Matthew Nugent - On the grapevine - Discovering South African Wines

Matthew with Simonsig's Johan Malan

THE IRISH SUN - On the grapevine - I’m a wine expert – South African vino sadly remains undiscovered by some Irish, here’s some of the finest to taste

This is the second and final part of his wine diary covering a wonderful three weeks in South Africa, which sadly, according to him, remains undiscovered by many Irish wine lovers. 

''It was my final day in the Stellenbosch region and had managed to organise a visit to Simonsig, which produced the very first South African wine I ever tasted some 25 years ago.'' MN

His wine trip covered Simonsig, Groot Constantia and Antony Hamillton Rusell vineyards.

"Below is a selection of wines from these excellent estates" MN

Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2023 (ABV 13.5%)

€17 

Grape: Chenin Blanc

Bursting with a rich array of tropical (passion fruit and melon), citrus (lime) and stone fruit (peach) aromas, and a vivid straw colour, this well-made, balanced Chenin is a joy.

The palate has layers of fresh flavours - grapefruit, pear and peach, with excellent acidity, balance and length. Extremely excellent value white.

Enjoy with: Thai fish cakes.

Simonsig Tiara 2018 (ABV 14.5%)

€26 

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc & Malbec

This excellent Bordeaux blend is Simonsig’s flagship wine – a testament to the wonderful fruit grown and the deft touch of the winemaker.

Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, but with four other varietals in the mix, it has a deep garnet colour and oozes dark berry fruit and floral hints on the nose.

The complex palate has layers of blackcurrant and raspberry notes, with hints of oak and spice.

The tannins are beautifully integrated, helping to give the wine a long and satisfying finish.

Enjoy with: Slow cooked pork belly.

Groot Constantia Chardonnay 2021 (ABV 13%)

€29, exclusively at Whelehan's Wines

Grape: Chardonnay

A complex and beautifully layered wine that displays a light lemon hue in the glass.

A serial international award winner, it has citrus and a touch of butterscotch on the nose, leading to a palate that has some intensity and surprising richness.

There is a little minerality here, and fresh acidity.

But the prominent notes are flavours of tropical fruit, vanilla, almonds and a long creamy finish.

Enjoy with: Grilled wild salmon.

Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve Red, 2019 (ABV 14%)

€45, exclusively at Whelehan's Wines

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot

This remarkable estate’s flagship red wine. Rich and complex, it is a warming, deep red in the glass, with notes of ripe blackcurrants and ripe plums, along with hints of dark chocolate, and toasty oak on the nose.

The full-bodied palate has wonderful richness, firm but yielding tannins and rewarding notes of blackberries, dark chocolate, cinnamon and a hint of oak. Lovely long and satisfying finish.

Enjoy with: A Malay meat curry.

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2022 (ABV 13.5%)

€50

Grape: Chardonnay

Surprisingly elegant for such a youngster! A lemon straw colour, with aromas of citrus fruit and pear, along with a nice tropical fruit and floral dusting.

Nice, crisp acidity on the palate with a pleasing dry minerality, and notes of citrus, brioche and vanilla.

Beautiful, satisfying length on the finish.

Enjoy with: Slow roasted organic chicken.

Matthew Nugent

The Irish Sun,

26.04.2024

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