For October, we welcomed our first external speaker of the season, Preet
Sahota from Edgmond Wine, who talked about wines from South Africa.
When thinking about South African wines, we often think of regions such
as Stellenbosh or Paarl. As an alternative, Preet took us to a Skerfberg, a
region further North, where we tasted some wines, mainly from Villa
Esposto, who make wine from small parcels of vineyards, that some have
compared to those of more famous regions, such as Burgundy.
First we tried a Villa Esposto Sauvignon Blanc 2022. If you are not a “SB”
fan, or even if you are and want to try something very different than the
go to French or NewZeland favourites then this is worth a try. Made from
vines 30 years old, this is drinkable now but also will keep and offers a
very different taste to that of the normal “SB”. A lovely complex wine
that would go still work with white fish or a creamy pasta!
Next we tried a Chenin Blanc from the Olifantsrivier region. Again from
old vines (planted 45 years ago) from several vineyards, that give a
unique taste. A more unusual Chenin Blanc to try, which went down well
with the members.
To compare, we then tried another Chenin Blanc from a single vineyard
from Villa Esposto. At nearly twice the price of the one just tried, this
would have to be exceptional – and it did not disappoint. Full of tropical
notes, this had depth and length that would allow the wine to be enjoyed
on it’s own but also with food – think of a Sunday roast and something a bit
different – yum!
We then moved on to some reds. Our first was a Malbec from Blake Family
Wine. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and matured in French oak
barrels, this again, gave members something different to try than perhaps
your go to regions of France or Argentina for a Malbec.
The Klawer region of South Africa is in the Western Cape province and has
been compared to Bordeaux in terms of its terroir and climate. This
produces some interesting wines you may wish to compare for a bit of
“fun”. 2021 had perfect climate conditions for grapes in this region and
most wines produced were of very high quality. This was no exception and
with delicious red berry flavours pouring through made for a really
enjoyable wine!
Our next wine was found by mistake….stuck at the back of a stock room
bound for another supplier who had gone out of business, it had remained
there for several years. It was a 2018 Pinotage and the years had been
very kind to the wine. A really good example of what you get when you are
able to leave the wine for a few years, this proved to be the most popular
wine of the evening.
Our last red for the evening was a Cabernet Merlot 2021 from Villa Esposto.
70% Cab Sauv and 30% merlot blend. A wonderful wine that was not
necessarily trying to compete with similar wines from Bordeaux but would
give them a run for their money!
We finished with a dessert wine. These sweet wines are not for everyone
but if you are a fan then this was one is very much worth a try. Villa
Esposto Muscat d’Alexandrie 2021. A sweet wine produced from old vines,
planted in 1969, that have low yields but pure nectar!
The evening was really well received by everyone. Next month, we are
looking at wines that are associated with famous people….Ian “beefy”
Botham, Graham Norton, Kyle, Angelina & Brad….just famous names or does
that add something to the wine…we’ll find out! If you are not a member
and would like to join us on Wednesday 15th November at the village hall,
please take a look at our website for details www.uptonwineclub.co.uk
Ian
Chairman