VIN IK LEUK: WINE
No idea which wine to choose from the wine list? VIN IK LEUK has the (liquid) solution. Here's a list of a few of my favorite South African wines. Just choose one of these and you are always right.
The list is by color and grape, but otherwise completely random. I am working on it constantly. For you. You are welcome!
​
You can also order the VIN IK LEUK MAGAZINE and the special VIN IK LEUK edition of the Platter's Wine Guide here
GRAHAM BECK,
MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE
This Méthode Cape Classicique was served at Mandela's inauguration dinner, and Barack Obama toasted with it when he won the election. A world-famous bubbly.
By the way, did you know you can't say "bubbles" angry? Try it.
MCCs are extremely reasonably priced in South Africa, so there's nothing stopping you from celebrating the day with a bubbly.
Other favourites include the bubbles from Simonsig, L'Ormarins and Silverthorn.
LISMORE, BARREL FERMENTED,
SAUVIGNON BLANC
One of South Africa's best winemakers, Samantha O'Keefe, personally discovered that making wine in the Cape is not for the faint of heart. In 2019, a bushfire destroyed her entire estate.
Lismore estate goes up in flames.
From her house and vineyards to her full wine cellar, everything was destroyed. She had to start all over again, but rose like a phoenix from the flames. Talk about perseverance.
This Sauvignon Blanc is my absolute favorite. It will take a way all your preconceptions about this grape.
SPRINGFIELD ESTATE,
LIFE FROM STONE,
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Choose this wine and you will have guaranteed success. Think it is one of South Africa's most famous and favorite Sauvignon Blanc. You'll understand after the first sip.
Life from Stone refers to the the rocky soil on which the vines grow. You don't have to be a connoisseur to taste that; you'll definitely taste the minerality, alongside the freshness and fruitiness.
The winery is located in Robertson, about a two-hour drive from Cape Town. Someone once called this wine "mother's milk," but I'll leave it at that for now.
Thorne and Daughters
If you see Thorne and Daughters on the wine list, you order it, says a big fan firm.
John and Tasha Seccombe's handcrafted wines are subtle, always elegant, and tell a unique story about the Cape. They are blended with grapes from different vineyards and the locations are selected with care and expertise.
Because the winemakers are raising two daughters in addition to their wines, and because Thorne is John his middle name, the name Thorne and Daughters. The wines themselves also have unique names. This blend refers to the rocking horse they made from wine barrels for their daughters.
I can also highly recommend their Copper Pot and Menagerie range.
ALHEIT VINEYARDS,
CARTOLOGY, CHENIN BLANC
The name Cartology, or the study of maps, refers to winemakers Chris and Suzaan Alheit's search for special old vines. But it also indicates that this "blended" wine from various vineyards offers a glimpse into what the Cape has to offer.
This is a blend of the well-known South African Chenin Blanc grape and a touch of Semilion (8%). They come from vines that are about 40 to 50 years old and are spread across the Cape.
The winemaking has been kept as natural and simple as possible, with minimal additives. All with the aim of preserving the Cape identity and letting it shine through in the wine.
It is a wonderfully soft yet fresh wine with aromas of pear, honey, and some even call it “croissant.” Like! Like!
MULLINEUX,
CHENIN BLANC | SYRAH
When ever the label reads "Mullineux" the wine is excellent. Winemakers Andrea and Chris Mullineux have elevated winemaking to an higher art. They do this by focusing on Chenin Blanc and Shiraz in the Swartland region, combined with the various soil types—granite, slate, and iron.
The different types of “terroir” make the difference. This because vines and grapes grow differently on each soil type. You can taste that.
So, if you want to experience the Swartland in a wine and drink one of South Africa's finest wines, choose Mullineux Granite, Schist, or Iron, made from both Chenin Blanc or Syrah grapes.
LA MOTTE, CHARDONNAY
Do you like Chardonnay? Then this is a typical one, a creamy one, but not one that knocks you down after a glass.
Everything is in balance. You smell a hint of apple pie, taste a hint of vanilla with a fresh finish. It almost feels like a whole meal.
According to experts, this wine pairs perfectly with caviar, lobster, and creamy cheeses. I'm instantly in the mood for it.
MARRAS PIEKENIERSKLOOF,
THE TRICKSTER, CINSAULT
.Er heerst een “devil may care attitude” in de Piekenierskloof. In dit gebied, zo’n twee uur ten noorden van Kaapstad, worden standaarden omzeild en regels verbroken. Moet wel wanneer je met je druivenstruiken 900 meter boven zeeniveau zit en je druiven tussen het gruis moeten vechten voor elke druppel water.
The Trickster range is een prachtig resultaat van al dat overtreden. Een licht rode wijn, met smaken van framboos, kers en granaatappel, die je lekker gekoeld drinkt.
Ideaal voor in de zomer. Nog idealer is dat deze wijn het beste past bij pizza, pasta en burgers. Bring it on!
RAINBOW'S END,
MYSTICAL CORNER
High up in Banhoek, they not only have the most beautiful view, but also wines of a high standard.
Their Shiraz may have four stars, their Merlot may be the Merlot of the year, but I think the Mystical Corner is perhaps the best. It's a very affordable blend of Bordeaux grapes. Fruity and somewhat sparkling, just like me.
CLOOF, THE VERY SEXY SHIRAZ
Not only because of the catchy name.
This wine comes from Darling, there were the vineyards are known as "Shiraz Heaven." They have very big grapes over there.
With this attractive, challenging and seductive wine as result. Soft, fruity, and a bit spicy. Give me more, darling.
KLEIN CONSTANTIA,
VIN DE CONSTANCE
From Marie Antoinette to George Washington, from Jane Austin to Napoleon, they all loved Vin de Constance. Unfortunately Napoleon only received a single bottle a day while exiled to St. Helena.
Nowadays Klein Constantia makes the wine from the same Muscat de Frontignan grape as before. The process is different, but the small black bottle are still the same. They appear all over the world, even in the Design Museum in London.
Over here this bottle appears primarily during desserts. I call it liquid gold, with a sweet flavor.
This is just a small selection. If you'd like more information or have any questions, please contact me directly.