16 August 2011 10:15
The Tri Nations of wine
What better way to celebrate South Africa, Australia and New Zealand's shared love of wine and rugby than with SA Wines Online's Tri Nations wine package.
editor@thesouthafrican.com
South Africa, New Zealand and Australia are currently battling it out on the rugby field in the Tri Nations.
But these three countries are not just sporting rivals - they are also world renowned winemakers. And what better way to celebrate our shared love of wine and rugby than with SA Wines Online's Tri Nations wine package. Choose from a case of six wines (a white and red from each country) or a case of 12 (two whites and two reds from each).
The South African and its Australian Times colleagues sampled some of these iconic varietals, and as always between South Africans, Aussies and assorted others, there was a lot of competitive debate as to which was the best bottle. Between us there wasn't a single wine we disliked, and we resolved the brawl by agreeing that there is definitely a wine for every taste and occasion in this selection.
We tried:
From Australia
Philip Shaw The Architect Chardonnay - an aroma with hints of honey
Currabridge Unwooded Chardonnay - full palate of punchy citrus and melon flavours with fresh and lingering finish.
Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz - full bodied berry fruit flavours and touches of spice
Cranswick Shiraz - Typically Australian with its big berry fruit, plums and spicy mocha chocolate oak aromas.
From South Africa:
Beaumont Hope Marguerite Chenin Blanc - The perfect balance between wood aroma and fruit flavour from this typical South African Chenin
La Capra Chenin Blanc - A South African great. A layered palate of apple and pear, hinting at a little oak influence to give a balanced depth to the fruity start.
Mooiplaas Bean Pinotage - The proudly South African Pinotage, a deep dark purple colour with a nose showing mocha and roasted coffee bean flavours.
Warwick Estate Three Cape Ladies - Cape Blend of structured Cabernet Sauvignon, soft and sweet Pinotage, with the Merlot offering a subtle spiciness
From New Zealand:
Escarpment Pinot Noir - Elegant fruit flavours and soft ripe tannins
Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc - Zesty and refreshing Sauvignon
Bascand Sauvignon Blanc - Made in a classic Kiwi style, with aromas of pineapple and freshly cut grass.
Buy the Tri Nations wine package on www.sawinesonline.co.uk