We had a
charming honeymoon couple in the Wine Shop the other day. I discovered the
husband was in the business of manufacturing coffins and selling them to
undertakers. As you can imagine, it was a most interesting conversation, not on
wood tannins, but wood textures, and the small but growing market for
eco-friendly disposable cardboard! They
were from Pretoria and simply loved the West Coast; they just could not get
enough of it!
Interaction like this makes me realise that in
spite of much of the drudgery of wine retail, being in the Darling Wine Shop,
one is constantly coming across interesting and interested people, and that is
a most enriching experience (especially if they are wine buyers too!)
One also realises how special is this place in
which we live; visitors often enthuse about those things that we locals take
for granted. In the last few weeks we
have had two sets of overseas friends visiting. With one couple we had a simple
lunch at Chicory Cheese, the other a more grandiose affair at Reuben’s at
Abalone House in Paternoster, and both were outstanding in all respects –
delicious food, friendly and attentive service, and both, excellent value; one
under the tree in the garden on a sunny Darling day, the other in a beautifully
appointed restaurant overlooking the ocean.
One of the better back labels of a local wine
describes it as one that will “turn a meal into an occasion, a gathering
into an event and a simple pleasure into sheer joy”,
something indeed to reflect upon, and on wine in general. Just as the craft beer market has realised
that there are a whole lot of people out there who, instead of punishing a
six-pack, would rather slowly savour a really well made beer with taste and
flavour, so is it no different with wine, and there are more and more people
who seek out those wines with individuality and character (like attracts
like!). Reality is that they need not cost a whole lot more (see below); these
are just wines that have been made with care, and from grapes produced by wine
farmers who care too.
WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING :
We have been into red blends for years (Rustenberg Dry Red and Meerlust Rubicon being two of the greats of old) but for some reason white blends have been longer to take off, which is a pity as often, it could be said, the total is indeed greater than the sum of the parts.
We have some lovely white blends from this area - DARLING CELLARS’ LIME KILNS being a superb example, and those who buy it always come back for more.
Great news is that CLOOF have now brought out a red/white blend of Chardonnay/Pinot Noir (the classic blend components of many a great Champagne). Cellar door price is R45 and at less than the cost of 2 cups of coffee at the Waterfront, this is an absolute steal... Best of all though is that it is something different!!
And what else is new ??
DARLING CELLARS
Bush Vine Sauvignon Blanc 2014 – just released and just as good. There is something I always respect about an aged and knobbly bush vine – like their human equivalent - they have character!! Also new out is the Premium Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 – a great Darling Cabernet!!
GROOTE POST – “KAPOKBERG” RANGE
The top-tier of the Groote Post wines are all a real treat. Terroir driven, site specific wines, and from a vineyard that has won the “best vineyard block” competition for years on end. The currently released Pinot Noir is one of the best ever and their Platter 4 star Chenin Blanc is also not to be missed!!
WITHINGTON MALBEC 2013
This one is an absolute winner. Rich sumptuous fruit, dark in colour, with a velvety elegance, so much so that your glass seems to empty itself. Selected by Wine of the Month Club, and also by a leading UK wine importer, which means that delivery to any UK address is only a few mouse clicks away.
Yours in wine,
Charles Withington
www.darlingwine.co.za OR www.withington.co.za