Top-notch Grenache! Perfect with fish on a hot summer’s day
IT WAS MADE to enjoy when dining on fish, and served chilled, poured at 12°C or so as per most white wines, although it’s not… The 2021 vintage of red Grenache under the Donkiesbaai label is one of half a dozen or so South African bottlings from the variety very highly rated by panels of experts in 2023 – this one a trophy winner at the Global Fine Wine Challenge contested by five nations in Sydney, Australia. The vines used for the Donkiesbaai range are planted in the Piekenierskloof area outside Citrusdal, over 80km from the Atlantic coastline and the bay after which the wines are named, where brand owner Jean Engelbrecht and his family spent many a beach holiday. However, the grapes are trucked some 160km south to the Guardian Peak cellar in Stellenbosch for the winemaking process to be completed – and where there’s a restaurant with a couple of fish options on the menu.
Here’s how the judges at the Global Challenge described the wine:
Toni Paterson MW: “Taut and lively with red currant flavours and aromas. I love the lemony thread running through the palate.” 95/100.
Huon Hooke: “Savoury, smokey and ark cherry aromas; sweet, ripe, supple and succulent. Good tannin spine. Ageworthy.” 95/100.
Jane Skilton MW: “Pretty floral, raspberry and red cherry aromas. Bright and focussed. Twist of grippy astringency gives interest…” 94/100.
Anthony Mueller: “Clean, correct, balanced, fresh – a technically well-made wine.” 89/100.
DONKIESBAAI GRENACHE NOIR 2021
WO Piekenierskloof. Unirrigated bush vines, sandy soils. Spontaneous fermentation (wild yeast) in open-top tanks – 25% of the grapes whole clusters. Fourteen months’ maturation in 500L French oak barrels.
ALC 14 | RS 1.2 | TA 5.8 | pH 3.4
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Upfront perfume of lavender oil matched by cranberry, pomegrantate and watermelon, backed by spicy tannins which add structure to this light-bodied wine. Dry finish, with a touch of red fruit and spice.
R320pb ex-cellar.
