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From sought-after single vineyards to intriguing varieties that should be on your radar, this week’s selection is a mix of Italian, French and local favourites. Pio Cesare’s Barbera d’Alba 2021 is a top quality red from one of Piedmont’s best producers, while Querciabella Mongrana Bianco 2021 is a Tuscan gem that marries the best of Vermentino and Viognier. Back home, the Newton Johnson Albariño 2023 is nothing short of ‘outstanding’ (JancisRobinson.com), and FRAM’s 2023 Shiraz is delicious, ‘pure and focused’ (Christian Eedes) – a 94-point bargain at R180. From winemaking pioneer Michel Chapoutier, the Schieferkopf Lieu-Dits are alluring Alsace Rieslings, and we end on a high note with the Wildeberg Strange Kompanjie Palomino 2023 – a thirst-quenching, saline white and the perfect pour for summer.
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Pio Cesare Barbera d'Alba 2021
R 395 PER BOTTLE
With cellars built on the ruins of 2,000 year-old Roman walls, Pio Cesare has consistently been one of Piedmont’s – if not Italy's – greatest names. Barbera is the most planted grape here, and although previously in Nebbiolo’s shadow, it’s seeing a rapid rise in popularity and praise from numerous critics. ‘The top Barberas especially … are finely-crafted, world-class wines,’ says Wine Enthusiast. This beautiful red is light in body yet rich in fruit.
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Querciabella Mongrana Bianco 2021
R 285 per bottle
The Mongrana Bianco 2021 is fresh and medium bodied, with notes of green apple, citrus, hints of honeysuckle and seashell. Querciabella is a ‘a pioneer of sustainable viticulture in Italy’, says Susan Hulme MW. Their vineyards in Maremma, an upcoming region just south of Chianti, are producing outstanding wines. This white blend has minerality and a silky mouthfeel, making it a great pairing for seafood and poultry.
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Newton Johnson Albariño 2023
R 220 per bottle
This Albariño ‘stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of Rías Baixas’, enthuses Tamlyn Currin of JancisRobinson.com, scoring it an epic 17.5/20. Planted in 2011 and 2012, we’ve seen more and more examples popping up from South Africa and this is one of the finest out there. A must in your stable, it will age beautifully over the next decade.
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FRAM Shiraz 2023
R 180 per bottle
This wine showed its true value alongside cacio e pepe and tender steaks, and of course Thinus telling us the most compelling stories. The fruit is from Jakkalsfontein in the Swartland, and the quality coming out of this vineyard really shines here. Stock up by the caseload for the festive season.
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Schieferkopf Single Vineyards 2021
From R 530 per bottle
Winemaking legend Michael Chapoutier produces some of the best expressions of terroir you can find. His three Alsace Rieslings receive a long, slow press and are then fermented with indigenous yeast before spending 10 to 15 months in large, traditional Alsatian casks. The Schieferkopf Lieu-dit Buehl 2021 is the leanest of the three, with strong mineral and floral notes. The Lieu-Dit Berg is ‘broad and alluring’ (Jancis Robinson) while the Lieu-dit Fels is complex and precise, with a long, bone-dry finish.
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Wildeberg Strange Kompanjie Palomino 2023
R 155 per bottle
This is another exciting variety making waves in SA, and we love it when it’s fresh, fruit forward and smashable. From vineyards planted in 1977 in the beautiful Piekenierskloof region, the wine boasts delicate white florals, lemon preserve and a chalky, saline finish. It pairs best with hot summer days and a sea view!
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