Foothills
Grapes: Cabernet Franc 97%, Cabernet Sauvignon 3% – ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: Spicy aromas of tobacco, graphite, and black olive. The rich and layered wine has black cherry and dark chocolate flavors, with delicate tannins and a slight tang of acidity that keep it beautifully balanced.
Pairings: Goes well with tomato-based dishes, vinegar-based sauces (smoky BBQ), or rich legumes like black lentils
Producer: Andis Wines (@ANDISWINES)
Coquerel Cabernet Franc Oakville ~ 2020
The Estate is located just beyond the town of Calistoga at the north end of the Napa Valley. The heart and soul of our winery is our estate vineyard, a gorgeous, oak-studded property that sits in the afternoon shadows of the Mayacamas Mountains. The combination of warm temperatures and deep, clay soils produce exceptional Cabernet Franc.
Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley
Grapes: Cab Franc 87%, Cabernet 12%, Petit Verdot 1% – ABV 14.5%
Tasting notes: The wine is very powerful and dark with an earthy leafy nose, with a hint of toast. The palate is rich and dense tannins, long finish with dark berries. While this wine drinks beautifully now it will continue to improve over the next decade.
Pairings: Cabernet Franc can be paired with dishes such as filet mignon and lamb.
Aging: 28 months in French oak (25% new)
Producer: Coquerel Family Wine Estates
