Beautifully crisp with distinct lime and vanilla flavours to begin with, it stays on the palate for the longest time. South African Winemaker  Francois Welch added quercus fragmentus, which I discovered are oak bits, during fermentation, and that gives the wine a butter fragrance.

Fat Bastard Chardonnay 2010

The Fat Bastard brand was begun by winemaker Thierry and Guy Anderson in Languedoc-Roussillon with a tiny production but today the Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc wines are enjoyed on both sides of the pond and happily, at the bottom of Africa too. In South Africa the brand custodian is Robertson Winery which produces Fat Bastard Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Shiraz.

I found that it paired perfectly beautifully with itself but it also enhances gently flavoured risottos and pastas; salad starters which are dressed with mayonnaise; fresh oysters and simply cooked freshwater fish. In other words, dishes that can be overwhelmed by too much flavour in the glass.

Available at Pick and Pay, Constantia for R54.99 per bottle.

Also sold on Pick and Pay online shopping site.

My rating is 16/20 in other words a good quality, well made wine.

13.54% Alc0hol

RS 7.1

Ta 5.31

Ph 3.35

Serving temperature 8 – 10 degrees C

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Old Cape Wine Festival 2010

Here is the press release:

The one-day festival will see the largest gathering of wine producers and enthusiasts in the Far South ever. Visitors will be treated to the ultimate tasting experience with the opportunity to sample over 100 of South Africa’s best known wines. Over 20 wine producers – including some of South Africa’s most reputable and award-winning labels – will be there. These include Lazanou, Diemersfontein, Springfield, Teddy Hall, De Wetshof, Badenhorst, Cape Point Vineyards, Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia.

 

Every corner of the Cape Winelands map will be represented, including Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Robertson, Wellington, Constantia and the West Coast. Every cultivar grown in the Western Cape is also expected to be showcased, so there is definitely something for everyone. All of the wines available for tasting will be on sale at special festival prices at the Old Cape Wine Shop, while stocks last.

 

Tickets will be on sale on the day at just R40 per person tasting. This includes a wine glass, unlimited wine tastings and sumptuous food tastings. There will also be live music, scenic surroundings to relax in and entertainment for kids. Visitors are welcome anytime between 10am and 5pm and additional parking will be made available on site. There is also a Free Range Coffee Shop and restaurant for those who would like to include a delicious meal. The Blue Water Café offers fresh free range food, stunning views and a great kids’ entertainment area, so booking is essential (021 783 2007).

Adi Badenhorst

 

Organiser of the Festival and owner of the Old Cape Wine Shop, Rael Abramowitz, said: “We are very excited about the amazing response we have had – both from the wine producers attending and from the many people who are very much looking forward to enjoying the wines, the food, the music and the atmosphere at the Old Cape Wine Festival. It’s great to be able to put on a wine festival of this size in the Far South. We have many local wine enthusiasts who can now enjoy a great day out locally. With Kommetjie only being a 35 minute drive from the City Bowl, we are also looking forward to welcoming our city neighbours who will no doubt relish this leisurely day out in the country.”

Date: Saturday 6th March 2010

Time: 10h00 till 17h00

Where: Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie

 

For more information about the Festival, call 021 783 50 54 or visit www.ocws.co.za. For more information about the many other attractions at Imhoff Farm, visit http://www.imhofffarm.co.za

 

 

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Robertson Slow Festival 2009

The Robertson Slow 2009 will take place from 7th – 10th August, when 28 wineries and guesthouses from Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson will welcome visitors into their homes, to their dining tables and onto their farms for a food and wine experience to be enjoyed…. slowly.

Named by Graham Howe, renowned travel journalist “Best wine route promotion for 2007 and 2008″, guests can look forward to dinner at the homes of wine-making families, cooking traditional Robertson country fare such as Waterblommetjie Bredie, 7-course organic meal, tripe and Karoo venison.

As always, wine will be central to the weekend and there will be ample opportunity to meet with the winemakers to taste and discuss their wines. The weekend will also include some great options where you can learn to make salami, try your hand at making pasta or bake your own vetkoek! Other activities include horse riding, boating and fynbos and Renosterveld walks as well as Nordic hiking.

On Sunday will be a regional food market to wine down the weekend, where local foodies and cooks will bring the finest from their kitchens.

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