Sunday, September 11, 2016

Chakalaka Red Blend - South Africa


One of the things that has always fascinated me about wine and wine creation is the study of the soil and climate that are a part of a region and how that can impact flavor and consistency. I was reminded of this when I read the background of the South African Spice Route Winery on their website

"Digging up soils to understand the geological patchwork which would be the foundation of this viticultural frontier." Makes one want to put on some old dungarees and start digging in the dirt.

The 2013 Chakalaka (I love adding a "BOOM" to the front of this one) is named after South Africa’s traditional spice blend. 

"A sum of many parts selected for their ability to express the soils of the Swartland harmoniously, Chakalaka is a blend of six grape varieties; a reflection of our cultural diversity and our desire to show place before grape."

The Chakalaka went well with Paul Newman pizza and watching James Spader doing his business on The Blacklist. The wine has a bouquet of clove and spice and tastes of plum, pepper, and oak. Medium body, the Chakalaka is well balanced and full of flavor.

The blend is as follows:

50% Syrah | 15% Mourvèdre | 13% Petite Sirah | 8% Carignan | 8% Grenache | 6% Tannat

And James Spader is 100% Kickass.


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