IN HUMAN relationships we tend to take an instant liking to some people, while feeling this inexplicable inclination to keep a distant from others.
Though I suppose astrology has little to do with wine enjoyment, I am inclined to quote astrologist Jonathan Cainer about human relationships to a make a point.
"The characteristics that we respond to (when liking or disliking certain individuals) are much more subtle," Cainer says in The Times.
"They have something to do with attitude, disposition and demeanour. We can sense it in seconds and we intuitively feel the way that it resonates with something in our own heart."
And so to do we connect with certain wines.
The instant liking we develop to certain wines is a result of the type of the grape that made it, the style, level of acidity or balance.
Hence there are some wine drinkers who prefer, for instance, wines made according to either Bordeaux or Burgundian (both French winemaking regions) styles.
The renowned Burgundy grapes are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while some of the well-known Bordeaux grapes are Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
So the recent Burgundy Lovers' Festival, which took place in Cape Town and Johannesburg, would naturally have attracted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir die-hards.
Interestingly, many champagnes are made using these two grapes.
This year there are quite interesting Chardonnays to spoil your palate.
Top Chardonnays (five star) from the John Platter Wine Guide (2012) are The De Wetshof The Site 2009 and Jordan CWG Auction Reserve 2010.
This year's winner in the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show is the KWV The Mentors Chardonnay 2011.
Look out for other quality ones which are highly recommended in the John Platter Guide, such as Cape Charmonix Reserve 2010; Hamilton Russell 2010; Vergelegen Reserve 2010; Waterford Reserve 2010; and Haskell Anvil.
From the Old Mutual Trophy Show there is also the Almenkerk Chardonnay 2011; Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Chardonnay 2011; Rustenburg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2010; Eikendal Chardonnay 2011; Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2010; Franshoek Our Town Hall Chardonnay 2011; Brampton Unoaked Chardonnay 2011; and The Glass Collection Chardonnay 2011 - Glenelly.
By comparison, Pinot Noir wines do not come cheap. As winemakers will say, this is because this grape is difficult and expensive to make wine. And, in addition, it is reputed to be the finnickiest of all grapes to handle in the cellar.
The serious (and also priciest) Pinot Noir players are Charmonix Pinot Noir Reserve 2010 (winner of the best Pinot Noir in the Old Mutual Wine Trophy Show); Botanica 2010; Meerlust 2010; Paul Cluver Seven Flags 2009; Oak Valley 2009; Newton Johnson Domaine 2010; Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak 2010; Groote Post Reserve 2009; and Creation Pinot Noir 2011.
Vintage connections
IN HUMAN relationships we tend to take an instant liking to some people, while feeling this inexplicable inclination to keep a distant from others.
Though I suppose astrology has little to do with wine enjoyment, I am inclined to quote astrologist Jonathan Cainer about human relationships to a make a point.
"The characteristics that we respond to (when liking or disliking certain individuals) are much more subtle," Cainer says in The Times.
"They have something to do with attitude, disposition and demeanour. We can sense it in seconds and we intuitively feel the way that it resonates with something in our own heart."
And so to do we connect with certain wines.
The instant liking we develop to certain wines is a result of the type of the grape that made it, the style, level of acidity or balance.
Hence there are some wine drinkers who prefer, for instance, wines made according to either Bordeaux or Burgundian (both French winemaking regions) styles.
The renowned Burgundy grapes are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while some of the well-known Bordeaux grapes are Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
So the recent Burgundy Lovers' Festival, which took place in Cape Town and Johannesburg, would naturally have attracted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir die-hards.
Interestingly, many champagnes are made using these two grapes.
This year there are quite interesting Chardonnays to spoil your palate.
Top Chardonnays (five star) from the John Platter Wine Guide (2012) are The De Wetshof The Site 2009 and Jordan CWG Auction Reserve 2010.
This year's winner in the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show is the KWV The Mentors Chardonnay 2011.
Look out for other quality ones which are highly recommended in the John Platter Guide, such as Cape Charmonix Reserve 2010; Hamilton Russell 2010; Vergelegen Reserve 2010; Waterford Reserve 2010; and Haskell Anvil.
From the Old Mutual Trophy Show there is also the Almenkerk Chardonnay 2011; Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Chardonnay 2011; Rustenburg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2010; Eikendal Chardonnay 2011; Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2010; Franshoek Our Town Hall Chardonnay 2011; Brampton Unoaked Chardonnay 2011; and The Glass Collection Chardonnay 2011 - Glenelly.
By comparison, Pinot Noir wines do not come cheap. As winemakers will say, this is because this grape is difficult and expensive to make wine. And, in addition, it is reputed to be the finnickiest of all grapes to handle in the cellar.
The serious (and also priciest) Pinot Noir players are Charmonix Pinot Noir Reserve 2010 (winner of the best Pinot Noir in the Old Mutual Wine Trophy Show); Botanica 2010; Meerlust 2010; Paul Cluver Seven Flags 2009; Oak Valley 2009; Newton Johnson Domaine 2010; Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak 2010; Groote Post Reserve 2009; and Creation Pinot Noir 2011.
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