This month wine columnist Eduard Campbell searches for some easy, affordable Franschhoek wines.
Although many of us think that a trip to Franschhoek will cost us half our hard-earned salaries, there is a bright side: While the fantastic restaurants in this picturesque little town might be slightly expensive (yet worth it!), there are a few very affordable wine-jewels made in the Franschhoek area. So while you enjoy the guilty dining pleasures, find comfort in the fact that your saving on the vino. These are the one’s worth trying from the area.
Something cheap and cheerful: Angels Tears Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2012
Price range: R30-40
A Silver Veritas award winning wine for under R40? Welcome to the South African wine market! There is a mesmerizing purple-pink colour to this playfully labelled Grande Provence wine. It is beautifully soft, while still standing its ground against a fragrant Franschhoek cheese and presenting a delicate spiciness which lingers on the palate. It satisfies the more discerning wine lover, while being a great choice for entry-level red wine drinkers.
For more, visit grandeprovence.co.za
Something safe: Allée Bleue Starlette Rouge 2012
Price range: R35-45
Allée Bleue is a private cellar established in 1690 by special decree of Simon van der Stel. Since 1999, the farm has been owned by the Dauphin family, building on the three century old tradition of making delicate French-style wines with a Franschhoek twist. Their Starlette range comes with that striking blue label that you cannot miss and although the combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz might seem ordinary, there is something unique and satisfying to this wine’s berry-infused character that is hard to describe.
For more, visit alleebleue.co.za
Something different: Four Paws Pablo 2010
Price range: R45-55
There is a feel-good story behind Four Paws wine: they are great supporters of the Landmark Foundation (landmarkfoundation.org.za), so you are supporting conservation when you buy it. The Franschhoek area delivers fantastic Rhône-varieties (Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Viognier, and especially Grenache and Grenache Blanc), and when you blend these warmer climate varieties with our trusty Bordeaux superstars, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the result is a wine that satisfies a large niche market, while still possessing a unique character. Made of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mourvèdre and Grenache, this wine will make you feel good about yourself in more than one way.
For more, visit fourpawswines.com
Something special: Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Collection Chenin Blanc/Grenache Blanc 2012
Price range: R65-75
Leopard’s Leap’s Culinaria Collection explores the styles of various French wine making regions and the potential of South African wines to emulate these esteemed styles. As the name suggests, these wines are “engineered” to go with food – and not selected clusters of cuisine, but almost anything! This wine is made in the fuller, yet crispy Loire-style, known for fruity white varieties like Chenin Blanc. While still possessing a firm acidity which pairs so well with food, there is a delightful honey-vanilla flavour bestowed by a touch of French oak fermentation. Order it directly through the tasting room or by visiting their website below.
For more, visit leopardsleap.co.za
Speaking of conservation, Leopard’s Leap also does its part for the Cape Leopard Trust (capeleopard.org.za).
Something sweet: Pierre Jourdan Ratafia
Price range: R80-90
Ratafia is produced by fortifying (strengthening) wine with brandy, like during Port production, but where Port usually focuses on red wine varieties, often from Portuguese origin, Ratafia is made from varieties of Champagne origin, which include Pinot Noir, Pinor Meunier and the white wine variety, Chardonnay. This Ratafia, brought to you by the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir experts of Cabrière, is made by blending Chardonnay with Jourdan Fine de Jourdan brandy. A truly satisfying honey-infused pre-drink, or a very efficient after-dinner digestif.
For more, visit cabriere.co.za
Check in again next month!