Date Night Must-Haves

Textured & Mineral

Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration between Nicholas Pearce and Will Predhomme focusing on terroir driven wines from old vine vineyards in Stellenbosch, SA & Willamette Valley, US.

This Chenin is made from old bush vines grown in decomposed granite/quartz on the Helderburg (Clear Mountain), in the southwestern-most corner of Stellenbosch.

Behold, Chenin Blanc! The most widely planted varietal in South Africa simply shines in this charming expression from Stellenbosch. Sourced from old vines and naturally fermented, expect elegant notes of white peach, lemon, and tangerine with an underlying layer of crisp yellow apple. Bright and fresh on the palate, but with good depth and concentration, this wine is ready to drink now but will also cellar nicely for the next 2-3 years.

This Chenin Blanc pairs perfectly with all kinds of fresh seafood; and also with tartare. Smoked salmon or trout would also be delicious next to a glass of this old vines Chenin. Its rich texture makes it suitable to be paired with goat cheese, roast chicken and butternut squash.

Fresh & Mineral - The Pinot Grigio Killer

Wines from Soave are made with the local grape Garganega. Cantina Tessari has its vineyards in the volcanic hills above il Castello di Soave, which is the original - or 'Classico' - wine growing area in Soave, the best vines are located here. 

Tessari’s golden straw coloured Grisela is the backbone of the vineyard; a delicious entry level wine that is meant to be enjoyed on any occasion. Melba toast, elderflower and chamomile aromatics fill the glass with a notable mineral quality. The taste of crushed seashells dance on your tongue with a fun duo of stone fruit and citrus. The finish is refreshing with balanced acidity.

Grisela is excellent as an aperitif and for accompanying rich Italian seafood recipes and risottos.

Mineral & Zesty

From a new family (relatively speaking) in Chablis, the estate belongs to Marie-Noëlle & Laurent Ternynck. They have deep roots in the surrounding area of AOC Burgundy, farming for multiple generations. 

This old vines Chardonnay is wild fermented fermented in stainless steel tanks, then ages “Sur Lee” for 12 months after malolactic fermentation is complete. The fruit is gathered from vineyards in Fleys and this area sits at a higher altitude on a windswept plateau, which helps maintain the acidity in the wine.  Fresh, floral and mineral on the nose. There are notes of fresh almond, hazelnut, citrus and white flowers on the palate. It is balanced, structured and texture example of classic favourite. 

Keep it chilled in the fridge, uncork it at the end of the day and pour yourself a glass! Also pairs well with oysters, all kinds of fish dishes, and roasted chicken.

Rich & Mineral

Nicolas Potel is an iconic producer in Burgundy. He grew up in a family dedicated entirely to wine; and after gaining some experience internationally, he started his own project in the late 90's.

Founded in 2009, Maison Roche de Bellene offers a complete range of wines, with an emphasis on individual terroirs from vieilles vignes (old vines - 40 years or older) that are farmed responsibly. All of the growers that Nicolas Potel works with are either organic certified or farming according to the principles of lutte raisonée (“sustainable viticulture”). This enables Potel to consistently produce the expressive, terroir-driven style that is his vision.

The Saint-Véran appellation lies in the south of the Mâconnais region and its soils are full of fossiliferous limestone from the Middle Jurassic. After the grapes are manually harvested they undergo native yeast fermentation in barrel as well as 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged in French oak casks, of which 10% is new. It sees no bâtonnage and only a light fining and filtration occurs before bottling. 

Aromatically the wine is a touch brighter, with more spring white flowers and salty sea air on the nose. The palate is crisp, with crunchy orchard fruits, mineral driven acidity, and a mid-palate creaminess which balances the flavours out.