If you’re serious about wine, like me, you will most certainly have seasonal favourites. I’m nostalgically packing away my voluptuous, moody reds and soul-warming, hearty whites for another year until next winter, and excitedly making space for my summer staples in promising shades of bright red, pink and white. This summer I’ve made new friends: two gorgeously curvy summer bodies from Welgegund Heritage Wines.
Introduction
I’ve already decided what I’m doing this summer holiday. I’m inviting my new BFF’s around to hang by the pool and soak up some sun, read a few forgotten books and eat decadent treats, interspersed with an appropriate amount of afternoon siestas. These BFF’s happen to be called Welgegund Heritage Wines Chenin Blanc 2017 and Providence 2015, the two latest offerings from this small family-run wine farm. And no, I don’t think I’ll be sharing my new-found friends…
The little rhyme that goes, “red is for winter and white is for summer” actually leaves me quite fatigued. There is never a bad time for red or white wine. You can, however, pair the type of red or white with a specific season; the spicy, moody, full-bodied reds are better for winter, and the lighter, fruitier, crisp whites are more suited to the warm sunny days of summer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have red in summer, or white in winter! What do you drink with your wood-fired steaks, then?! Or with a lovely creamy chicken à la king in winter?!
Background
Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Hawequa mountains in Wellington, lies Welgegund Heritage Wines. Welgegund means ‘well-bestowed’ and you don’t have to venture far to experience the fruits of its blessings. A place of natural beauty, with heritage buildings dating back to the early 1800’s and a unique fingerprint of terroir and climate, this family-owned boutique wine farm has seen major restoration over the past four years under new ownership.
The new dawn at Welgegund includes the comprehensive rehabilitation and rejuvenation of the 35-hectare estate embracing the fynbos and dryland vineyards, including the very old chenin blanc (1974), cinsaut (1974) and carignan (1979) bush vines, as well as a new winemaker. Friedrich Kühne, ex Doolhof wine and vine man, also joined the team in 2014, bringing with him a wealth of experience gained in South Africa, France and the USA, and a passion for producing high quality wines.
Heritage and preservation
Welgegund’s old blocks of chenin blanc, cinsaut and carignan form part of the new and exciting Old Vine Project, an industry initiative dedicated to recognising the special character of the Cape’s wine heritage and to preserving these beautiful old vines. Vineyards more than 35 years old are being honoured with Certified Heritage Vineyards plaques, and wines made from these heritage vineyards will proudly bear the Old Vine Project Heritage Certification Seal – a world first!
The wines
Two award-winning wines produced from ancient dryland bush vines are currently making their debut, the barrel-fermented beautifully round Welgegund Heritage Wines Chenin Blanc 2017 from 44-year old vines and the Welgegund Heritage Wines Providence 2015, a fruit-driven Rhône-style blend of 60% shiraz, 30% cinsaut (1974 vineyard) and 10% carignan showing tremendous body, concentration and structure.
Welgegund Heritage Wines Chenin Blanc 2017
Awards: Double Platinum as well as Top 100 SA Wines 2018 status at the 2018 National Wine Challenge incorporating Top 100 SA Wines
In the vineyard: This wine is produced from 44-year old north-west facing chenin blanc dryland bush vines planted in 1974. Whole cluster bunches were gently pressed. The fermentation was partly natural, with different yeasts added for the desired complexity. 33% of the wine was barrel fermented in French oak and aged independently before final blending. The barrel portion was stirred for lees contact every second week for 4 months and only a portion of the juice underwent malolactic fermentation.
Tasting notes: Beautifully round, fruit-driven and displays subtle oak character. Noticeable fruits include citrus, stone fruits, pineapple and lime and a hint of white blossoms complements the overall aroma. The 2017 vintage has superb maturing potential and is sure to age gracefully.
Approximate retail price: Currently only sold at the cellar, for R230 (excl VAT) per bottle
The Little Hedonist’s food pairing suggestion: My instinct would be to pair this Chenin Blanc with slightly charred shellfish made on an open fire, drizzled with lemon butter and handfuls of fresh parsley, but I’m not a prawns or mussels kinda gal. However, I’ll definitely pair this summer beauty with a meaty swordfish steak, flash-grilled in the oven with olive oil, citrus and fresh herbs, served with a peppery rocket salad and creamy potatoes. The robustness of this Chenin will hold up beautifully to the meatiness of the fish, and the hints of citrus will complement the aroma perfectly. Or how about with some flame-grilled cajun chicken kebabs for a lighter meal? Even a bright, healthy and delicious veggie and egg noodle stir fry (with or without the chicken!) would work a sunny treat with my new BFF. Aaaaaand…let’s not forget my favourite cheese platter! Think soft cheeses with slices of fresh olive ciabatta bread, citrus preserve and a dark balsamic reduction. Yes, please.
Welgegund Heritage Wines Providence 2015
Awards: Awarded Double Gold at the 2018 National Wine Challenge incorporating Top 100 SA Wines
In the vineyard: Cold soaking was conducted prior to fermentation, extracting colour early, with fermentation in open fermenters, with three punch downs a day. Two rack and returns prior to 16 months in 95% French and 5% American oak. Only 30% new oak was utilized, respecting the fruit and the unique character of each cultivar.
Tasting notes: Predominantly fruit driven with undertones of subtle oak. Complex dark fruit (mulberry, blackberry and black cherry) as well as some red cranberry fruit notes are complemented by cloves, nutmeg and a hint of pepper. The tannins are soft and extremely silky. Drink now, with further ageing beneficial.
Approximate retail price: Currently only sold at the cellar, for R230 (excl VAT) per bottle
The Little Hedonist’s food pairing suggestion: Providence will change your mind about the seasonality of wines. This is the perfect red for the cooler summer evenings. I paired this deliciously juicy red with a smokey honey and soy rump steak, served with crushed new potatoes and woody herbs. I would love to invite her to my next dinner and seat her next to sweet and salty grilled pork chops, creamed spinach from the garden and a mixed mushroom risotto. She’ll never say no to an invite to your summer sports on TV, and loves a good biltong platter, filled with gorgeously matured cheeses, marinated olives and a selection of cured meats. She loves a good dessert too. If you’re a fan of fruitcake, like me, then this is the perfect after-Christmas-dinner wine for when the fruit cake makes an appearance. The fruitiness of Providence will accentuate the dark fruit flavours in the cake. In fact, just invite her over any day this summer; she simply won’t disappoint!
Conclusion
We all have certain things we do to welcome summer back into our lives. Rituals, if you want. We dig out our flip-flops from the back of the cupboard, we pull the braai out of storage, we dust off the beach umbrellas and pump up the lilo’s. This summer, my first priority will be to stack my wine rack with Welgegund wines. Welgegund is literally summer in a bottle, regardless of your preference for white or red.
In all seriousness – spoil yourself with the award-winning Welgegund Chenin Blanc 2017 and Providence 2015 this season and welcome happiness to your dining table. Your guests will delight in the delectably festive palates of these two wines, and you’ll definitely be making a few more BFF’s along the way!
Logistics
Welgegund Wine Farm, 119 Berg Street, Wellington, South Africa
Tel: 021 873 2123 · Email: emathews@welgegund.co.za
Website: https://www.welgegund.co.za/ ·
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welgegundwines/
Twitter: @WelgegundWines
Instagram: @Welgegund_wines
#WelgegundWines
Second photographer and photo credit: Timothy P. Gibson
The Little Hedonist has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, I do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, menu changes, opening times, and contact details.
Disclaimer: This product formed part of a press-drop. There was no expectation for platform coverage in the form of a blog, or social media posts. This is my honest and truthful opinion and review thereof. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are solely those of The Little Hedonist, given in good faith and in no way influenced by the company or its affiliates. All images, unless otherwise stated/credited, are also my own.
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