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Wine VarietiesWhat is a Cultivar?A CULTIVAR is a variety of grape (e.g.: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc) and can be referred to as a VARIETAL. What is a single Varietal Wine? A single varietal wine is made of one major Cultivar only. The minimum percentage of this Cultivar is regulated by law (75%) The true personality of the grape is accentuated in its purest form. What is a Blend? A blend is made of two or more cultivars. Blending is an art. The different characteristics of two or more grape varieties are matched to compliment each other in perfect harmony. Think of this as a bunch of single roses as apposed to a mixied florar bouquet. The most famous blend is the traditional Bourdeaux blend which accounts for some of the world's most elegant and exceptional red wines. WHITE VARIETIES CHARDONNAY Chardonnay is planted in practically every major wine producing area of the world owing to its adaptibility to a wide range of climates and conditions. It is a rather regal grape variety that originates from France and produces the world famous White wines of Burgundy, and is one of the three main varieties used to make Champagne. Styles: Chardonnay is a very versatile variety and is made in various different styles. It is almost laways dry and may be wooded or unwooded. The unwooded Chardonnays are generally lighter bodied that the fuller ones that have been barrel fermented or matured. Food Matches: Generally recommended with fish and light meal dishes particularly those with creamy flavours. The more full bodied wooded styles may compliment lighter red meat dishes such as Veal. On the whole a rich flavoursome wine that compliments a compatible meal. SAUVIGNON BLANC Sauvignon Blanc originates in France and produces some great white wines from the Loire and Bordeaux. It is inherently high in acidity giving these wines their typical crispness. Styles: Usually light to medium bodied and dry with a racy refreshing palate. When wooded is incorporated in the production of these wines, they are known as BLANC FUME. Food Matches: The zingy crisp character of these wines makes them very popular with fish and seafood dishes. Their light bodied elegance and freshness balance flavours of seafood especially with garlic or lemon butter sauces. CHENIN BLANC Chenin Blanc, also known locally as Steen, is South Africa's most widely planted white variety. Originally from the Loire Valley in France. It is commonly used in the production of brandy. Styles: Chenin Blanc is extremely versatile (often referred to as 'the workhorse') and can be made either in dry, semi sweet or dessert wine style. It is most commonly found as a constituent of a white blend or as a single varietal, it is usually off dry or semi sweet. It produces a very easy drinking fruity style of wine with prominent tropical aromas and flavours. Recently there has been a resurgence in winemakers creating a ‘serious’ Chenin Blanc incorporating wood in its production. This is the style that compares with the wines of the Loire. Food Matches: The rich fruity bouquet of these wines make them an ideal partner to light spicy food, especially seafood with wasabi RED VARIETIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON Regarded by many to be the 'king' of red wines, this Cultivar originates in France and is a major part of the world famous Bordeaux blend. It has a full-bodied robust character and has amazing longevity in the bottle. Some of the world's finest red wines are produced from this variety. Styles: Always wooded to develop the true potential of the grape. Generally full bodied and robust. Improves over time when the tannins become softer and more accessible - i.e. smoother and easy to drink. Food Matches: The outright favourite with any full flavoured red meat such as steaks, grills, roasts and stews. A serious wine for serious meals MERLOT A French grape variety that is used in the Bourdeaux blend for its sleek softening personality. It has recently gained huge popularity as a single varietal wine. Styles: Merlot makes elegant medium to full-bodied wines that are lush and velvety. Food Matches: Light to full flavoured red meat dishes or even fuller flavoured chicken. SHIRAZ Shiraz finds its roots in Persia but is well known for producing some of the great wines of the Rhone in France. Noted for their typical robust, smoky, spicy personality, sometimes known as Syrah. Styles: Rich full-bodied wines that are generally well oaked. Food Matches: Compliments all full flavoured red meat dishes specifically vensison, grills and stews. PINOTAGE Pinotage is unique to South Africa. It is the result of grafting Pinot Noir with Hermitage. Although not considered as one of the world's Noble Cultivars, it is quickly gaining international recognition as a serious quality red wine. The evolution of quality and style in the production of Pinotage has been dramatic over the past decade. Style: Made in anything from light bodied easy drinking "tutti fruitti" style to serious full-bodied impressive wines with great aging potential. Food Matches: Especially recommended with traditional South African dishes including game, stews, grills and even snoek. Fairly versatile and compliments most full flavoured red meat dishes. |
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