in a part of South Africa called the Little Karoo the Nel family in the town of Calitzdorp has made a name for itself with their fine wines. They are also renowned for their Portuguese varietals, including their Ports which we are not allowed to call Port, but which have a long history here.
View from Boplaas
The story began when their grandfather was making what was thought to be Pinotage and Shiraz wine from grapes on the farm. However, these turned out to be Tinta Barocca, a much-loved Portuguese varietal. The climate is perfect, very much like the Douro valley in Portugal, and yearly trips to Portugal keep the family in the loop on what is going on.
The Nel family
Winemaker, Margaux Nel, like her father before her, spends time in Portugal every year, and is about as close to a Portuguese winemaker as one is likely to find in South Africa. Her brother, Daniel, takes care of their award-winning whiskies, gins, and brandies. The brandy was served at Nelson Mandela’s presidential inauguration. Here are three of the Portuguese varietal wines I would like to bring to your attention
TINTA BAROCCA
This aromatic medium bodied wine with its combination of ripe plum, mulberries, juicy raspberry jam, bright spice and tell-tale undercurrent of cocoa powder typical of Tinta, all wrapped in soft tannins. The wine is barrel matured in old French oak for 10 months prior to bottling with a light filtration.
Serving suggestions
Makes an ideal aperitif or partner to rustic country fare – grilled red meats, venison dishes, warming casseroles or even a Sunday roast chicken; grilled peri-peri chicken, beef Espetada or casual al fresco dining with fine friends and good cheese.
Vinification: All fruit was hand harvested, crushed and allowed skin contact in press prior to a gentle pressing, cold settling overnight. The wine spent four months on the lees prior to bottling.
ALVARINHO
Tasting notes
This vintage showcases green citrus, nectarine, Pamplemousse and a chalky saline finish which whets the appetite for fresh seafood, alfresco dining or simply sipping chilled as an aperitif watching the sunset.
TOURIGA NACIONAL
Tasting notes
This accessible, medium bodied Touriga Nacional showcases the varietal’s heady aromatics with ripe black plum, kirsch, vibrant five spice, fynbos and notes of coco nib and charcuterie on the palate. The tannins are firm but yielding offering years of enjoyment ahead. The wine is barrel matured in 3rd and 4th fill French oak barrels for 10 months prior to bottling with a light filtration.
Serving suggestions
A perfect partner to hearty country cuisine – venison pie, slow roast lamb or warming casseroles; traditional Portuguese fare; fine mature cheese and charcuterie or simply enjoyed around the fireside with friends and family. In warmer climes this wine can be enjoyed lightly chilled and in good company enjoying another glorious African sunset around the fire.