Edition #4: Week of July 23, 2023

     It's supposed to get a little rainy this week, so be sure to wear your poncho! This also helps against any spillage after a few too many glasses.

2021 Spier Signature Chenin Blanc

$14.99 $11.99

Western Cape, South Africa

    South Africa is known for a lot of interesting things, and this carries on even into the wine world. Stellenbosch, arguably South Africa’s most influential region, has been integral in the wine world from a global perspective, creating some really incredible hybrid varietals, educating some of the most successful winemakers and viticulturalists at the highly regarded university under the same name, and producing some real kick-ass wine. From there, the country’s wine production exploded from sea to sea, discovering some serious notable varietal creations; from Cabernet Sauvignon to Pinotage, or Sauvignon Blanc to Chardonnay, some of the most interesting new-world wines are coming out of the southern peak of our second-largest continent.

    This week we’re looking at arguably the most important white varietal grown and produced in South Africa, Chenin Blanc. This is a grape whose origins from the Loire Valley has created some of the versatile, distinct wine around the world, be it a sweet or dry table wine, a high-acid sparkler, or a grape left to rot for some of the most spectacular botrytized desert wine you’ll ever try. South Africa has embraced this varietal as its own, and its understandable why. It grows well in these climactic conditions, and the terroir produces a completely unique wine from those coming out of France.

    Spier produces en masse, but the quality is there. A clean, easy-drinking wine, as long as the smoke taint stays away -- 2021 from the Western Cape seems to be safe.

    This wine is focused on some really juicy fruit; apricot jumps out right away, bartlett pear, dried straw, all balanced by honeysuckle, melon, and lemon jelly. This is a big boy in the mouth, setting itself apart from its French counterpart, focusing more on the mid-palate than the bright acidity that other Chenins may exhibit. Regardless, it goes down very easy, leaving some spice on the tongue, and a slightly bitter finish. I recommend decanting for 15 minutes before drinking.

    Food pairings; grilled halibut, summer salad, sushi, florentine pasta.

2019 Escorihuela 1884 Syrah

$21.99 $18.99

Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina

    Back to Argentina we go, for some delicious, high-altitude, full-bodied red wine, full of character, tannin, and raw joy. This is the wine that makes you want to cuddle up on a rainy day, but it is also incredible to enjoy with friends in the evening; definitely during dinner, but it is even a great wine to sip on as you relax and watch the sun go down.

    Syrah is a big French grape, most notable as the flagship varietal of Australia (although there they call it Shiraz.) There are many regions in the world that have created fantastic wines from Syrah, and Mendoza is no different. This bottle comes from high altitude, providing a long-ripening period where the fruit can hang and build a profile. Syrah clusters are big and loose, and create some of the darkest wines you can find. A good Syrah = a good time.

    The 1884 label from Escorihuela is consistent and good, never stumbling on quality and a great price point. Decant this wine for an hour and you will come away with something truly magnificent: aromas of dark plum, cassis, fresh tobacco, black pepper, and an array of dark forest fruit; the palate is dark chocolate and cigar box, with rich tannin dancing along the palate to the tune of a fine profile. It finishes delicately, with hints of walnut and vanilla. This may be a big one, but, like I said, it goes extremely well with just a simple moment of relaxation.

    Food pairing: sirloin steak, Bolognese, grilled veggies, dark chocolate.