Under the Influence of Flavour in Pietermaritzburg

We had the pleasure of hosting an event for Investec in Pietermaritzburg and conducted an Under the Influence of Flavour wine experience. This was a journey of flavour, from unwooded white wines, to wooded white wines, light red wines, medium bodied red wines and finally a big and beastly red. Through this we broke down wine into a simple understanding of flavour and continually asked the question, “but, what does it do for flavour?”. Wines tasted included:

• Iona Sauvignon Blanc – beautiful cooler climate wine from Elgin
• Raats Original Chenin Blanc – visit the Estate here – unwooded Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch
• Lammershoek Roulette Blanc – rich, yet elegant white blend – visit the Estate here or purchase a case on special here
• Paul Cluver Pinot Noir – one of South Africa’s leading Pinot Noir’s
• Southern Right Pinotage – co-owned by Anthony Hamilton Russell, see a video interview with him here
• Lammershoek Roulette – a superb red blend including Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, Carginan and Viognier. This an example of what South Africa can do with a Rhone blend. Stunning! – visit the Estate here or purchase a case on special here

Under the Influence is all about exploring these kinds of wines in tastings but ensuring that the subject doesn’t get too serious or involved. Thanks to all that came, hope to be back soon!