Friday Flight 2/7 - South Africa with Emily Heins
The history of South African wine begins in 1655 when the first grapevines were planted near Cape Town by members of the Dutch East India Company. The first results weren’t encouraging but as more colonists arrived, they brought knowledge and a tradition of viticulture and winemaking. The wine industry grew throughout the 18th century, mainly producing sweet and fortified wines. Brandy, which necessitated the cultivation of white grapes, also became a major export.
South Africa is found at the southern tip of the African continent. The vineyards are almost all within a hundred miles of Cape Town, which lies at about 34 degrees South Latitude. While not very far south, the climate—described as mild Mediterranean—is suitable for wine growing for a couple of reasons. Areas near the coast are much cooler than those further inland due to the cold Benguela current that comes up from Antarctica. Inland regions are warmer but benefit from elevation. Coastal areas are wetter than further inland, where vineyards often need irrigation. But the country as a whole has had to deal with serious water shortages in recent years.
Opstal Estate "Sixpence" Blanc 2023 $14 - Opstal Estate is situated at the foot of the Slanghoek mountains in the heart of the breathtakingly beautiful Slanghoek Valley on the Breedekloof Wine Route. The valley forms part of the Breede River Valley with Worcester as the closest, large town. 60% Sauvignon Blanc / 40% Sémillon.
Opstal Estate "Sixpence" Cabernet Sauvignon/Merot 2022 $14 red berries, plum and hints of dark berry fruits, with a well-rounded finish.
Kumusha Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 $16 - Kumusha in the Zimbabwean Shona language translates to ‘your home’, ‘your roots’ or ‘your origin’. World Renowned Sommelier Tinashe Nyamudoka believes the best wines are representative of their region. Through a collaborative process with respect to the vine, the winemaker and the consumer, Tinashe is building a brand of wines that represent and honor their roots. Minimal intervention wine making and natural fermentation is aimed at letting the wine be free to do the talking of its origin. Red berries, plum and coffee.
Lubanzi Cinsault 2023 $17 - At the core of this wine project is a focus on giving back back to the families who live and work on South Africa's wine farms via the Pebbles Project in the form of health and education support. Energetic cherry, raspberry bush, blueberry compote, saddle, anise. Bright palate of chocolate cake and Luxardo cherries - fresh and enveloping.
Kumusha Carignan 2023 $22 - Kumusha Wines Carignan Wild Mutupo Slanghoek is a vibrant red bursting with juicy raspberries, wild cherries, and a hint of spicy pepper.
Bonus Wines
Longridge Cabernet Stellenbosch 2020 $24 - An elegant wine with classic aromas of rich cherry tobacco, cigar box and dark fruit, complemented by silky tannins, which are well structured and delicately smooth.
Kumushu Pinotage 2023 $25 - Kumusha Pinotage has depth, balance, and aromas of dark cherries and mulberries. Taking great care to gently extract the delicious purple fruit characteristics of the grapes, this minimal intervention wine explodes with flavors of berry, plum, coffee, and baking spice, and a savory finish.
Nice Beverage "Leave it to me" Red $31 - Nice Beverage Co has been designed from the ground up to uplift and give space to emerging wine talents, especially those of women, black winemakers, and those traditionally excluded from winemaking spaces. Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault. Winemaker Kiara makes this wine for Nice Beverage Wine Co. Fruit drawn from the "exceedingly traditional but underrepresented" winemaking region of Paarl, in particular mature bush vine vineyards
VINO HOURS:
Tuesday 11:00 - 7:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 - 7:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 - 7:00 PM
Friday 11:00 - 8:00 PM **Flights 4 - 8pm
Saturday 11:00 - 7:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 - 7:00 PM
Monday Closed