The one wine region I’ve yet to place my footprints on, is the cool Elgin Valley on the other side of Grabouw. Recently, I got a taste and a virtual armchair tour of this little wine region through two wines I received from Elgin Ridge wine estate.
Introduction
I’ve been whimsically drawn to various Elgin Valley wines, without knowing that they had this fertile little valley in common. Besotted with cooler climate Sauvignon Blancs, delicate Pinot Noirs and innovative Chardonnays, I have only recently realised that the reason for my moth-like attraction to these varietals lie in the roots. The deep, vine roots that call the apple-growing capital of South Africa their home.
You can imagine my giddiness when not one, but two bottles of newly released Elgin Ridge wines were delivered to me shortly before #lockdown. In my hands, I cradled the Elgin Ridge 282 Sauvignon Blanc 2017 and 282 Pinot Noir 2015. I was more than ready to embark on my virtual experience of the Elgin wine valley through my wine glass.
Background
South Africa is home to only a handful of certified biodynamic wine producers, and Elgin Ridge Wine Estate happens to be one of these. Situated in the Elgin Wine Valley, the estate owned by Brian and Marion Smith, is known for producing a small range of outstanding wines, which includes their new release Elgin Ridge 282 Sauvignon Blanc 2017 and 282 Pinot Noir 2015, respectively (press release).
Elgin Ridge 282 Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Tasting notes: aromas of ripe pineapple, blackcurrant and Elderflower, which carries through to a palate with lime undertones.
In the cellar: after natural fermentation the wine was left on the lees for nine months.
Cellar door price: approx. R135 per bottle. Available directly from the Tasting Room and select specialist wine stores
Elgin Ridge 282 Pinot Noir 2015
Tasting notes: deep, rich garnet colour, offering aromas of dark cherries, roasted cocoa beans and nuances of pine needles on the nose. The palate is an amalgamation of green olive tapenade, dark cherries and dry salon tea flavours.
Cellar door price: approx. R250 per bottle. Available directly from the Tasting Room and select specialist wine stores.
The Little Hedonist’s food pairing suggestions
I decided that these two bottles deserved a feast, for I wanted to celebrate my newfound friendship with Elgin. I prepared a meal that befriended both bottles, so that I didn’t have to choose between red or white.
We took the food preparation outside, where The Tall Hedonist prepared the camel-thorn coals for us. Onto his grid went rich, fatty Porterhouse steaks, but only for a handful of minutes, leaving them deliciously pink on the inside.
We also carefully lined up a parade of halloumi soldiers. I filled bamboo skewers with baby marrow, sweet pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes and lusciously generous cubes of halloumi.
A last bit of starch in the form of charred garlic potatoes cooked in the coals. Just because. As Tim set the table, I quickly fried up a stack of flatbreads and threw together a creamy tzatziki sauce.
The Sauvignon Blanc made a perfect dining companion to the chewy, warm halloumi chunks and the griddled vegetables, whilst the Pinot Noir lapped up the juiciness of the steak and flatbreads. A great sharing feast, and a proper celebration of Elgin Ridge wines.
In conclusion
Through two bottles of wine and a bit of online research, I went on a virtual explore of the stunning Elgin area. I’m excited about what I found in the Elgin Ridge wines, and am most certainly adding this gorgeous little wine valley onto my weekend-breakaway list.
Thank you, Elgin Ridge, for sharing the magic of your wine with me, and I hope to see you post-lockdown to continue this adventure I’ve embarked on!
Disclaimer: I was given this product(s) as part of a press drop in exchange for 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.
The Little Hedonist endorses responsible drinking.
Don’t drink and drive. Not for persons under 18.
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