The Cellar: New Zealand + South African Finds
Saturday, May 19, 2012
2011 Ribbonwood Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
This week’s first wine is a great value from New Zealand’s Marlborough region where the Sauvignon Blanc grape rules the land. Framingham Wines, which makes a Pinot Noir I reviewed last year, is the producer
The 2011 Ribbonwood Sauvignon Blanc, of which they produce 7,000 cases, is a classic style Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – simple and straightforward. With its pungent green, and grassy aroma and grapefruit flavors this inexpensive style has become very popular with American wine drinkers over the years. The last couple of vintages of this wine have received solid reviews and the 2011 vintage does not disappoint. Not bad for $15.
2010 False Bay Pinotage, South Africa
For this week’s next wine we stay south of the equator, but travel west, across the Indian Ocean, to South Africa’s Central Coast. In the False Bay series of wine, famed winemaker Werner Engelbrecht of Waterkloof
While one might argue that this balance was never really achieved, Pinotage has found its own identity and has a strong following, among them yours truly. The 2009/2010 South African Pinotage growing season was difficult with strong winds literally blowing off shoots, thereby lowering yields. But a stable and cool spring (their harvest season) produced quality grapes and as a result a good wine. The 2010 False Bay Pinotage is nicely earthy and herbaceous on the nose. Not bad for a $15 Pitnotage.
Enjoy!
Steffen Rasch CSW is ready to answer any wine-related questions, comments or concerns you may have. Feel free to email him at [email protected]. And as always, don’t forget to follow GoLocalProv’s Wine Cellar on Facebook and sign up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.
Related Articles
- The Cellar: Bordeaux Wines Under $20
- The Cellar: Delicious Wine from France’s Loire Valley
- The Cellar: Food + Wine Pairings
- The Cellar: France’s Rhone Valley
- The Cellar: Great Wines for Spring Grilling
- The Cellar: Two Great Value Wines for Right Now
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It