WINE TASTING

IN FRANCE, CHARDONNAY AND PINOT NOIR ARE THE GRAPES TRADITIONALLY USED FOR WHITE AND RED BURGUNDY – BUT SEPARATELY. LOCALLY, DECADES AGO ACHIM VON ARNIM DECIDED TO BOTTLE A BLEND OF CHARDONNAY AND PINOT NOIR – SOMETHING THE FRENCH WOULD NEVER DO UNLESS THEY WERE MAKING A BASE WINE FOR CHAMPAGNE.

Haute Cabriére was a massive hit and became a favourite with ladies who lunch. So much so that other producers copied it. What surprised the tasting team of CHEERS Editor Fiona McDonald, ad sales exec Eloise Meyer and contributors Dr Winnie Bowman and Clifford Roberts, was just how different the wines were. On display were a range of flavours, some more serious than others but all were eminently drinkable – and enjoyable!

Krone Chardonnay Pi- not Noir 2017 Although its packaging s reminiscent of a bubbly, the wine is distinctly still and not fizzy. Pear drop aromas and flavours with leesy richness and medium length. Serve well chilled.

Balance Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2017 The surprise in the lineup. Really appealing fruitiness and strawberry tang. Juicy and fun without being frivolous or overly lightweight.

Boschendal Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2017 If there was a silver medal, this wine would have won it. Just a hint of a blush colour. The wine itself was intense with the most pronounced Chardonnay flavour in the lineup. Structured, elegant and rich with lively citrus fruit flavours. “You could imagine this as a good sparkling wine if it had bubbles,” one taster said.

Spier Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2017 The distinct deep pink colour might put people off – but that’s fine because the wine itself smelled of fruity red berries. Those same berry flavours came through on the palate – light, juicy and refreshingly fun without being silly or simple. Very succulent and light-bodied.

Haute Cabriére Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2016 Less pink than it has been in the past, it showed light lemon zest flavour with a gentle raspberry note from the Pinot Noir. Lovely body and length. A good wine to enjoy with food. Graham Beck Gorgeous Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2017 Soft honeyed edge to tangy and bright red fruit and crunchy green apple flavours. Zippy, light and fresh with good acidity. Avontuur Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2016 Light pink candyfloss colour. Subtle bruised apple note which vied with strawberry flavour and a honeycomb richness. Longridge The Emily Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2016 Rounded, rich, textured and full-bodied this wine was the popular panel favourite. Delightful body and fruit concentration, it punches above its weight as quite a serious wine which would comfortably stand up to a range of different foods.

Panel Choice!

WINE TASTING