What's In Our Glasses: October

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.

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.

Fruity & Spicy

Matthias Hager's winery has about 13ha of vineyards in and around the small wine-growing village of Mollands. All of his vineyards are cultivated biodynamically according to Demeter. The strength of this family business is its diversity. Loess, clay and different kinds of primary rock (mica shist, gneiss, etc.) can be found in the northern part of Kamptal.

This Gruner Veltliner has fruity aromas on the nose. These aromas combine with a soft spiciness and a mineral quality on the palate. It has a medium body and a nice long saline finish.

This a typical Gruner Veltliner of the Kamptal region and a very food-friendly wine. It's a great match with cold starters and typical Austrian home cooking: roast pork, schnitzel, meat dumplings...

Soft & Creamy

Just across the Rhône river from the beautiful vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Lirac appellation extends over the low hills alongside the river.

This is a blend of Marsanne, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul. The grapes are hand-picked and aged for 8 months in oak barrels.

This wine is creamy and lush, with hints of honeyed tangerine, melon and lime. Backed by a palate that's medium to full-bodied, slowly fading in intensity on the finish. A great example of how deliciously amazing Lirac can be.

What to drink with a Lirac Blanc? This wine and the mediterranean flavours of Bouillabaisse are a super match! It also pairs beautifully with poulet au citron et lavande (Lemon Lavender Chicken), another iconic recipe from the south of France.

Mineral & Rich

In 2010, Joana and António founded Maçanita Vinhos after an invitation from a local Douro family who had read about these playful and ambitious sibling winemakers. Both siblings contribute to Maçanita Vinhos, but the challenging Douro Valley has been Joana’s passion project since the start, and Joana and her children even moved to the Porto area to be closer to the winery and vineyards. Setting down roots in the region has allowed her to focus her famous energy into expanding the rising star that is her Douro career.

Maçanita’s Douro Branco exemplifies the confluence of richness and elegant minerality that is the hallmark of Douro whites. The indigenous Viosinho provides the backbone to this mineral driven wine, showcasing the slate soil and high altitude plantings that fuel this project. Fermented and aged all in stainless steel, Antonio and Joana very capably maintain the freshness and acidity in this wine, yielding a wine of purity and balance.

Bright yellow-gold. On the nose, fresh floral aromas commingle with ripe yellow and green orchard fruit and a touch of slate. On the palate, bright and juicy, with mouth filling concentration and refreshing acidity. A core of green and gold apple, pear and white pepper are wrapped with pleasant floral and mineral flavours on the long finish. Maçanita Douro Branco is a beautiful pair for roasted or grilled poultry, as well as richer seafood dishes.

Bright & Textured

Established in 2007 by the folks at Radford Dale winery in South Africa, the Land of Hope project aims to produce and market a range of premium wines wherein 50% of all profits are directed back towards previously disadvantaged employees, their families, and dependents. The Land of Hope Trust focuses on providing high-quality education and skill development opportunities, empowering individuals for long-term social upliftment and contributing to positive economic and democratic evolution.

Rich & Mineral

Domaine de Pellehaut, located in the hills of Gascony, has produced a remarkably energetic white wine with its Harmonie cuvée. It's a refreshing and modern wine, designed for those seeking vibrancy and a range of bright flavors. 

A complex white blend of Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon, Gros Manseng, Chardonnay, and Folle Blanche, shaped by high-altitude vineyards on mineral-rich boulbène and calcareous clay soils. Crafted with low-temperature winemaking, it highlights fresh, vibrant fruit with a clean mineral backbone.

Would pair perfectly with a seafood platter or grilled prawns, sushi, or vegetable spring rolls. 

Fresh & Crisp

Cordero San Giorgio is a new beginning in Oltrépo-Pavese for three siblings who grew up surrounded by their family’s vines at the legendary Vietti Estate in Castiglione Falletto in Barolo. The siblings Francesco, Lorenzo, and Caterina Cordero, are grandchildren of Luciana Vietti & Alfredo Currado, one of the pioneers of the first Barolo crus and considered the “father of Arneis.” Their father is Mario Cordero, Alfredo and Luciana’s son-in-law, who was the company’s co-owner from the beginning of the ‘80s until 2016 when it was sold.

The Oltrepò Pavese is a hilly triangle of land in Lombardy, embraced by Piedmont, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. A territory dedicated to the cultivation of vines and the culture of wine for centuries: a land of both cultural and gastronomic encounter and exchange. Cordero San Giorgio is in the town of Santa Giuletta, and focuses on working with Pinot Nero, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.

This is a fresh and balanced Pinot Grigio, which maintains the intrinsic finesse of the grape variety with a vibrant, well-balanced acidity. This Pinot Grigio is made from grapes grown in the localitá of Rocca de' Giorgi, at 400 meters above sea level, amidst valleys covered by forests, steep slopes and thick ridges.

Made in stainless steel, this outstanding Pinot Grigio has a pale straw yellow colour with green hues, on the nose, it is fresh floral with fruity aromas of pear, apple, and jasmine. A dry, medium-bodied white wine, with marked crispy acidity. On the palate, it is fresh, well balanced, with a pleasant lingering finish.

Ideal as an aperitif and in combination with fish appetizers and white meats, such as poultry. A good pairing for salads, light and pureed soups, and fish first courses.

Volcanic & Floral

A breakout star in the Etna DOC of Sicily, Tornatore has become one of the region's largest and most respected wineries. Established back in 1865, the estate continues to be run by the same family who have acted as the faithful custodians of the land for generations. Tending to high altitude vineyards on the north side of the active volcano, the conditions are ideal for indigenous grape varieties to thrive. The wines are distinctive bottlings which encapsulate the essence of Mount Etna and effortlessly reveal the unique characteristics that make the region one to watch.

The wine has enticing floral scents of spring blossoms and Spanish broom that mingle with summer orchard fruit and wet stone. The tangy, savoury palate boasts finesse and mineral tension, delivering juicy Meyer lemon, creamy pear, yellow apple and saline before a white pepper finish. Fresh acidity brightens the rich flavours.

This is perfect with young and medium-aged cheeses, poultry and fish. 

Complex & Silky

Château de La Chaize is among the oldest, most historic estates in Burgundy’s Beaujolais region. Cared for by the same family for nearly three and a half centuries, the estate has been passed on to new owners, the Gruy family, who are equally committed to managing the estate with the utmost care, while implementing an ambitious environmental plan.

Pale yellow colour with golden reflections, the nose opens on notes of citrus fruits and pear, with a delicate hint of acacia blossom enriching the aromatic palette. Expect a clean and balanced palate, reflecting the generosity of a sunny vintage with a pleasant volume and a delicate, mouth-watering finish.

Chill and serve with shellfish, white fish, or soft goat cheese.

Mineral & Spicy

Robert, whose family is originally from Hungary, was born in Canada and grew up on a farm. After some years working as an architect, he found his passion in winemaking, and relocated to his grandparent's country to start a winery.

Furmint is the historic grape of the region and this example shows its true strength. Alongside the lemon and lime rind nose, the palate is led by a lean minerality and exciting flavours that come from the various organically farmed vineyards across Szent György-hegy. The grapes are gently pressed, spontaneously fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks for 6 months. It has a complex character and long aging potential. 

Furmint complements herb-crusted poultry or fish. You can also try it with delicate Asian dishes like sushi or dumplings.