A FOCUS ON… MELLASAT VINEYARDS, SOUTH AFRICA

04/03/2021
Keen wine drinkers will probably be aware that South African wine producers have suffered particularly badly over the past year, as a result of various total alcohol bans imposed by the SA government, including exports. Our sympathies are with them, and it seemed like a good moment to draw attention to Mellasat, one of my favourite South African vineyards - and hopefully, soon to be one of yours too.

Mellasat are a personal favourite for a couple of reasons, primarily that their wines are both really well-made and excellent value; but also because they were the first wines I imported from outside Europe (starting around 25 years ago - and it’s a relationship still going strong!)

The owner and winemaker Stephen Richardson (originally hailing from the less exotic climes of Norfolk) has been making wine with his family at Mellasat since 1996. The vineyard is located near Paarl, not too far away from Cape Town; and should you ever be lucky enough to visit, they have a beautiful tasting centre which provides a wonderful vantage point of the Paarl valley and the Klein Drakenstein mountains.

Their main claim to fame is that they are the home of the white pinotage. This is a white wine made from South Africa's unique red Pinotage grape. Stephen and the team utilise a whole bunch pressing method, which stops the grape juice from taking the typical red colour from the skins. The wine is then fermented in barrels for eleven months and the result is a very individual wine with a slightly creamy, nutty character balanced by tropical pineapple and banana flavours. It's a real conversation starter, and definitely one for experimental drinkers to try.

I'd love to encourage you to show your support for SA wines while they're going through this tough time, and luckily enough, the best way to do so is simply to drink more South African wine - don't mind if I do.

We've got good stocks of all of the below Mellasat wines... and as a nudge in the right direction we will be applying a 10% discount on (the already very good value!) Mellasat range for the month of March 2021.

Just head to the website and search for Mellasat or filter by country or producer to avail. And as always, do let us know what you think.

Seraphic 2017
Unwooded blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier
Floral hints of peach and apricot blossom on the nose from the aromatic characteristics of Viognier give way to apple crispness on the initial palate, following through to the full ripeness of Canteloup melon.

Revelation 2018
A blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium bodied with ripe, juicy black fruit all nicely seasoned with pepper and spice.

White Pinotage 2018
The aforementioned white Pinotage - give it a go!
The paradox of this wine is that the eye belies the other senses! Making white wine from red grapes using South Africa’s unique Pinotage grape. Whole bunch pressing prevented the juice from obtaining colour from the skins. Barrel fermented and matured for eleven months with lees stirring gives this wine a slightly creamy, nutty character to balance the tropical pineapple fruit and banana flavours.

Tempranillo 2017
Part of my "Premium Exclusive" Collection due to very limited quantities
Tempranillo is a little known variety to South African vineyards but one that is fast enjoying an enhanced reputation in the Paarl region. Savoury in character, this wine was matured in new American oak (Toneleria Nacional Odyse-300 li barrels) 40 % first fill and 50 % older French oak (300li) barrels for 22 months, with the nose giving a cigar box aroma leading to marinated cherry and autumn blackberry on the palate.It is expected this wine will continue to develop for several years to come.

Viognier 2017
100% Viognier grapes, picked at optimum ripeness.
This wine has prominent floral notes of orange blossom on the nose that leads through to peach and apricot flavours on the palate.

Chardonnay 2014
A classic Chardonnay
A classic barrel-fermented Chardonnay made from this noble variety. Further maturation in French oak barrels for eleven months together with batonnage (lees stirring) gives this wine a suppleness on the palate balanced with citrus zest and almondine brioche. This wine can be enjoyed now or aged further if required.

M Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Only 2360 bottles produced!
The wine was matured in French oak for 30 months and bottle matured for 30 months. A full-bodied red wine with good structure that will develop for several years. Cassis and dark fruits on the nose that follow to the palate.

Lekker!

More on Mellasat on their website here: http://www.mellasat.com/

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