Was 'nosing' around my local wine store a few days ago and came across the Paradyskloof Chardonnay 2007, I had heard some favorable comments about the previous years vintage but had never actually tried it. At only R37.99 a bottle it seemed morally remiss to purchase anything else.
When it comes to wine I'm a fan of the ‘two bottle' approach. One bottle drunk by itself (neat, so to speak) and one bottle drunk with food - sort of gives you a better idea about the wines versatility.
Whether you drink this wine with or without food its aromas on the nose are constant, look out for citrus and pear...they're definitely the big ones. On the palate, or in the mouth - whatever you prefer - there's no escaping that zesty, 'citrussy' freshness...a touch of 'minerally' flavor also adds just a little 'something something' to the wine.
Taking into account that this is more of an everyday wine, there really is a lovely balance between the fruit and the acid; I think that's what makes this wine so approachable, especially with food. Apart from a tangy pleasantness towards the end of the taste, the length or finish of the wine is a little disappointing...but in the greater scheme of things, I don't think that's too important when it comes to this wine.
Coming back to the 'two bottle' approach - this is definitely the kind of wine that needs food, if you were to come home after a long days work and have a glass, just by itself, you might find it a little sharp, just a little though. On the food note, un-wooded Chardonnay's work beautifully with things like pasta and most seafood's, but for my money this wine is at its best with a wood fired pizza.
So all in all what do I think? Well it's actually a rather nice wine, it's tasty, fresh, approachable and inexpensive...oh and it comes in a rather nice bottle too!
The Important Stuff...
Estate: Vriesenhof Vineyards
Winemaker: Jan 'Boland' Coetzee
Label: Paradyskloof Range
Year and Varietal: 2007 Chardonnay
Wood: None
Price: Between R35.00 and R40.00
The Thrifty Wino Rating: 7 corks out of 10.
PS: See 'Wine Tasting 101' for a bit of fun...
