presented by Kaleigh Fanning of Elephants Corner Wines
Coterie Chenin Grenache Blanc ~ 2022
The Coterie wines draw upon a convergence of Wildeberg’s tiny production pool of identified vineyards. Made with Wildeberg’s cornerstone philosophies of minimal intervention winemaking, wild ferment, and coarse filtration to capture the essence of the source vineyards and soils. Chenin and Grenache Blanc really complement each other very well. Both varietals love the Coastal Region’s arid soils and Mediterranean climate due to their inherent tolerance to drought.
Appellation: Franschhoek/Coastal Region, South Africa
Grapes: 71% Chenin Blanc, 29% Grenache Blanc – 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: This is a rich, textural wine whose body and exotic jasmine notes would ably marry with gentle Malay and Thai green fish curries, dishes with lemongrass and coriander, or just simply braai-ed linefish.
Producer: Wildeberg Wines
Paul Wallace ‘Little Flirt’ ~ 2024
The Paul Wallace Little Flirt Sauvignon Blanc is our twelfth vintage. As the name suggests, she is a little charmer and somewhat flirtatious. Sourced from the highest lying terraces, traversing the feature conical hill on our farm, the west, south, and east facing slopes each contribute to a diversity of flavors, which make this wine so appealing. Hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel.
Appellation: Elgin, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc – ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: Fruit-driven nose led by gooseberry nuances with wafts of white pear and blackcurrant, softened by kiwi fruit, golden delicious apples with a hint of lime. This medley of fruits extends onto the palate, revealing an additional expression of our indigenous “fynbos” vegetation and further enhanced by an underlying salinity. The mouthfeel captures the purity of Elgin’s fruit, resulting in a layered, well-balanced wine with good length.
Pairing: Pair beautifully with summer salads, fresh Cape crayfish, and all manner of seafood. Match her with oysters, mussels in a creamy white wine sauce, kingklip or salmon. The Little Flirt will complement roast chicken or pork chops with apple sauce. For dessert, serve her with apple crumble.
Producer: Paul Wallace
La Bri Affinity ~ 2021
The original grant of La Bri is one of the oldest Huguenot-allocated farms in the Franschhoek Valley. It was one of the first of nine farms granted to members of the main group of Huguenots who sought sanctuary in the Cape in 1688. The name ‘La Bri’ is probably derived from the French for ‘the refuge’, a perfect name for this property, as it is safely nestled in the imposing amphitheater of the Franschhoek valley. The components of this Bordeaux Style Blend must have a special Affinity for each other – otherwise the wine is not made. We skipped the 2018 and 2019 vintages for this reason. The varietal percentages also vary according to the vintage, with Cabernet always dominant. BOTANICAL SKETCH (label) Each of our wines is linked to a specific flower – the characteristics of the wine are symbolized by that particular flower on the label.
Appellation: Franschhoek, South Africa
Grapes: 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc – ABV 13.87%
Aging: The components were separately vinified and matured. Barrel selection for the blend occurred after 18 months of maturation of the individual components in 10% new French oak.
Tasting notes: Plush with ripe berries brushed with mocha on a velvet palate. Fine tannins and supporting acidity.
Producer: La Bri Wine Estate
Coterie Cabernet Franc & Malbec ~ 2023
All fruit is hand-harvested in February from selected sites in Franschhoek and Paarl. Both cultivars are fermented whole bunch, with some whole berry fruit, there is no crush, just a daily pump over during the natural fermentation. We want to express place over cultivar, so this slow, gentle extraction gives wines truer of origin than winery. The components are racked to French and Austrian oak, new and old, for 20 months before the blend is decided.
Appellation: Franschhoek/Coastal Region, South Africa
Grapes: 67% Cabernet Franc, 33% Malbec – ABV 14.5%
Tasting notes: A fresh and vibrant nose of crushed red fruits, hints of redcurrant and wild plum with lightly herbal notes, cloves and star anise. Plush and richly flavored with ripe black fruit, a savory mid palate and subtle, gently spicy oak backed by juicy acidity. The rich fruit is offset by fine tannins on an attractively muscular finish.
Pairing: Grilled meats, especially lamb and spiced meat dishes.
Producer: Wildeberg Wines
