One thing I enjoy more than a great wine, is a great wine at a great price. Four Cousins‘ new single varietal range of wines is perfect for the palate and the pocket!
Introduction
Always and forever a fan of Robertson wines and the valley’s vast vineyard of wine labels, I’m all too familiar with the Four Cousins brand. I think many of our first encounters with wine happened over a bottle of Four Cousins Natural Sweet Red or Sweet Rosé. My own wine journey was no exception.
I was suitably excited when I received three samples of Four Cousins‘ new “Collection” range of single varietals a few weeks back. All grown up and elegantly labelled in black and gold, these bottles look fresh, crisp and every bit as proud as a Robertson wine should.
Background
In this latest guise, Four Cousins once again steps up to its reputation for making South Africa’s “favourite vino in a bottle” and their story is true. The now well-known four Retief cousins joined forces in the mid 90’s. One after the other, after completing their studies, they joined the family farm, Van Loveren.
Today, they’re the driving force behind the company. Hennie and Neil are the viticulturists, in charge of the farming units and managing the vines. Bussell is the winemaker while Phillip looks after the business side of things.
Their first big endeavour was introducing the Four Cousins range of wines in 2000 and today, their story continues (press release).
The Four Cousins’ single varietal Collection
I love the idea of thinking about this Collection range as a typical South African “mixed grill.” The Collection includes a Sauvignon Blanc for those who prefer an easy, aromatic white wine, a Chardonnay for those who enjoy a fuller bodied wine, and a Merlot, which is South Africa’s number one selling red cultivar. The Collection also includes a Cabernet Sauvignon, for those who love to pair wine with a weekend braai, and of course a Pinotage, because no collection would be complete without our proudly South African varietal.
No frills, no pretenses, no pressure; just exceptional quality wines at an exceptional price point.
This idea of a “mixed grill” collection of wines for different palates, people and tastes might have inspired my food pairing idea, but more on this later.
Four Cousins’ Collection Merlot 2019
Tasting notes: the aromatics in the Merlot are gentle berry and vanilla toastiness with a typical Merlot mulberry and summer fruit palate.
In the vineyard: 100% Merlot
In the cellar: The wine was wood matured on French oak staves and older barrels for 8 months.
Ageing potential: 24 – 36 months
Cellar door price: approx. R60 a bottle, with a current promotional price of R100 for two.
Four Cousins’ Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Tasting notes: rich chocolate and mocha toastiness are revealed in the aromas of the Cabernet Sauvignon with every sip revealing flavours reminiscent of ripe blackcurrants.
In the vineyard: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
In the cellar: The wine was wood matured on French oak staves for 4 months.
Ageing potential: 24 – 36 months
Cellar door price: approx. R60 a bottle, with a current promotional price of R100 for two.
Four Cousins’ Collection Chardonnay 2019
Tasting notes: medium-bodied wine with an aroma of fresh grapefruit and flavour of creamy citrus-vanilla.
In the vineyard: 100% Chardonnay
In the cellar: fermentation temperatures is kept low and post-fermentation lees contact is given to enhance the flavour, structure and mouth feel of the wine.
Ageing potential: 18 – 24 months
Cellar door price: approx. R60 a bottle, with a current promotional price of R100 for two.
The Four Cousins Collection is available online from www.fourcousins.co.za or via amongst others, Makro, Ultra Liquors, selected Spar stores, Food Lovers Market and Kaap Agri.
The Little House mixed grill
For the Four Cousins‘ Collection wines, I did what I do best. I prepared a feast. My hedonistic interpretation of a mixed grill, it’s something to everyone’s taste.
I loaded our grill with boerewors, picanha steaks, chicken sundowners and fatty lamb chops. I added veggie skewers, grilled mielies and a gorgeously green rocket and sweet potato salad to soften the meal.
I’m not going to tell you how to pair food with these stunning wines – they only beg to be enjoyed in good company, around good food, and to be part of good memories.
The Chardonnay loved the slightly spicy chicken wings and lapped up the caramelised sweet potatoes. The Merlot conversed beautifully with the boerewors, toning down the strong coriander notes of the sausage. The Cabernet Sauvignon rounded up the festivities by melting away along with the soft cuts of picanha steaks, which is by far my favourite cut of meat, by the way.
In conclusion
A stunning selection of mixed grill wines. A bottle for every taste or liking; it’s perfect for wine newbies and wine aficionados alike. Deliciously easy on the palate and loaded with delectable flavours and aromas, you’re bound to find your favourite. The Four Cousins‘ Collection wines, above all, carries the promise of quality that forms the foundation of the Van Loveren family ethos.
Thank you, Van Loveren and Four Cousins, for this proudly South African range of wines. I can’t wait to keep their company again at our next braai!
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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