|
May 11, 2010
Tribeca Rooftop
New York City
Billed as the most South African wines assembled under one rooftop in the US, the Great South African Wine Show presented some of the best wines the country has to offer. The afternoon featured three seminars and a tasting with nearly 150 producers pouring their current wines.
 |
| The De Trafford Straw Wine is on the top right |
The first seminar was Chenin Blanc Champions moderated by Andre Shearer, Ken Forrester and Sean Grifiths. Six different Chenin Blanc wines were presented. They ranged in styles from crisp and lively to ripe and rich. The quality of all the wines was very high and they truly showed how each producer left their mark on the wine.
The Ken Forrester Meinert Chenin (FMC) 2007 was in the rich style with tropical, peach and fig flavors. The grapes came from 42 year old bush vines and were not irrigated. Although it was rich it still showed balance and elegance.
The final wine, a late harvest dessert style from De Trafford, the 2004 Straw Wine was super rich and concentrated. Late harvested, the grapes were set on racks for 3 weeks under oak trees prior to fermentation. The wine showed amazing aromas and flavors of apricot, ginger and mango and spice.
 |
| Jon with Ken Forrester |
 |
| Dave Nelson, aka The Purple Stain, plannig our tasting strategy |
The tasting showcased nearly 150 South African producers. While there were many names I recognized, there were quite a few wineries I was not familiar with. The show was a great way to find out more about South Africa. From Pinotage to Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, and of course Chenin Blanc, South Africa is producing wines from nearly every type of wine grape. We tasted Malbecs, Zinfandels, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc. It was evident that producers have learned the most favorable places to plant and are keeping yields low to maximize the quality. I hope the show comes back to town next year.
| The view from the Tribeca Rooftop |
 |
|
|