presented by Andrew Woolgar of Elephants Corner Wines
Methode Ancestrale Grenache Noir [Pet Nat] ~ 2024
In the pioneering spirit of Strange Kompanjie, a delicate and vibrant bottle-fermented Grenache Rosé. Sustainably produced, natural fermentation, unfined. Dry-farmed Grenache from the slopes of Wellington, the early picked grapes are gently pressed and the juice allowed to settle for 24 hours before decanting. The wine was racked and naturally fermented in the tank, then transferred to bottle to complete the fermentation. No dosage added.
Appellation: Unlimited Coastal Region, South Africa
Grapes: Grenache Noir 100% – ABV 12%
Tasting notes: A pale coral pink color from just a few hours in the press. Fresh, vibrant red berry and citrus fruit aromas with lightly yeasty notes. Bright and refreshing with tangy cherry and plum fruit balanced by crisp acidity.
Pairings: Great companion to smoked salmon, cured meats or freshly dressed salads.
Producer: Strange Kompanije
‘Coterie’ Chenin Blanc*-Grenache Blanc ~ 2022
A ripe, succulent combination of Chenin from a 40-year-old Franschhoek vineyard and Grenache Blanc from Paarl, both naturally fermented and aged 6 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 600 liter barrels. Both varietals love the Coastal Region’s arid soils and Mediterranean climate due to their inherent tolerance to drought. This brings freshness and tightness to the blend; the old vines also bring Wildeberg’s hallmark texture.
Appellation: Wildeberg Coastal Region, South Africa
Grapes: Chenin Blanc 65%, Grenache Blanc 35% – ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: A ripe, open nose with white peach, apricots and hints of jasmine flowers. The palate shows texture and generosity from the old bush vine Chenin, veiled with white spice and exotic notes from the younger, alluring Grenache Blanc, the whole ultimately finishing rich, yet fresh and textural.
Pairings: Would marry gently with Malay and Thai green fish curries, dishes with lemongrass and coriander, or just simply braai-ed linefish
Producer: Wildeberg (Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 ~ SILVER)
Carbonic Cinsault ~ 2023
From mature, unirrigated bush vines in Paarl, this old dame is remarkably light on her feet. Inestimably life-affirming and pure joy to drink. Thirty-year-old, dry grown bush vine Cinsault from sustainably farmed blocks, brought to Wildeberg. The juice is allowed to ferment spontaneously in older French oak.
Appellation: Unlimited Coastal Region, South Africa
Grapes: Cinsault 100% – ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: The nose is alluringly bright with aromas of fresh cranberry and raspberry. The palate reflects these with vibrant, crunchy red berry fruit, tangy acidity and warm, gently spicy notes.
Pairings: Lightly chilled with Mediterranean dishes, chargrilled veg, pan fried shrimp or Asian inspired dishes.
Producer: Strange Kompanije
‘Coterie’ Cabernet Franc-Malbec ~ 2021
Wildeberg’s rationale is to source the finest vineyards available to us across Franschhoek and the Coastal Region. A ripe and approachable wine of deceptively serious quality, a satisfyingly ripe, punchy blend of Cab Franc and Malbec of depth and substance.
Appellation: Wildeberg Coastal Region, South Africa
Grapes: Cabernet Franc 60%, Malbec 40% – ABV 14.5%
Tasting notes: An expressive nose of crushed fruits, cherry, wild plum and blackberry, with brown spice and star anise. Robust and richly flavored with concentrated damson fruit backed by juicy acidity and a savory mid palate with subtle, gently spicy oak. The mouth filling fruit is offset by fine tannins on a fresh, sappy finish.
Pairings: Pairs well with frilled meats, especially lamb and spiced meat dishes.
Aging: French and Austrian oak, new and old, for 20 months
Producer: Wildeberg Wildeberg (Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 ~ BRONZE / 2022 ~ SILVER)
