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Country: | South Africa |
Region: | Riebeek Kasteel |
Grape Type: | Chardonnay |
Winery: | Riebeek Cellars |
Riebeek Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
This unoaked Chardonnay displays a brilliant green-gold color. The style is dry but fruity. The nose offers exceptional tropical aromas that follow through in the palate with a well-rounded finish of lingering citrus fruits.
It is lovely with most entrees from crisp salads to creamy soups and chicken, whether served grilled or in a creamy sauce.
The Riebeek Cellars Estate
Riebeek Cellars was established in 1941 and is situated in Riebeek Kasteel at the foot of Bothma's Kloof Pass. This medium-sized winery on the western coast of the Cape Province of South Africa sources its grapes from the fertile Riebeek Valley and the slopes of the mountain where the climate is very similar to the Mediterranean. Through the years as vineyard practices developed, cultivars were planted in soil and at slopes best suited to them. These well-tended vineyards enable the production of high quality wines which makes Riebeek Cellars the choice of wine buyers internationally. Well-known both in South Africa and abroad, Riebeek Cellars manages a variety of brands for various countries.
Heritage
Corporal Pieter Cruythoff, a scout of Jan van Riebeeck, founded the Riebeek Valley in 1661. Impressed by the single standing mountain, he called it Kasteelberg (“Castle Mountain”) commemorating the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, the fortress of Commander Jan van Riebeeck. The twin towns, Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, established at the foot of Kasteelberg, are therefore also suitably named after Van Riebeeck.
The Riebeek Valley is a mecca of wonderful wines, exceptional food and exquisite art where tourists and locals alike are forever tempted into spending more time than allowed. The serene valley falls in the bigger Swartland region which is called the 'bread basket' of South Africa for its grain production, while it is further internationally acclaimed for its high quality olive products. With various hotels and fine-dining restaurants as well as true country hospitality, the Riebeek Valley has become a very popular tourist destination. The ultimate charm of Riebeek is however in its people and their commitment and passion for wine.
"Located in the Western Cape region of South Africa, this winery was established in 1941, which makes it relatively old compared to all the new wineries that have sprung up in this area. Among the first Pinotages I can recommend, it’s also a good value. Pinotage, which is, of course, ubiquitous in South Africa, was first made in 1941, when the Cinsault grape (primarily grown in southern France and the Rhone Valley) was crossed with Pinot Noir." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue 201, June 2012).
Bright and light golden-yellow in color. Exotic and sweet vanilla bean aromatics backed by pear and kiwi with a slight orange peel. The palate resonates with texture and depth as stone minerality and cream brioche to match. Flavors of roasted plantains, gravenstein apple, and lemon zest frame the wine for a long yet soft finish.
Planted in the early 90’s, this is the coolest vineyard site in the Russian River Valley, located at Lee Martinelli Sr.’s home ranch in Forestville, CA. After riding around with Lee in his pick-up truck when we visited his Woolsey Road, Zio Tony, and River Road Vineyards, he decided to take me to this gem. He kept this particular vineyard in his back pocket until we hit it off. We did, and I think you’ll enjoy the ride as well.
Review:
Elusively crisp and inviting on the nose, this is a thickly intriguing wine, floral in orange blossom and fresh apple. Structured and lengthy, it retains a tangy acidity and structured finish, the grapes sourced from a dry-farmed vineyard. - Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
Lyrarakis Za Za Zu Sparkling is made from Vilana, Vidiano and Muscat of Spina
A gentle sweet kiss of peach and juicy stone fruit that excites the senses and tickles the tongue with bubbly delight followed by aromas of a spring breeze bringing scents of apple and cherry blossom with hints of baby’s breath, lily and a garden of white flowers. There is a delicate sweetness to this wine that lends itself to enjoying with friends or peaceful contemplation.
Region: Alagni area, central Crete
Soil: Clay loam
pruning technique: Cordon trained, spur pruned
Altitude: 520m above sea level
Irrigation: Not irrigated
Yield: 8.5 tn/ha
Winemaking: Hand harvested in the last week of August. Grapes are vinificated separately.
Blending was performed using internal tasting results, choosing the ones with the best characteristics of texture and freshness. Secondary fermentation adds subtle creamy complexity and gives the wine its attractive fine gas bead and mousse.
Alcohol: 10% ABV
Acidity: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.15
RS: 4.29 g/100ML
Food pairing: Fruit paste desserts, vegetable risotto and a large variety of antipasti.