Tag: Stellenbosch

Sauvignon blanc grapes

How Well Do You Know Sauvignon Blanc New World Wine Regions? Take the Quiz.

 mywinepal  August 26, 2023

The Sauvignon Blanc grape traces its lineage to the historic vineyards of France’s Loire Valley, where it gained early recognition for its distinct aromatic profile and vibrant acidity. It is also one of two grapes, along with Semillon, which makes white Bordeaux blends. However, it was the New World wine regions that truly propelled Sauvignon Blanc to worldwide fame, reimagining…

Spier Signature Chenin Blanc 2021 and 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2019

2 Chenin Blancs from Spier Wine Farm to Celebrate Drink Chenin Day

 mywinepal  June 10, 2022

I have two more South African Chenin Blanc for you to celebrate Drink Chenin Day on June 17. Both wines are from the Spier Wine Farm in the Stellenbosch region. The Spier Signature Chenin Blanc 2021 is unoaked and probably the one you may be most familiar with. The other wine is the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2019 which…

Douro region in Portugal

MyWinePal’s Wine Destination Travel Bucket List

 mywinepal  December 30, 2021

Wanderlust.  We must all have it after staying in our homes for the past two years due to COVID.  Maybe venturing out to a nearby city or town within a day’s driving distance, but not getting on an airplane and going where your heart desires.  I love wine, and I enjoy going to wine regions around the world, meeting winemakers…

Ken Forrester Vineyards Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2019 and Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2018

Two Signature Grapes from South Africa via Ken Forrester and Kanonkop Wineries

 mywinepal  December 10, 2021

Today I have wines from the two signature grapes of South Africa; Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.  Chenin Blanc hailing from France but has flourished in South Africa. Pinotage, a red grape, was created in South Africa in the early 1920s, by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault.    Kanonkop Wine Estate and Ken Forrester Vineyards are both located in the quality…

Opportunities in South African Wines

An Intro to South African Wines

 mywinepal  September 20, 2020

You may say that 1990 was when South African wine came on the international scene.  That is the year that Nelson Mandela was released and sanctions against South Africa were subsequently lifted.  Before that time South African wines were made in a style that pleased the South Africa palate.  But opening their wines up to the world and a more…

Karl MyWinePal with Ken Forrester

South Africa’s Ken Forrester Shows Off Chenin Blanc to the World

 mywinepal  October 25, 2018

Ken Forrester and his wife started their winery together with their young family;  Buying a large 38 ha plot of land in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa, and working with farmers over 90 ha of scattered parcels.  Ken wanted to produce the best wine in the world and has been working with the Chenin Blanc grape to try to…

Wines of South Africa logo

BCLDB’s Summertime South African Wine Feature Includes Free Consumer Tasting

 mywinepal  May 9, 2016

South African wines are well-known for going great with food.  The wines are a mix of the Old World and the New World styles.  Fruit forward, yet still restrained, plus enough structure and acidity to give you wines elegance. If you have not tried South African wines before you may want to try some for free, courtesy of the BCLDB. …

Flat Roof Manor Pinot Grigio 2012

Flat Roof Manor Pinot Grigio 2012 – My Notes

 mywinepal  July 31, 2013

Last September I was first introduced to the wines of Flat Roof Manor, a winery located in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa.  At that time I wrote about their Flat Roof Manor Malbec.  Their wines are priced very aggressively and provide you with a decent, fruit driven wine.  I was happy to be asked to review their Pinot Grigio, which…