Welcome to the Western Cape Wineries - a kiwi's opinion blog

I originally set up this blog to help foreigners have an enjoyable experience when visiting the western cape wineries in South Africa.

I realised that it is very difficult for a tourist to choose where to go and which wineries to visit, when you have 600+ wine producers to choose from.

When I first moved to SA December 2010, my palate struggled to adjust to SA wine, b
ut after living here for a while and after visiting over 100+ wine estates, I have found many wines which I really like and can highly recommend.

Admittingly, when you come from another country it is hard not to compare the wine in SA to what you are used to back home. However, once you realise they are not the same (they have their own characteristics due to the different soil, climate etc) and appreciate their wines for being SA wines, it will improve your opinion and experience of the wines immediately.

If you are staying in SA for a while, don't dispair, your palate will change, and you will soon find yourself liking SA wine over your home countries wine!!

I hope my blog will help wine lovers have an enjoyable wine experience while in SA.

Please note: I am not a wine connoisseur. The comments I write about the wine is mostly for my own benefit of having them on record.



Friday 29 May 2015

Tasting notes for Arendsig Grenache 2014

Today I tried the Arendsig Grenache 2014. Here are my tasting notes:

Appearance: Light in colour, ruby red, clear.
Nose: Clean, medium intensity, fruit
Palate: Dry, medium acidity, low tannin, light/medium body, fruit and spice. Short finish.

Conclusion: This is a very good wine. This wine had a beautiful light colour. It is nice, soft and light on the palate. Fruit and spice flavour.

Wine Tasting Notes for Scali 2014 Sirkel Pinotage

Today I tried the Scali Sirkel Pinotage 2014. Here are my notes:

Appearance: It is quite light in colour, nice ruby red, clear.
Nose: Clean, light, spices, fruit
Palate: Dry, medium acidity, medium tannin, medium body. Little oak. Sweet spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Red fruit like cranberry, plums and red cherries. Had a short finish.

Conclusion: A good wine. Acidity seems a bit high and needs time to settle. Otherwise a soft, fruity wine. A little bitter on the finish.

When I tried this wine blind at Publik Wine Bar, previous to the above tasting this was my opinion on the wine:
I tasted this blind and was very impressed by the intense, dark fruit and licorice flavours yet soft on the palate. It was an unexpectedly pleasant Pinotage!

This is what the winery has to say on their website:
"Expressive fresh, ripe raspberry and red fruit with a hint of sweet herbs. Youthful and elegant, this wine is ready to be enjoyed now".