top of page

WINE OF THE WEEK: Spier 21 Gables Pinotage 2017, Stellenbosch, South Africa

£24.95–£28.60, Slurp, Rare Vino Wine, Vinvm

This is not only the first time a Pinotage has been my Wine of the Week, it’s the first time I’ve featured Pinotage on this website. I hardly need say that I’ve never been much of a fan of the variety and hardly need add that that’s no excuse for its absence.

Here then, very belatedly, is my first Pinotage – and I really like this wine. There are lighter, more fragrant examples, but this 2017 celebrates Pinotage’s power and generosity, and it’s in a good place age-wise.


It's deep coloured and has abundant, ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit, creamy cappuccino and chocolate notes from oak ageing, a black-pepper savoury edge, velvety fine-grained tannins and a graphite-fresh finish.


The name for the 21 Gables range comes from the 21 distinctive gables dotted around Spier Wine Farm (the first estate I ever visited in the Cape, incidentally) and the Pinotage comes from a vineyard overlooking False Bay – the ocean bringing cooling breezes that preserve acidity and concentration in the fruit.


The grapes were hand picked, cooled and destemmed and 15% (one of the 10 fermentation batches) was naturally fermented in stainless steel. The wine was matured in French, American and Hungarian oak for 20 months, 70% new barrels and the remainder second-fill.


It’s very good with powerful and intense flavours – combinations of sweet, sharp and umami, such as chicken livers sautéed with roast shallot, red pepper, tomato and garlic, spiked with rose harissa and capers. It would go with almost any red meat or dark game, especially barbecued, casseroled or meaty ragùs, and it works with spicy sausages and with chilli con carne if you go easy on the chilli. Vegetarian options include chestnut, mushroom and black garlic casserole, dried porcini and black bean stew, rich cheese and aubergine dishes.

Spier 21 Gables Pinotage 2017, Stellenbosch, South Africa

£24.95, Slurp; £28, Rare Vino Wine; £28.60, Vinvm


6 Comments


nywa
5 days ago

The luxury consulting rooms on Harley Street are incredible. From the beautiful decor to the top-notch amenities, it offers a peaceful and professional setting for my https://harleystreetpremierconsultingrooms.co.uk/ consultations. Clients often comment on the impressive atmosphere. This is the ideal space for any professional looking to make an impact in Canada.

Like

weqic
Nov 13

Dental hygienists play a crucial role in preventive care, providing deep cleanings, oral health education, and early detection of issues. Hygienists are skilled in scaling, root planing, and applying preventive measures sherway trillium dental like sealants. Their expertise supports the dentist’s work and helps patients maintain better oral health.

Like

weqic
Nov 12

Adoption and surrogacy laws require specialized legal services to guide families through complex procedures https://galimidilaw.com/ and regulations, ensuring that all parties’ rights are respected.

Like

Sophia Carpenter
Sophia Carpenter
Nov 02

Hello wine enthusiasts! This week’s standout is the Spier 21 Gables Pinotage 2017 from Stellenbosch, South Africa—a wine that embodies rich flavors of dark berries and subtle spices, making it perfect for cozy evenings or special celebrations. And while you’re planning your indulgences, why not consider treating yourself in other ways? If you've been thinking about enhancing your look, check out Pdcosmetics, where you can order high-quality lip fillers to complete your self-care routine. Cheers to elevating both your wine collection and your beauty game!

Like

tarop
Oct 05

The customization options available for Mercedes-Benz window tinting allow owners to tailor the tint to their specific preferences. Whether you want a bold, dark look or a subtle enhancement, there are numerous options to choose from car wash in homewood ensuring that the tint matches your personal style and the car's design.

Like
bottom of page